Philosophy with Economics BA

Philosophy with English BA

Philosophy with History BA

Philosophy with Politics & International Relations BA

Philosophy with Politics & Economics BA

Philosophy with Politics & History BA

Philosophy

Liberal arts-inspired undergraduate programmes in London

Dr David MitchellBA, MA, DPhil (Oxon) MSc (LSE)Senior Lecturer in Philosophy

Where your quick mind

the challenge you deserve

Book your place on an Open Day atwww.NCHum.org/openday

Frank Costello Philosophy BA with History

New College of the Humanities is a meeting place for quick minds, where dedicated students who are passionate about learning are taught by inspiring academics who are enthusiastic about teaching.

At NCH you will be part of an enriching learning community. Small lecture groups and weekly one-to-one tutorials make for a challenging academic experience within a supportive environment.

You will come face-to-face with world-class academics including Simon Blackburn, Richard Dawkins, Daniel C Dennett, Rebecca Goldstein, A C Grayling, Nicholas Humphrey, Stephen Neale, Christopher Peacocke, Steven Pinker, and Peter Singer, all of whom both teach and contribute to the creation and development of the curriculum at the College.

The challenge you deserve

Our unique curriculum

PH

ILO

SOP

HY

ENGLISH

INTERNATIONAL

POLITICS &RELATIONS

LAW

ENGLISH

ECONOMICS

HIS

TO

RY

INT

ERN

ATIO

NA

L RELAT

ION

S P

OL

ITIC

S &

HISTORY

PHILOSOPHY

LAW

SINGLE HONOURS DEGREE

OURUNIQUECURRICULUM

EC

ON

OM

ICS

Step oneChoose your major

subject (270 credits)Step twoChoose your minor subject (90 credits)

Step threeStudy six liberal arts diploma courses

Step fourComplete the Professional

Programme

At NCH, your combined honours degree will comprise a ‘major’ subject and a complementary ‘minor’ subject alongside it. You will combine your Philosophy major with a minor in your choice of English, Economics, History, or Politics & International Relations. We also offer Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) and Philosophy, Politics & History (PPH) options, and a single honours Law LLB.

You will combine your degree studies with the College’s broad liberal arts diploma designed to give you the insights you will need for a fulfilling life. This is a rich mix of Applied Ethics, Logic & Critical Thinking, and Science Literacy. Finally, our Professional Programme will teach you the core skills and behaviours which will give you a head start in the graduate recruitment market.

This curriculum provides a unique learning experience and immense opportunities for individual growth.

Programme structureYou will study three courses in Philosophy and one course in your chosen minor in each year for your combined honours degree. You will also study the College’s eight Core Courses, including our professional development programme, for your New College of the Humanities Diploma.

In your first year■ Ethics (30 credits)■ Modern Philosophy (30 credits)■ Logic: Formal & Philosophical (30 credits)■ Course 1 in your minor■ Critical Reasoning■ Critical Thinking■ Professional Programme: Introductory Capabilities

In your second year■ Epistemology & Philosophy of Science (30 credits)■ Ancient Philosophy (30 credits)■ Metaphysics (30 credits)■ Course 2 in your minor■ Cosmology, Evolution & Neurobiology■ The History of Science■ Professional Programme: Applied Capabilities

In your third year Your choice from a range of courses including:

■ Advanced Ethics (30 credits)■ Kant to Nietzsche (30 credits)■ Philosophy of Mind & Language (30 credits)Plus:■ Philosophy Dissertation (30 credits) ■ Course 3 in your minor■ The Good Life, Human Rights & Individual

Responsibility■ Ethics in Public & Professional Life

■ Professional Programme: Applied Capabilities

Your syllabus

What is the Philosophy programme about?In the first year, you investigate questions of ethics and political philosophy through the works of Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and Mill; questions about mind and world and the limits of human knowledge through the works of Descartes and the Empiricists; and you take a course in logic starting with rules of good reasoning and truth-preserving patterns of argument. In later years, you engage with ancient philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of science, and choose from a range of options: advanced ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of mind and language, political philosophy, and a course on Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. You also write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

