Humanities and Critical Studies

Humanities and Critical Studies draws on philosophy, history, and critical political studies to investigate major issues in the contemporary world. The degree critically analyses the political and cultural conditions in which modern individuals act. You study: the histories that contributed to these conditions, the philosophers and political movements that questioned them and the challenges to dominant powers in the last century.

Areas of study

In year 1 you are taught essential political, historical, cultural and philosophical skills through lectures and in small seminar groups.

In year 2 Critical Traditions deepens your knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical origins of the present. You will question the history and politics of the West, challenge dominant ideas, and examine the enlightenment, feminism, postmodernism and Marxism.

In the final year you undertake a special study which develops your option work. You also complete your own research project. The project is a key part of your degree. Here all your skills, knowledge, and research come together. You develop your own critical response to your chosen topic, challenge received opinions, and write an extended, persuasive argument.

Career and progression opportunities

You will develop intellectual skills that you can transfer to employment or further study. Graduates have taken up careers in the public sector, teaching, the caring professions, journalism, management and personnel, as well as vocational training, postgraduate study and research.

Method of Attendance : Full - time