Why study a degree with us?

Our academics have expertise in the classic, traditional areas of Western philosophy as well as non-Western traditions, ranging from theoretical areas such as philosophy of language, and metaphysics, to applied philosophy such as business ethics and philosophy of law.

You can choose modules from a variety of topics, such as

• Meaning and the Mind
• Ethical Argument
• Philosophy of Colour
• Medieval Philosophy
• Chinese Philosophy
• Happy, Good, and Meaningful Lives
• The Scandal of Film
• Philosophy of Language.

We are also one of the few universities in the UK with expertise in experimental philosophy, where we use empirical techniques from psychology and linguistics to illuminate philosophical problems.

In addition to our exciting and diverse module options, we are one of the few universities to offer a specialisation in ethics as an undergraduate degree. The BA in Ethics, Values and Philosophy allows you to focus on moral philosophy, if this is your main interest.

There are no examinations for any module in Philosophy. This means you will be assessed by a variety of methods best suited to reflect your knowledge and understanding.

You will be assessed through a system of graduated coursework that evolves during your degree, including essays, oral presentations, group work, literature reviews, and other forms of assessment.

We teach you the skills you need step by step, so that you are prepared for each new module, and each new academic year, as well as for your future career.

The modules we teach stem directly from our own academic research. This means you will study ground-breaking philosophy connected to the world around us.

Our department is well known for its interdisciplinary research. We collaborate with researchers in Psychology, Biology, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Law, Business, and other fields in order to bring conceptual tools and logical analysis to real-world issues.

Our research focuses on some of the current problems facing the world today. For example, what is the right way to understand pain? How can living things be distinguished from non-living things? In our modules, we take on issues such as the ethical challenges of climate change and the ethical responsibilities of businesses.

A philosophy degree gives you the opportunity to develop a broad range of essential skills that are desirable to employers in a range of fields.

95% of graduates from the Department of Philosophy are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; all responders from Philosophy)

Among other skills, you will learn how to:

• communicate ideas clearly and precisely
• think clearly about complex and abstract ideas
• consider social and ethical issues in a structured way
• work both independently and in a team
• build a sound case for your views
• criticise arguments effectively
• engage in productive debate
• produce analytical and argumentative written work.

Past graduates have worked for KPMG, the Civil Service, IBM, PwC, Lloyds, museums, charities, schools and universities, or have pursued PhD research.

Some have entered the highest levels of politics, the U.N., and multinational corporations. Others have started their own businesses or trained as lawyers. The possibilities for a philosophy graduate are vast.

You can gain invaluable work experience and explore your career options by transferring to a four-year degree and undertaking a professional placement year during your studies.

A placement year will allow you to broaden and deepen your skills, develop professional networking, and build your confidence. You will explore your career options even further. Graduating with a year’s worth of experience will help you stand out in a competitive graduate job market.

You might even return from your placement with a job offer in hand from your placement provider.