Philosophy

Philosophy

Introduction
Philosophy questions everyday assumptions and enquires into the foundations of the natural and social sciences. Our Philosophy Department is a friendly, active, middle-sized department with an established reputation for excellence in teaching and research. You will learn the basics of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy, and will be able to explore your own interests through special units and independent research. We have a small exchange programme with the University of Maryland, which is open to some second-year students.

Assessment
The assessment mark for the Philosophy component of your degree depends on examinations in the second and third years, together with marks for final essays - independently researched essays written in the final year. Examinations in the first year, and coursework during all years, do not count towards the final degree.

BA Philosophy

Programme structure
Year 1:

• Introduction to Philosophy A and B
• Introduction to Formal Logic
• Introduction to Metaphysics
• Five units from: Philosophical Texts 1, 2, 3 or 4; Introduction to Philosophy of Science; open unit

Year 2:

• Realism
• Normativity
• At least three units from:

- Epistemology
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of Mind
- Ethics
- Philosophy of Language
- Philosophy of Science
- Logic 2
- Philosophy of Mathematics
- Or other second-year unit offered

• Choice of further Philosophy units or open unit

Year 3:

• Four Philosophy optional units
• Two extended essays

Entry Requirements
A Levels

• AAA-ABB. No specific subjects required

14-19 Advanced Diploma

• Grade A overall in the Diploma to include an A-level at grade A (ASL)

BTEC

• DDD

Access

• Pass Access to HE Diploma with at least 12 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit

SQA

• SH: AAAAA-AABBB
• AH: two preferred

Welsh Bacc

• Pass Advanced Diploma to include AA-AB in two A-levels

IB Diploma

• 37-33 points including 6, 6, 6 at Higher level

EB: 85-77%

IELTS

• 6.5 in all parts

Subjects required at GCSE or equivalent
Grade C or above in Mathematics

Selection:
UCAS form. Applicants with non-standard qualifications are sometimes interviewed

Deferred Entry:
Considered, subject to overall numbers