Course summary
What does it mean to be a good person, or to do the right thing? How should we decide what we believe? What is it about you that makes you the same person as you were years ago?
From the traditional to the less conventional, from historical approaches (Socrates, Plato) to up-to-date issues (fake news, propaganda) you’ll be able to explore the concepts that interest you most.
Our modules complement your curious and open-minded approach. Develop your research, debating and analytical skills, and learn to unpack complicated philosophical thought.
Dive into Metaphysics, Philosophy of Psychiatry, Epistemology, Ethics (including Global Justice), Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Mind.
You can also choose to combine Philosophy with a number of other subjects, from Politics to History to English Literature and more. At Birmingham, you can build a degree that fits with your interests and career goals.
Why study this course?
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Explore an idea instead of taking it at face value. Philosophy teaches us to develop arguments whilst analysing the flaws in them, and to ask the big questions around existence, purpose and reality.
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Focus on philosophy with real-world relevance and contemporary application. Delve into current topics such as mental health, sex, sustainability, ethics and more.
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Like you, a Philosophy degree is versatile. Take your career in any number of directions - from law, to education, to communications, marketing and the creative industries, to business, government and beyond.
11th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025
Top 65 for Arts and Humanities in the QS World Subject Rankings 2025
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the course page.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 28/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V500
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- V500
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Contextual admissions
The most common grades on entry for this course are below our standard offer. These include students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.
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.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
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
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.