What courses will I study for my minor?For the Philosophy with Economics BA (Hons):

1: Introduction to Economics (30 credits)

2: International Development (30 credits)

3: Political Economy (30 credits)

For the Philosophy with English BA (Hons):

1: Criticism (30 credits)

2: Literary Kinds (30 credits)

3: Comparative Literature (30 credits)

For the Philosophy with History BA (Hons):

1: Britain & the Wider World (30 credits)

2: History, Heritage & Memory (30 credits)

3: Power & Politics (30 credits)

For the Philosophy with Politics & International Relations BA (Hons):

1: Modern Political Thought (30 credits)

2: Old Powers, New Powers: Imperialism, Colonialism & the Modern State (30 credits)

3: International Organisations: Global & Local (30 credits)

For the Philosophy, Politics & Economics BA and the Philosophy, Politics & History BA programmes you will study a combination of courses which you can find in our brochure which focuses on the PPE and PPH programmes. You can request this online, or ask one of our Admissions Advisers.

Depending upon faculty availability, programmes and courses may be subject to change. All programme structures are subject to confirmation in the Programme Specifications to be published by New College of the Humanities.

Book your place on an Open Day atwww.NCHum.org/openday

Dr Brian Ball

“The tutorial teaching offered at New College of the Humanities provides an opportunity for students to make their best effort to address an issue in their chosen field of study, and then get detailed and individual feedback on that effort from an expert in the area, typically in the form of suggestions for further improvement. Students are accordingly

stretched beyond what they would achieve solely on the basis of their own independent study, or by attending lectures.

“The result is a kind of intellectual apprenticeship, which might not be achieved elsewhere until graduate studies, if at all; and it leaves students with an exceptionally high level of knowledge and skill.”

Dr Brian BallBA (McGill), BPhil, DPhil (Oxon)Lecturer in Philosophy Joshua Casson

Economics BSc with Philosophy & Politics (PPE)

Te Manu BoyntonPolitics & International Relations BSc with Economics & Philosophy (PPE)

How we teach Book your place on an Open Day atwww.NCHum.org/openday

Faculty■ Dr Naomi Goulder BA, MA,PhD

■ Dr Brian Ball BA, BPhil, DPhil

■ Professor A C Grayling MA, DPhil, FRSL, FRSA

■ Dr David Mitchell BA, MA, DPhil, MSc

■ Dr Christoph Schuringa BA, PhD

■ Dr Iaonnis Votsis BA, PhD

Visiting Faculty■ Professor Simon Blackburn BA, MA, PhD

■ Professor Daniel C Dennett BA, DPhil

■ Professor Ken Gemes BA, PhD

■ Professor Rebecca Goldstein BA, PhD

■ Professor Nicholas Humphrey BA, MA, PhD

■ Professor Simon May BA, MA, PhD

■ Professor Stephen Neale BA, PhD

■ Professor Christopher Peacocke BA, BPhil, DPhil

■ Professor Peter Singer BA, MA, BPhil

Entry requirementsNCH admissions tutors don’t just look at exam grades. Instead they look primarily at the individual. Written work samples and references are critical for assessing your potential to flourish in our rigorous academic environment. We also place importance on meeting candidates in person at open days and interviews.

Many of our successful candidates achieve AAA A-level grades, 36 points in the IB Diploma, or an equivalent. However, we have accepted candidates with AAB and ABB A-level grades on the basis that we believe in their potential, which might not have been reflected in their one-off performance in an exam.

How many students will be in my degree classes?One-to-one tutorials: 1

Small group tutorials: 2 – 4

Lectures: 20 – 60

How will I be taught?Lectures start from central texts and problems, and provide an overview of topics that will be discussed in more detail in other parts of the programme. They are designed to enable independent reading and research and to encourage lively, structured, discussion in one-to-one tutorials and groups.

In one-to-one tutorials, you will receive detailed feedback on your weekly essays. Tutorials also provide an opportunity for ideas and arguments to be approached from new angles, and to consolidate and review what has gone before.

