History and philosophy allows you to question your assumptions and trace the origins of modern societies and cultures. You will learn to analyse beliefs and concepts and to consider how past societies worked. Studying philosophy will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy and you will also have the chance to explore non-western philosophies such as Indian philosophy. Placements are encouraged as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience. Through our links with the Careers, Placement and Experience Centre, you can source potential employers and help with CVs and letters of application. Staff in the History Department also has close links with the university’s Institute of Education, Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) and Special Collections (archives), and with external organisations such as Cliveden House, English Heritage, Reading Museum, Reading Borough Library and the Berkshire Record Office. As a graduate you will have a broad range of transferable skills in research, analysis, presenting and group working. Recent graduates have found employment in the civil service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government, and recent employers have included The British Museum, Cambridge University Press, The Football Association, House of Commons, MI5, Ministry of Defence, Morgan Stanley, Yellow Media Works, local authorities and other universities.