MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) History and Philosophy
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program at the University of Sussex offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, blending the critical analysis of historical events with the philosophical inquiry into human thought and ethics. This program equips students with the ability to examine the past and explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and society. By combining historical study with philosophical reasoning, students are prepared for careers in a wide range of fields, including education, public policy, research, and media. The program fosters intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to question, debate, and engage with the world’s most pressing ideas and events, both past and present.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines. In the first year, students engage with core modules in history and philosophy, gaining foundational knowledge in historical periods, events, and themes, as well as key areas of philosophy such as ethics, logic, metaphysics, and epistemology. As students progress, they can specialize in areas of personal interest, such as modern European history, ancient philosophy, political philosophy, or the history of ideas. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills, with students required to complete essays, presentations, and independent research projects. In their final year, students have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research through a dissertation, where they can explore a specific topic that intersects both history and philosophy.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex has a strong research-oriented teaching approach, and this is reflected in the BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program. The faculty members are active researchers, contributing to important academic developments in areas such as political philosophy, the philosophy of history, the history of ideas, ethics, and the philosophy of science. Research at Sussex focuses on diverse topics, from ancient philosophical thought to contemporary global issues, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge debates and perspectives. Students are encouraged to undertake their own research, supported by experienced faculty, to develop a deep, analytical understanding of historical events and philosophical questions. The program’s research-led teaching fosters intellectual rigor, equipping students with the tools to critically assess historical sources and philosophical arguments.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an important part of the BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program at Sussex. While philosophy and history are traditionally academic disciplines, the skills gained from studying them are highly transferable to various industries. The university has strong links with a wide range of organizations in sectors such as education, publishing, politics, media, and the arts. Students have the opportunity to take part in internships, work placements, and projects that apply their historical and philosophical knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, guest speakers, workshops, and networking events offer students insights into potential career paths and the practical applications of their studies. These industry connections help students build a professional network and gain practical experience, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program at Sussex is designed with a global outlook, ensuring that students gain an understanding of historical and philosophical issues from a broad, international perspective. The curriculum includes the study of global historical events, cross-cultural philosophy, and global ethics, preparing students to engage with contemporary international issues. The diverse student body at Sussex fosters a multicultural learning environment, where students from various backgrounds can share ideas and perspectives on philosophical and historical questions. The program also offers opportunities for study abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultural and academic contexts. This global perspective enhances students' ability to think critically about global challenges and prepares them for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, and global research.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program at the University of Sussex provides graduates with an excellent foundation for a wide range of career opportunities. By combining the analytical skills developed through philosophy with the historical knowledge gained throughout the program, students are prepared for roles in both traditional academic sectors and dynamic industries. The program fosters critical thinking, research abilities, and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers across a variety of sectors.
Education and Teaching: One of the most popular career paths for graduates is teaching. With their deep knowledge of history and philosophy, graduates can pursue roles in primary, secondary, or higher education. For those interested in teaching at secondary schools or colleges, additional teaching qualifications may be required, but the program provides a solid foundation for a career in education. Graduates can also consider roles in academic research or as university lecturers in history, philosophy, or interdisciplinary studies.
Researcher or Academic: Graduates of the BA (Hons) History and Philosophy program can pursue academic research or work as independent researchers in both the public and private sectors. Many graduates continue their studies through postgraduate programs (Master’s or Ph.D.) in history, philosophy, political science, or related disciplines. These qualifications enable them to engage in advanced research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to academic debates in their chosen field. Working in academic institutions or think tanks, researchers can explore historical events or philosophical theories in greater depth, influencing both academic and practical understanding of complex issues.
Policy Analyst/Advisor: The critical thinking and analytical skills honed in this program make graduates well-suited to careers as policy analysts or advisors. These roles involve researching and analyzing social, political, and ethical issues, and then providing recommendations to government agencies, NGOs, or private organizations. Graduates can specialize in areas such as public policy, political philosophy, ethics, or international relations, providing valuable insights into how historical and philosophical perspectives can shape policy decisions and social programs.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Graduates with a passion for communication may pursue careers in public relations, particularly in organizations that deal with historical, cultural, or philosophical matters. Public relations specialists manage the reputation of organizations, formulate strategies for public engagement, and communicate key messages to various stakeholders. With their ability to understand complex ideas and present them clearly, graduates are well-positioned to work in sectors such as media, arts, politics, and heritage, helping to manage and promote brands, events, and campaigns.
Journalism and Media: For graduates with an interest in writing and communication, a career in journalism or media may be a natural fit. History and Philosophy graduates are skilled at researching, analyzing, and presenting complex information, making them ideal candidates for roles as journalists, editors, or content writers. They can write for newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or work as correspondents covering historical or philosophical topics. These skills also translate to roles in broadcast media, where graduates may work in research, production, or analysis for TV or radio networks.
Museum Curator or Heritage Manager: Graduates who are passionate about history and cultural preservation can pursue careers as museum curators or heritage managers. In these roles, they manage historical collections, design exhibits, and interpret historical events for the public. This path often involves working in museums, galleries, or heritage sites, where professionals engage in curating, education, and preservation efforts. Graduates may also work in archives, cultural organizations, or historical societies, contributing to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.
Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations: Graduates with a strong interest in social justice and global ethics may choose to work in the nonprofit sector. Organizations focused on human rights, development, environmental sustainability, or international relations value the analytical and ethical reasoning skills of History and Philosophy graduates. Whether in advocacy, policy development, or direct humanitarian work, graduates can contribute to meaningful change in both local and global contexts. Positions in fundraising, program management, or research are common in the nonprofit world.
Government and Civil Service: A background in history and philosophy is highly relevant for roles in government, where graduates can work in departments related to education, foreign affairs, social policy, or cultural heritage. Roles in civil service involve public administration, policymaking, and advising governments on social and ethical issues. Graduates can also pursue roles in international organizations, contributing to global governance, diplomacy, and peacebuilding efforts.
Marketing and Communications: The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and argumentation can be applied to marketing and communications roles. Graduates may work in content creation, brand strategy, or corporate communications, where they can apply their ability to understand complex ideas and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences. Whether in digital marketing, social media, or corporate communications, the skills gained through the program can be invaluable in crafting compelling campaigns and messages.
International Relations and Diplomacy: Given the program’s focus on global history and philosophical perspectives on ethics and governance, graduates may pursue careers in international relations or diplomacy. In this field, graduates may work as diplomats, international development specialists, or in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations. They can also work on global ethical issues such as conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or human rights, applying their historical and philosophical knowledge to current global challenges.
Business and Management: Although not a traditional career path for History and Philosophy graduates, many go on to work in business and management roles. Their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are highly valued in the business world. Graduates may work in areas such as project management, operations, or human resources, where they can apply their organizational and analytical skills to business challenges. Additionally, many graduates pursue further study in business or management to enhance their career prospects in these fields.
Ethics Consultant: For those with a keen interest in philosophy, particularly ethics, a career as an ethics consultant is another possibility. Ethics consultants advise organizations on moral and ethical issues that arise in business, technology, healthcare, or law. They can work with companies, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to ensure that their practices are aligned with ethical standards, societal expectations, and legal regulations.