NCH students experience over 13.5 hours per week of timetabled contact time with academics. According to the HEPI 2014 Student Academic Experience Survey, students of humanities and social sciences at Russell Group universities experience on average 9.85 contact hours per week.

Weekly contact hours

6 hours of interactive degree lectures

1 one hour one-to-one tutorial

1 one hour small group tutorial

1.5 hours of seminars for the Professional Programme

2 hours of lectures in the Core Courses

2 hours of Professorial lectures

= 13.5 contact hours per week on average

Independent studyYou will also undertake independent study and research individually and in groups.

In your third-year dissertation you will engage in a sustained piece of independent research under the guidance of a supervisor.

Loving student life

Here at New College of the Humanities we believe that an active social life is an important part of your higher education. So whether you want to make new friends, try new sports, explore London, or learn a new skill, our social events will help you get the most out of your time with us – there really is something for everyone.

Make sure you get to us in time for Freshers’ Week as this will be your first introduction to everything on offer.

NCH Students’ UnionThe NCH Students’ Union (NCHSU) is a buzzing and vibrant student-led organisation at the heart of the NCH student experience. The NCHSU exists to promote the opinions of all students, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. It also plans social and extra-curricular activities and provides support to student clubs and societies.

Student Central NCH students can also become members of Student Central, the hub for student activities and parties for the whole of the University of London, meaning you become part of a network of over 100,000 students in London.

Sports ClubsWhether you are a participant or a supporter, there are plenty of opportunities to get passionate about sport at New College of the Humanities. Our most popular clubs include badminton, basketball, cricket, football, rugby, real tennis, skiing and tennis, and the annual football tournament in which each faculty fields a team is a highlight of the fixtures calendar.

SocietiesHere at New College of the Humanities, societies provide you with opportunities to write, create, perform, debate, appreciate and celebrate a wide variety of interests. Among our most active societies are: Bedfellows: the NCH drama society, Writing Society, Anchor: a student news and opinion newspaper, The Parturient: an NCH student creative writing publication, Debating Society, Art Society, Music Society, SOBER (Society of Beer Enthusiasts and Rascals) and the NCH Law Society.

Your brilliant career starts here

George LinfieldEnglish BA with History

Ms Swatee Jasoria BSc, MA (Sheffield), Juris Doctor (Rutgers)Director of Professional Development

“You go into the humanities to pursue your intellectual passion; and it just so happens, as a by-product, that you emerge as a desired commodity for industry. Such is the halo of human flourishing.”

Damon Horowitz, Director of Engineering & In-House Philosopher at Google

As a graduate of the NCH undergraduate programme with Philosophy as your major you will have a good intellectual and cultural basis for careers in areas such as academia, journalism, politics, and the creative industries.

Taught alongside your degree, the Professional Programme will give you an understanding of balance

sheets, marketing, negotiation, research, statistics, and strategy, and help you to develop winning behaviours including team-work, networking, and problem-solving, to make you a more desirable applicant in the graduate recruitment market.

At New College of the Humanities, we will also work with you on a one-to-one basis to ensure that you are successful after graduation.

Whether you decide to start a new career, a business, or go into postgraduate study in the UK or abroad, the College’s Director of Professional Development will work with you to identify a professional or academic future that matches your ambitions and strengths, and prepare you for success after graduation.

“MBA have had the pleasure of working with a number of NCH students. We have been impressed by their energy, diligence and unique viewpoints towards challenging advertising briefs. The skills instilled by the Professional Programme were clearly evident in the students, who approached the working environment in a professional, yet natural fashion. We look forward to welcoming NCH students again in the future.”

Paul Munce, Managing Partner, Maher Bird Associates

The best courses and lecturers

Across Russell Group universities, only 28% of humanities students are satisfied with their experience. More than twice as many NCH students said that the academic experience exceeded their expectations.*

Your QualificationsNew College of the Humanities’ degrees have been designed and created by the College’s world-class professors and faculty. The courses reflect their areas of expertise and research interests, meaning that they are strongly engaged with the material that they will teach you, and there may be opportunities for students to participate in active research.

