Philosophy with Year Abroad

Summary

Philosophy is about asking fundamental questions and analysing possible answers. It challenges you to think clearly, argue carefully and engage with complex ideas.

On this course, you will study core areas of philosophy, including ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and political philosophy. You will engage with thinkers from both Western and non Western traditions, exploring how different perspectives shape our understanding of the world.

You will also apply philosophical thinking to contemporary issues such as climate change, global poverty, artificial intelligence, and questions of sex and gender. This will help you connect abstract ideas with real world challenges.

As you progress, you will develop skills in analysis, reasoning and communication, preparing you for a wide range of careers and further study. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025)

Key features of the course

Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules within Philosophy and across other disciplines.

Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.

Study global perspectives, including Chinese and Indian philosophy alongside Western traditions.

Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, embedded across the course.

Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.

Student support

You will be taught by philosophy experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your voice.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

BA Philosophy is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

Over the four years of this Philosophy course, you will develop core skills in critical thinking and reasoning, and also delve into a range of historical and applied philosophical topics, as guided by your personal interests.

Year 1: Your foundational critical thinking and reasoning skills will be developed in modules such as: Reason and Argument, Ethics, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
Year 2: You will explore deep philosophical questions of mind, self, and freedom in your core modules, and tailor your degree with a wide variety of optional modules in the sub-disciplines of philosophy, such as epistemology, aesthetics, metaphysics, and moral philosophy.
Year 3: Year Abroad
Year 4: You will personalise your degree through a self-directed dissertation project on a topic of your choice, and also choose from a range of specialist modules, each led by active researchers in the field. Topics covered by optional modules include: AI, animal ethics, Chinese philosophy, climate change, Indian philosophy, and sex and gender.

You will also have the option of further tailoring your degree by choosing optional modules outside of philosophy, with subjects including digital humanities and modern languages.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as debates, essays, oral presentations, dissertations, individual and group projects.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.