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Philosophy

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Develop your thinking skills through a distinctive combination of imagination and exact reasoning. This single honours course will give you a solid understanding of the foundation of the discipline, along with a great degree of flexibility to tailor your degree to your own interests.

Interrogate the pillars of society, our mental constructs and build intellectual skills that you’ll draw on for the rest of your life and career.

Thinking philosophically requires a distinctive mix of imagination and exact reasoning. You'll develop this along with analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual flexibility.

Studying thinkers from many branches – analytic, continental, pragmatist, and Chinese philosophy – you’ll learn about a wide variety of philosophical areas, identify links between different disciplines and forge your own ideas.

From a strong general understanding in year one, you’ll be free to construct your own, highly personalised pathway, choosing modules as varied as the nature of the mind and the value of art based on your interests, with opportunities for individual projects and work placements.

Why study this course?

  • Top 100 in the world for Philosophy QS World Rankings 2023 - learn from world-leading staff, teaching an exceptionally diverse range of modules.

  • An immersive experience - regular opportunities to get involved in the activities and events put on by the department, from annual conferences to regular reading groups.

  • Take on the big issues - work with the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, researching areas of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics.

  • Outside lectures - join our award-winning, student-led volunteering project Philosophy in the City and introduce school children to philosophical ideas they can apply to everyday life.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
V500
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

in a relevant subject

Access to HE Diploma - D: 36 credits M: 9 credits P: 0 credits

Award of Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities or Social Sciences, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit

Scottish Higher - AAAAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

+ A at A Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 - 34 points

34; 33, with B in a Philosophy-based Extended Essay

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H3

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

English language requirements for undergraduates https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The entry grades data only represents a proportion of our cohort. We accept a broad range of qualifications on our degrees and we're committed to ensuring all students with the potential to succeed at Sheffield are informed and feel encouraged to apply. If you meet one or more of our Access Sheffield criteria, we may be able to give your application additional consideration when we receive it and when exam results are released.

Learn more on the University of Sheffield website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

97% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

50 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2025-26 information as a guide.

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