BA History and Philosophy at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This joint honours BA combines the study of History with Philosophy, covering ethics, metaphysics, theory of knowledge, political philosophy and key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Mill and Marx alongside history from the Roman empire to the modern revolutions. It builds self-motivated and independent learning skills. Exchanges with universities in Europe and North America are available.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Exploring History 1 and 2; options include Philosophy and Human Nature, Philosophy and The Good Life, Introductory Logic, Perspectives on Politics, Revolutions and The Long Road to Black Lives Matter.

Career pathways

Graduates enter the Civil Service, local government, the media, policy analysis, the voluntary sector, teaching, journalism, business, marketing and advertising; destinations include the BBC, the Diplomatic Service and the NHS.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer ABB at A-level (a maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted, with a Distinction* equated to A and a Distinction to B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3. Access Course: average of 70%. International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. BTEC Extended Diploma: overall D*DD. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree. There are no specific Level 3 subject requirements to study History and Philosophy. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent; applicants offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 must have or be able to achieve at least 5 GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better including English Language. Offers are normally made on three A-levels; HNC applicants need 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits. Applicants are not normally interviewed. Selection is on the UCAS form. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component or an equivalent qualification; the International Study Centre offers foundation and pre-sessional English routes.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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