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2023/24
2024/25

BA Philosophy

  • UCAS code
    V500
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

With our BA Philosophy, examine some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong and challenge society's views about them.

Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. We will give you an understanding of the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.

Philosophy is a flexible degree allowing you to shape your studies to your interests. You take six modules in your first year and only one is compulsory: Reason and Argument will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. You can also select modules from outside the department. In years two and three you will have the opportunity to explore your chosen topics in more depth, with modules such as Ethics and Animals, Philosophy of Crime and Punishment and Philosophy of Religion.

You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students. You will be encouraged to undertake work placements, and there is the opportunity to study abroad in your second or third year. In 2022, we achieved a 95% satisfaction score for BA Philosophy (National Student Survey 2022). 

Placement

We encourage you to take placements 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.

You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your final year studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.

Other students have chosen to study abroad for one term in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.

For more information, please visit the Philosophy website.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £22,350

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)

UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750

International students: £1275

Throughout our degrees, students complete career- and skills-related modules, encouraging them to think about what careers they would like and what skills they will need.

Philosophy will give you a range of transferable skills. In particular, skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing.

We are ranked 7th in the UK for graduate prospects in Philosophy. (Complete University Guide 2023). Recent graduates have found employment in the Civil Service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government, and recent employers have included the Ministry of Defence, Cambridge University Press, local authorities and other universities. 

Around one in four of our students continue their studies, including conversion courses and teacher training.