In the case of the Philosophy major, the curriculum has been overseen and advocated by Professor AC Grayling MA, DPhil (Oxon) FRSL, FRSA, Master of New College of the Humanities, Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne’s College, Oxford, and previously Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London.

New College of the Humanities has undergone a review for educational oversight by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). NCH is subject to educational oversight by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) under the UK Visas and Immigration’s Tier 4 sponsorship requirements. See www.qaa.ac.uk/educational-oversight for more information. The Philosophy with Economics, Philosophy with English Philosophy with History, and Philosophy with Politics & IR programmes have been developed and will be delivered by NCH. The programmes have been validated by Southampton Solent University as being of an appropriate standard and quality to lead to the Southampton Solent University awards of Philosophy with Economics BA (Hons), Philosophy with English BA (Hons), Philosophy with History BA (Hons), and Philosophy with Politics & International Relations BA (Hons).

To reflect the greater richness of your studies and the additional Core Courses and Professional Programme that you study at the College, you will be awarded the NCH Diploma in addition to your degree. The Diploma sets you apart from other graduates by marking the greater breadth of your education at the College.

Chloe

“I think that studying philosophy here is the best decision I ever made. I am just astounded at the amount we have been taught in such an inspiring way.

“Professor Grayling, Dr Goulder, Dr Mitchell and all of the other lecturers have been happy to help me explore books and recommend things to me in addition to what is on the syllabus.”

Chloe Rose CampbellPhilosophy BA with English

New College of the Humanities was recognised for delivering the best university course and having the best lecturers in the UK at the 2015 WhatUni? Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs).

NCH beat over 110 universities and undergraduate colleges across the UK to win the category for Best Course and Lecturers.

The College was also nominated, and came fourth, in the category for University of the Year, and also featured in the top 20 in the categories for job prospects, student support, city life, and university facilities.

The WUSCAs are based entirely on students’ reviews of their university experience. You can read our students reviews and the rankings at whatuni.com.

*Independent research conducted by YouthSight in March 2014 asked NCH students: “Thinking back to when you applied to your current university, has the reality of your academic experience matched your expectations?” Of the NCH students completing the survey, 63% stated “It’s been better” than their initial expectations. HEPI asked the same question to Humanities and Social Science students at Russell Group universities and only 28% of students completing the survey stated “It’s been better” (HEPI 2014 Student Academic Experience Survey).

Book your place on an Open Day atwww.NCHum.org/openday

Christoph

“Karl Marx had it as his personal motto to ‘Question everything!’ and that is precisely what we do in our philosophical sessions. What’s more, we do it in the form of dialogue – the essential form of philosophy – and jointly interrogate the philosophers we study with a combination of vigour and patience.”

Dr Christoph Schuringa

BA (Cantab), PhD (Lond)

Lecturer in Philosophy

“Anyone with a keen, curious, mind – who thinks with rigour, seriousness, and imagination – can take up and excel in philosophy.

“Philosophical enquiry is abstract, but the questions it deals with – questions about reality, justice, beauty, the relations between mind and world – are fundamental. No specific prior knowledge is required, but those who thrive in philosophy often have strengths across both arts and sciences.

“If you love ideas, choose to study at a place where the lectures are sufficiently small that you can ask questions and debate them together, where other students have the same self-selecting keen curiosity and interest in their studies that you do. Choose to study at a place where your tutors will meet with you individually each week to help you to formulate and defend your own interpretations of the texts you’re reading and connect up your ideas and questions with others in the philosophical tradition.”

Dr Naomi Goulder Head of Faculty & Senior Lecturer

The Registry19 Bedford SquareLondon WC1B 3HHUnited Kingdom

www.NCHum.org info@NCHum.org +44 (0)20 7637 4550 June 2015

Where quick minds

This document is prepared ahead of the academic period to which it relates in order that potential applicants can have an overview of the programme for which they are applying. As a result, some changes are inevitable, such as courses being amended or fees that students are required to pay increasing. NCH reserves the right to make such alterations and amendments. The information this document contains is correct at the date of publication (June 2015).

© New College of the Humanities 2015