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? What should we do to lead worthwhile lives? These are a few of the questions you’ll address on our BA Philosophy degree – as well as discovering how great minds through the ages have tried to answer them.

As well as exploring the history of philosophy, you’ll examine modern-day debates in areas like global feminisms, ethics and art.

Why ARU?

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

• Explore the key philosophical, social and political issues surrounding artificial intelligence and machine technology.

• 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

Study Philosophy at ARU and develop skills for your chosen career.

Problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, analysis and communication skills are highly valued by employers, 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. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.

You can also boost your employability by learning a language, studying abroad for a semester, and taking part in work placements and live briefs for our partner organisations.

Course Modules

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 (15 credits)

• Philosophical Texts: From Descartes to Kant *

• Critical Social Thought: Knowledge, Power and Division *

• Anglia Language Programme (15 credits) *

• Spirituality, Religion and the Secular *

• Professional Placement *

Year 3

• Philosophy Research Project

• Knowledge and Doubt: From Antiquity to the Digital Age

• 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 (15 credits) *

*optional

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.