Philosophy and Education

The Philosophy and Education BA at Keele equips you with highly sought-after skills for the modern world, blending logical analysis, textual criticism, and independent thinking with a deep exploration of education. Through lively debate and critical discussion, you will refine your ability to tackle complex ideas which can be applied to the context of teaching, learning, and the wider education system. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and leadership, this programme prepares you for a career in teaching or working with young people, empowering you to make a real impact in the field of education and gives you transferable skills for a wide range of other careers.

Why choose this course?

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

• 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

• Global Top 300 for Education (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)

• Discover diverse cultures through the study of world philosophy or an International Year at a partner university across the globe

Our Philosophy and Education BA will equip you with the intellectual tools for a wide range of careers working with learners, whether in schools, youth work, or education policy. You’ll explore fundamental questions such as: What should young people learn in school, and why? How should teaching and assessment be approached? What impact do schools have on life chances? and What are the biggest challenges facing education today? With this thought-provoking degree, you’ll gain the skills and insight to create meaningful change in education.

The Philosophy component sharpens your critical thinking, encouraging independent thought and deep analysis. You will engage with core philosophical debates about the nature of the world and our place in it, the meaning of life and the purpose of our existence, engaging with key thinkers from diverse philosophical traditions. You will look at philosophy from around the world and tackle questions from different eras, from ancient to contemporary, including the ethics of business, technology and the environment, or the explanation of the conscious mind.

This course provides an excellent foundation to specialise in secondary teaching of Philosophy and Ethics or Religious Studies, while also exploring how education and philosophy can drive social change, addressing challenges like AI’s role in education and providing opportunities to connect with professionals in public and community sectors. You will build a strong foundation in education and philosophy, exploring key concepts such as the purpose of education, the role of values in schools, and the evolving identities of educators. By the end of your degree, you will have acquired a range of critical and practical skills, paving the way for a wide range of careers.

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.

Course Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.