Careers and employability

Our subjects are all about making sense of the assumptions, practices, beliefs and questions that shape our lives and societies. As an undergraduate, you’ll be learning alongside students from the different courses in our School, providing you with an outstanding environment to study in.

You'll graduate as a thoughtful, lively, critical and creative thinker with much to contribute to today’s complex and diverse society. You’ll have the knowledge and capacity for high-level enquiry in your subject and a wide variety of transferable skills, including teamwork and leadership.

What do our graduates do?

Graduates from the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science go on to a variety of career paths, highlighting the different skills and opportunities that our students have. Our students have gone on to work in areas such as marketing, finance, teaching, HR and media.

Postgraduate study

Some of our students stay at Leeds for postgraduate study and benefit from a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary. 

Business start-up

Leeds has great support for entrepreneurs and some of our graduates have launched their own successful businesses. As a student with us, you’ll have access to SPARK, the Universities’ award-winning entrepreneurship scheme, as well as the chance to apply for an Enterprise Scholarship.

Every module I’ve taken on my course teaches unique skills that really diversified my CV, for instance practical skills such as Excel, and organisational skills that employers really look for.

What do Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science graduates do?

A Philosophy or History and Philosophy of Science degree equips you with excellent communication skills, the confidence to work independently and in a team, strong research skills and the ability to interpret and analyse complex information from different sources. These transferable skills are highly attractive to employers across a number of sectors. 

If you’re a joint honours student, you'll develop good organisational skills, effective time management and knowledge of two subject areas.

You'll find our graduates working in many different industries including: tourism, management, business and finance, retail, recruitment, journalism, human resources, teaching, marketing and education.

Recent employers include:

• Bloomsbury publishing
• NHS Digital
• Fidelity International
• Phenomen Films
• Options Autism
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• IntoUniversity
• Scope
• HM Treasury

What do Theology and Religious Studies graduates do?

You’ll have strong cultural and social awareness alongside other valuable transferable skills that will help you progress into a variety of careers. You’ll be a confident communicator, have strong research and organisational skills and be able to clearly present your views. 

Our graduates work in management, politics, the civil service, journalism, education, the charity sector and many more.

Recent employers include:

• Ashton Sixth Form College
• Creative Access
• People Matters
• Manchester City Council
• The NHS
• Westminster Cathedral
• Chatteris Educational Foundation
• Capita

School support

We offer paid internships working a range of projects within the School including communications, alumni relations, administration, student engagement and research.

You'll be eligible to apply for the Laidlaw Scholarships which offer training, support and mentoring whilst contributing to research work at the University.

Student ambassadors help us to organise and deliver events for local schools. Being an ambassador is great for your CV, particularly if you're considering a career in teaching, or interested in events management or education administration. 

University support

Experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the wide range of opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll have regular access to a careers expert who specialises in improving and supporting the careers and employability of students in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science. 

You’ll also be encouraged to attend on-campus events such as graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni to help you understand and plan your career path.

Study abroad or work placement year

The optional study abroad year and work placement year offer valuable experiences and skills to help you in the graduate job market.

Leeds University Union 

Leeds University Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year.

Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in many activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. You could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is also home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School. 

Lifelong Learning Centre

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The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.