Philosophy

Grapple with the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries and discover how great minds have tried to answer them.

‘Who are we?’, ‘what can we know?’, and ‘what should we do to lead worthwhile lives?’ are just a few of the questions you’ll consider as you discover how great minds, past and present, have tried to answer them.

As a BA (Hons) Philosophy student at ARU, you'll understand both the history of philosophy, as well as cutting edge debates in contemporary philosophy, within areas such as the Philosophy of AI, Ethics and the Philosophy of Art.

Your studies will be supported by our expert philosophy lecturers, who offer one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback. In the National Student Survey 2023, our Philosophy courses scored: 93% for Student Voice; 92% for the Teaching on my Course; 92% for Learning Opportunities; 90% for Assessment and Feedback; and 90% for Academic Support.

You’ll develop your problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills by analysing major philosophers’ ideas and arguments, developing your own views through rigorous, systematic and creative thought, and learning to use philosophical methods in your everyday life.

These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum ranking complex problem solving and critical thinking among the top ten skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.

There’s the chance to engage in philosophical discussions and debates through the student-led Philosophy Society, and attend events such as our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series.

You could also boost your employability by learning a language with our Anglia Language Programme, or studying abroad for a semester.

Engage in philosophical discussions and debates through our student-led Philosophy Society.

Attend events like our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series.

Boost your employability: learn a language, take a placement year, and solve live briefs for real-world organisations.

No exams! You’ll show your progress through methods likely to be used in the workplace.

Careers

Our BA (Hons) Philosophy graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including new media, recruitment, events management, marketing, charities, teaching, law or medicine (via a conversion course), the Civil Service, or local government. Some even set up their own independent businesses.

Our degree course is designed to help you develop and think about the skills you need to enter your chosen career from day one. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, analysis and communication skills our philosophy students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team, and may develop attitudes and viewpoints that are much appreciated in the workplace.

You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research by continuing on to a Masters degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

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Year 1: Happiness and the Good Life; Introduction to Philosophy: The Big Questions; Ideas and Ideologies; The World Religions; Into ARU.

Year 2: Ethics in Theory; Ethics in Practice: Healthcare, Law, and the Environment; Mind and Consciousness; Ruskin Module; Philosophical Texts: From Descartes to Kant ; Critical Social Thought: Knowledge, Power and Division; Spirituality, Religion and the Secular*; Anglia Language Programme*; Professional Placement *.

Year 3: Knowledge and Doubt: From Antiquity to the Digital Age; Philosophy Research Project; Concepts of Good and Evil; Hitler to the Hashtag: Political Communication in Peace and War*; Gender and Sexuality in Britain: 1880-2000 ; Philosophy of Education; Communication, Flesh, Philosophy ; Research Communication ; Global Feminisms; Environment, Nature and Society; Anglia Language Programme*.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

You'll show your progress using a variety of methods likely to be used in the workplace, such as presentations, research projects, reviews, reports and portfolios, as well as more traditional essays and your final-year Major Project.