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  • Education
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  • Engineering
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  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
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  • Graphic Design

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  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

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BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics

  • UCAS code
    VN51
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Think deeply and critically about the big ideas behind the behaviours and values of people and organisations with our three-year BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics degree.

This course is offered jointly by the triple-accredited Henley Business School and the University of Reading’s Department of Philosophy. With a strong focus on business ethics, the programme will help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and its versatility will enhance your employability and help prepare you for your career after graduation.

During this course, you will:

  • gain a firm understanding of the practice, concepts, and theories of business management, as well as the skills and competencies that will help you apply them.
  • confront your deepest beliefs and assumptions in a philosophical way to inform you about current debates in philosophy. You’ll develop a sense of the significance of philosophical thinking in dealing with contemporary issues.
  • combine rigorous analysis of core philosophical and ethical theory with practical and real-world applications in business contexts. 

The study of ethics forms an integral component of both the philosophical and business sides of the programme, preparing you to think through the ethical and commercial dilemmas that real-world decision-makers face. 

About Henley Business School

Part of the University of Reading, Henley is one of the oldest business schools in the UK. It is among an exclusive group of business schools worldwide that hold triple accreditations for the quality of its teaching and research. 

Its business programmes are ranked 5th in the UK for careers after 15 months (Guardian University Guide 2021, subject results for ‘Business, Management and Marketing’).

About the Department of Philosophy

Reading’s Department of Philosophy is in the top 125 in the world for History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are ranked 7th in the UK for graduate propsects in Philosophy. (Complete University Guide 2023).

Your learning environment

Your studies will include lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, and you’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework, examinations and class tests. Examples of coursework include essays and written reports.

During your first year, you’ll learn core philosophical ideas and the basic concepts and methods of critical thinking, basic logic, and the psychology of reasoning. Meanwhile, your business modules will provide a strong foundation in strategy, marketing, and organisational behaviour as well as either accounting or data analytics.

As you progress through the course, you’ll gain a deeper awareness of philosophical thinking, the skills of argument and presentation, and the methodology of philosophy. You’ll also explore the nature, origin and limits of human knowledge. You’ll study business ethics in depth, and have the opportunity to select from a range of other modules offered by Henley Business School.

You’ll also work with organisations on live projects – for example, projects linked to social responsibility. And in addition to your focus on philosophy, business, and ethics, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules outside of your core subject areas. 

Opportunities for study abroad and placements 

You can choose to study this degree over four years, allowing you to spend your third year on a work placement or studying at one of our partner universities abroad.
Shorter placements and study abroad trips may also be available.

 

Overview

Think deeply and critically about the big ideas behind the behaviours and values of people and organisations with our three-year BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics degree.

This course is offered jointly by the triple-accredited Henley Business School and the University of Reading’s Department of Philosophy. With a strong focus on business ethics, the programme will help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and its versatility will enhance your employability and help prepare you for your career after graduation.

During this course, you will:

  • gain a firm understanding of the practice, concepts, and theories of business management, as well as the skills and competencies that will help you apply them.
  • confront your deepest beliefs and assumptions in a philosophical way to inform you about current debates in philosophy. You’ll develop a sense of the significance of philosophical thinking in dealing with contemporary issues.
  • combine rigorous analysis of core philosophical and ethical theory with practical and real-world applications in business contexts. 

The study of ethics forms an integral component of both the philosophical and business sides of the programme, preparing you to think through the ethical and commercial dilemmas that real-world decision-makers face. 

About Henley Business School

Part of the University of Reading, Henley is one of the oldest business schools in the UK. It is among an exclusive group of business schools worldwide that hold triple accreditations for the quality of its teaching and research. 

Its business programmes are ranked 5th in the UK for careers after 15 months (Guardian University Guide 2021, subject results for ‘Business, Management and Marketing’).

About the Department of Philosophy

Reading’s Department of Philosophy is in the top 125 in the world for History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are ranked 7th in the UK for graduate propsects in Philosophy. (Complete University Guide 2023).

Learning

Your learning environment

Your studies will include lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, and you’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework, examinations and class tests. Examples of coursework include essays and written reports.

During your first year, you’ll learn core philosophical ideas and the basic concepts and methods of critical thinking, basic logic, and the psychology of reasoning. Meanwhile, your business modules will provide a strong foundation in strategy, marketing, and organisational behaviour as well as either accounting or data analytics.

As you progress through the course, you’ll gain a deeper awareness of philosophical thinking, the skills of argument and presentation, and the methodology of philosophy. You’ll also explore the nature, origin and limits of human knowledge. You’ll study business ethics in depth, and have the opportunity to select from a range of other modules offered by Henley Business School.

You’ll also work with organisations on live projects – for example, projects linked to social responsibility. And in addition to your focus on philosophy, business, and ethics, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules outside of your core subject areas. 

Opportunities for study abroad and placements 

You can choose to study this degree over four years, allowing you to spend your third year on a work placement or studying at one of our partner universities abroad.
Shorter placements and study abroad trips may also be available.

 

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

BBB

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including 4 in standard level Mathematics

GCSE

Maths at grade 5 (B)

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Reason and Argument 
  • The Meaning of Life 
  • Business in Practice: Markets, Marketing and Management 
  • Global Justice 
  • Developing Professional Excellence 

Optional modules:

  • Philosophical Skills for Life (proposed) 
  • Business in Practice: Accounting for managers 
  • Business in Practice: Data analytics 
  • Radical Philosophy 

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Social Responsibility in Action 
  • Business Ethics 1

Optional modules:

  • Meaning and the Mind 
  • Global Philosophies 
  • Aesthetics 
  • Philosophy through the Ages: The Minds that Shaped our World 
  • Ethical Argument 
  • Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 
  • Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 
  • Intermediate Logic 
  • Marketing Essentials  
  • Building competitive advantage 
  • Leadership Concepts 
  • Work Placement  
  • Work Mini-Placement  
     

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Dissertation in Philosophy or Management  
    Or 
  • Independent Learning Module 

Optional modules:

  • Early Chinese Philosophy 
  • Current Moral Philosophy 
  • Fairness 
  • Business Ethics & Social Responsibility 
  • Society & State in Ancient Greece 
  • The Scandal of Film  
  • Free Will and Responsibility  
  • Hume and Wittgenstein 
  • Speech Attacks: bullshit, lies, propaganda 
  • Philosophy of Language: Animals, Babies, Colours, and Language Death 
  • Paradoxes 
  • Metaphysics 
  • God, Time and Freedom 
  • Philosophy of Religion 
  • Developing Personal Leadership 
  • Business Ethics for International Management  
  • New Directions in Business and Corporate Social Responsibility  
  • The Dark Side of Marketing  

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

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.

Careers

Careers for BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics graduates

This programme has a strong focus on employability. In a changing and uncertain world, we believe that a critical philosophical grounding, together with business-oriented and personal skills, will equip you for future success.

BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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