Philosophy BA Honours (V500)

Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage.

Please be aware that programme modules do change and therefore may differ for your year of entry.

• PHI1002 Philosophy and Religion
• PHI1003 Critical Reasoning
• PHI1004 Stage 1 Project
• PHI1010 European Philosophical Traditions I: Knowledge, Reality, Truth
• PHI1011 European Philosophical Traditions II: Moral Philosophy and Human Nature

You can take 40 credits from anywhere in the University, but the following optional modules are recommended:

• CAC1015 How Should I Live? An Introduction to Ancient Moral Philosophy
• PHI1005 Existentialism and the Self

Other optional modules may also be available.

• PHI2001 Knowledge and Human Interests
• PHI2002 Cultural Contradictions of Scientific Rationality
• PHI2003 Ethics and the Modern World
• PHI2004 Stage 2 Project

You can take 40 credits from anywhere in the University, but the following optional modules are recommended:

• NCL2007 Career Development Module for Second-year Students
• PHI2005 Consciousness, Art and Technology
• PHI2006 Philosophy, Culture and Society

• PHI3001 Legitimacy and Reason
• PHI3002 Postmodern Political Thought, Domination and Resistance
• PHI3003 Meaning, Truth and Language
• PHI3004 Projects (Stage 3)

You can take 40 credits from anywhere in the University, but the following optional modules are recommended:

• NCL3007 Career Development for Final-year Students
• NCL3008 Advanced Career Development
• PHI3005 Knowledge, Power and Desire
• PHI3006 The Networked Society: Human Identity and Practices

Although Philosophical Studies is generally considered to be a non-vocational degree, employers will value the specific skills that the study of philosophy develops and how you link these to the requirements of jobs.

The study of philosophy helps you to develop the ability to analyse and construct sound arguments, think logically and critically about ideas and issues, communicate clearly and persuasively, and generate solutions to problems.

You also gain crucial employability skills sought by graduate employers, including independent study and self-motivation, the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines, flexibility, creativity, the ability to identify, absorb and sift complex information, teamwork, and applications of information technology.

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop a personal portfolio of knowledge and skills in a field best matching your tastes and abilities. This will provide you with an opportunity to get acquainted with the work environment in an area of employment of interest to you.

Philosophical Studies graduates are found working with almost every type of employer in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Typical employers include the National Health Service, Civil Service, law firms, charities, publishing and advertising. Some graduates will continue to Master's-level studies. Popular choices include law, journalism and media.

Find out more about the career options for Philosophy from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.