Philosophy

From ethics to religion and the ultimate nature of reality, Philosophy BA at Keele offers a deep exploration of human life and its place within the world. Embark on a journey as an aspiring philosopher, driven by a passion for understanding and analysing philosophical ideas from ancient India and Greece to the present day. With a wealth of opportunities to enhance your career prospects, you'll develop into a well-rounded critical thinker, analyst, and communicator, ready to pursue a rewarding career across diverse industries.

Why choose this course?

• Philosophy at Keele is ranked Top 10 in the UK for student positivity* NSS 2023 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS

• Top 20 in England for Philosophy (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

• Discover new ideas, debate big questions with your lecturers and peers, and better appreciate the views of others

• Enhance your career with the choice of a placement year, entrepreneurship year or international year

• Our research-led teaching and dedicated philosophy conferences provide insight into new and traditional topics, developing your subject knowledge and professional skills

On our Philosophy degree you will study a range of philosophical debates, answering big questions and evaluating reality. Philosophy is concerned with the nature of the good human life (Ethics), the nature and rationality of religion (Philosophy of Religion), the ultimate nature of reality (Metaphysics) and the extent to which we can achieve knowledge (Epistemology).

You will be introduced to the ethical and practical concerns of philosophy as well as the traditional ideas from Indian, Chinese, Greek and African ancient wisdom. You will cover a wide variety of historical, Western and Non-Western traditions as well as contemporary issues, from AI technologies to environmentalism.

As an aspiring philosopher, you will develop into a skilled analyst and critical thinker, well-prepared for debate and discussion, with a global perspective on diverse subjects. This programme enhances your skills and independent thinking, enabling you to think logically and make reasoned judgments while demonstrating a range of perspectives. You will have the opportunity to engage with the Royal Institute of Philosophy Lecture Series and the ‘Jean-Jacques Rousseau’ Annual Lecture and Conference to apply your learning.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.