Skip navigation
Politics, Philosophy and History at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

1Nov
Birkbeck, University of London - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Our BA Politics, Philosophy and History (PPH) gives you the opportunity to gain a strong foundation in the study of political systems, philosophical thought and historical knowledge. It offers you an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to understanding the historical and contemporary world. Why choose this course?

  • It is taught by leading academics from all three subject areas.
  • Depending on your interests or career aspirations, you can choose from a wide range of option modules across the three subjects exploring cutting-edge issues such as artificial intelligence, environmental protection and global conflict, while placing these in a historical perspective.
  • You will have the chance to join student societies which organise additional talks, study groups and social events throughout the year.
What you will learn Throughout this course you will gain valuable interdisciplinary knowledge in all three subjects, to help provide you with a competitive advantage in a wide range of careers. In the first year, you will take core modules in all three disciplines to gain a strong foundation in each, along with an option module of your choice. Following that you will tailor your studies to your own interests choosing from a range of options in politics, philosophy and history. How you will learn This BA is taught via lectures and seminars held in the evenings, allowing you the flexibility to study and work during the day. You will also have the opportunity to join study groups, workshops, and to attend academic and social events around Bloomsbury. Supplementary sessions will be offered on campus and online throughout the year to help you hone your study and academic writing skills. Highlights
  • Birkbeck has built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of its teaching and the international significance of its research in politics.
  • We are also a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this BA Politics, Philosophy and History you will have gained expertise in your chosen subject areas, such as AI, ethics or environment, and be equipped with an array of important transferable skills, including in:
  • political analysis
  • writing for a wide range of audiences
  • delivering presentations
  • archival, qualitative and quantitative research.
Graduates can pursue career paths in local and national government, think tanks, policy work, research, museums and cultural organisations, or journalism. Possible professions include:
  • diplomatic service operational officer
  • civil service fast-streamer
  • charity officer
  • newspaper journalist.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Written examinations in the summer term of the year in which modules are taken, or a mixture of essay and examination-based assessment.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Students who have completed Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Politics and International Studies may be given entry to the second year of the degree.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

International £13875 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

The 2025-26 home fee was £7,145. This fee may be subject to an inflationary increase in 2026-27, depending upon UK government announcements on the tuition fee loan cap. Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Politics, Philosophy and History at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS