Humanities Courses: Philosophy, History, Religion and Anthropology
Last updated: November 2026 · Written by the StudyWay Editorial Team
Quick answer
The humanities study human thought, culture and history. They include philosophy, history and archaeology, religious studies and anthropology. They build strong thinking, writing and research skills that are useful in education, media, public service, heritage, tourism and law. On StudyWay, philosophy, history, religion and anthropology together have over 90,000 searches.
What does each subject cover?
| Subject | What you study | Where it can lead |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Logic, ethics, ideas and arguments | Law, education, writing, policy, research |
| History and archaeology | The past, evidence and heritage | Heritage and museums, tourism, teaching, research |
| Religious studies | Religions, beliefs and cultures | Education, community work, research |
| Anthropology | Human cultures and societies | Development, research, social programmes |
Why study the humanities?
- you learn to think clearly and argue well,
- you become a strong writer and researcher,
- you understand people and cultures,
- and these skills transfer to many careers, especially when combined with practical skills.
What course levels are available?
- Certificate and diploma: shorter study, often alongside work or other studies.
- Degree: the main route for humanities careers.
- Masters: to specialise or move into research and teaching.
Tell us what you want to study, and institutes will contact you with options
How can I combine the humanities with other careers?
- Law: philosophy is a strong base for law. See routes to becoming a lawyer.
- Teaching: see our guide to becoming a teacher.
- Tourism and heritage: history and archaeology suit cultural tourism. See our tourism and hospitality guide.
- Media and writing: see our media and journalism guide.
- Social sciences: see our social science courses guide.
Can I study the humanities abroad?
Yes. Many universities abroad offer strong humanities programmes. See our study abroad guide.
Find your course on StudyWay
Frequently asked questions
What jobs can I get with a philosophy degree?
Philosophy graduates work in law, education, writing, policy, research and business roles that need clear thinking.
Is history useful for tourism?
Yes. Knowledge of history and heritage is valuable for cultural tourism and guiding.
Which A/L stream suits the humanities?
Arts stream students often choose these subjects, but they're open to students from any stream.
Can I study the humanities part-time?
Some diplomas and postgraduate courses offer part-time study.
Should I add a practical skill?
Yes. Combining the humanities with skills like English, IT or marketing widens your career options.