Joint Honours and Combined Humanities Degrees in the UK Explained

Single, joint and combined honours

An honours degree is the standard UK undergraduate degree (the "(Hons)" after BA or BSc). The difference between single, joint and combined honours is simply how many subjects you study and in what proportion.

Single honours means you study one subject in depth for the whole degree. Joint honours means you study two subjects together — for example History and Politics, or English and Philosophy. "Combined honours" is sometimes used for two or more subjects, and some universities offer flexible "combined studies" schemes letting you build a mix yourself. Terminology varies between universities, so read how each one defines its scheme on its official course page.

• Single honours — one subject in depth
• Joint honours — two subjects together
• Combined honours / combined studies — two or more, often flexible

How the split between subjects works

Most joint-honours degrees aim for a roughly equal (50/50) division of credits between the two subjects, though the exact balance is set by each university and can vary year to year.

Some programmes instead offer a major/minor structure — often shown in the course title as "Subject A with Subject B" — where you study more of the major subject and less of the minor. By contrast, an "and" in the title ("History and Politics") usually signals an equal joint degree. The course page sets out exactly how many modules come from each side and how the dissertation is handled, so check it carefully.

• "A and B" usually = roughly equal joint honours
• "A with B" usually = major (A) and minor (B)
• Credit splits and rules are set per university

What two-subject study is really like

Joint honours lets you keep two interests alive and combine their methods — for example pairing the close reading of English with the conceptual analysis of philosophy. Many students find the two subjects illuminate each other.

The trade-offs are practical. You typically take fewer modules in each subject than a single-honours student, so you cover less depth in each. You may also be taught by two different departments with their own essay styles, deadlines and expectations, which takes organisation. Some optional modules or specialisms open to single-honours students may not fit a joint timetable. None of this makes it a lesser route — it is a different shape of degree, so decide based on how you like to learn.

• Breadth across two fields vs depth in one
• Two departments = two sets of conventions and deadlines
• Some specialist modules may be harder to fit in

Applying for a joint degree through UCAS

Joint and combined degrees are applied for through UCAS like any other undergraduate course — each named combination has its own course code, so "History and Politics" is a single application choice, not two separate ones. Use the UCAS search tool to find which universities offer the exact combination you want, because available pairings differ widely.

Your personal statement should explain why the two subjects together appeal to you and what connects them, since admissions tutors from both departments may read it. Entry requirements for a joint degree are sometimes the higher of the two subjects' requirements, but this varies — confirm the current grades, required subjects and any admissions test on each official course page.

• Each combination has its own UCAS course code
• Use the UCAS search tool to find exact pairings
• Write a statement that links both subjects
• Check entry requirements on each official course page

Choosing the right combination

Pick a pairing where you can articulate why the two belong together — shared questions, complementary methods, or a career or research interest that draws on both. A coherent combination reads better on an application and tends to feel more rewarding to study.

Also check the logistics: whether the two subjects' timetables clash, how the final-year dissertation is supervised, and whether you can shift the balance later. Requirements and module availability change each year, so always verify the latest details on the university's official website before you apply.