History and Philosophy & Ethics BA (Hons) (with Foundation Year)

HISTORY

Studying History helps you see how people and societies lived in the past. These experiences shape our present and future. Our History degree lets you explore many periods, from the Early Modern era to today. You’ll cover key themes like nationalism, imperialism, colonisation, decolonisation, gender, and identity. The course encourages you to engage with and challenge interpretations, as history is always changing.

Liverpool’s rich cultural connections make it a great place to study history. Your study visits include local historic sites like Childwall from the Domesday Book. You’ll also explore attractions such as the Museum of Liverpool, the International Slavery Museum, and the World Museum. You’ll also visit sites like the Elizabethan Hardwick Hall.

Our History course is taught in a supportive environment alongside Politics and International Relations. You'll learn from recognized scholars who are active researchers and published authors. You’ll engage with a variety of historical evidence, including rare books from our Special Collections.

The courseoffers an optional placement year. This lets you apply your research and communication skills in a real-world setting. Close ties with National Museums Liverpool provide chances for final-year dissertations linked to museum projects, giving you valuable hands-on experience. Whatever topic you choose for your dissertation, it will show the practical and analytical skills gained in your History degree, which employers highly value.

PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS

The Philosophy and Ethics course at Hope explores life’s biggest questions and the nature of morality: on what basis do we judge things as good or evil? It challenges you to examine your assumptions, opinions, and worldview. Key questions include: Do we need to believe in God for life to have meaning? What does it mean to be human? Do we have free will, or is life determined?

This philosophy and ethics course uses primary texts by philosophers like Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. You will learn to analyse and evaluate arguments. Also, you'll enhance your ability to express your ideas clearly. You will learn the basics of philosophy. As you advance, you'll study topics like religion, political philosophy, and applied ethics. You'll also explore modern issues like human personhood, artificial intelligence, ecology, and animal rights.

Studying in Liverpool provides a rich cultural context for exploring the human condition through art, performance, and social life. The course at Liverpool Hope is contemporary and timely, particularly in applied ethics and the study of religion in the modern world.

This philosophy and ethics course gives you the skills to tackle ethical and ideological challenges today. You'll prepare for many jobs that need critical thinking and the ability to handle complex, conflicting ideas.