Philosophy and Anthropology

The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Anthropology programme offers a unique opportunity to explore two disciplines that delve into the most fundamental questions about humanity and society. By combining philosophy and anthropology, this joint honours degree allows students to develop a deep understanding of cultural identities, societal analysis, and the ideas shaping humanity’s journey through history and into the modern world.

Philosophy:

Unlike other subjects, philosophy focuses not on what to think but on how to think. It encourages exploration of profound questions: Who are we? What is our place in the world? How should we live?. Through the study of ethics, critical thinking, and the works of historical philosophers, students will engage with debates from both analytic and continental traditions. The course also introduces Eastern philosophy, offering diverse perspectives on some of life’s most enduring questions.

Students will examine the history of Western philosophy, gaining insights into key thinkers and their ideas. From ancient to modern philosophical debates, the programme equips students with structured thinking, methodical argumentation, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to counterarguments.

Anthropology:

Anthropology focuses on the richness of human diversity and the ways societies evolve and interact. It examines how people live, think, and express themselves across cultures, offering a comprehensive view of humanity’s place in the world. Students will explore themes like cultural identities, the impact of globalisation, and pressing contemporary challenges through rigorous societal analysis.

This joint programme connects the philosophical exploration of big ideas with anthropology’s practical approach to studying real-world human experiences. It is perfect for students who want to combine theoretical depth with cross-cultural understanding.

This joint honours programme is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to choose from a wide range of modules that reflect their interests. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop critical academic skills, such as analytical reasoning, clear communication, and the ability to engage with complex debates.

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to address contemporary issues, applying their skills to careers in education, research, policy-making, and beyond.

Modules

In the first year, you will explore the fundamentals of philosophy and anthropology, engaging with topics like ethics, knowledge and reality, and cultural identities. This year introduces you to historical philosophers and lays a foundation in critical thinking, preparing you for deeper academic inquiry. The study of societal analysis begins, examining human behaviour and cultural systems

Philosophy - Optional Modules (20 credits each)

Introduction to Ethics

Ancient Philosophy

Freedom, Equality and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy

The Big Questions

Anthropology - Compulsory Modules (20 credits each)

Anthropology Today

Anthropology - Optional Modules (20 credits each)

Into the Field

Death, Burial and the Afterlife

Myths and Mythology: How Stories Shape the World

Exploring the Humanities

An Introduction to Ethics

Exploring the Study of Religion and Theology

People’s worlds: Interactions with the Environment

Year 2

In year 2, students will take 60 credits each year from the two joint honours subjects.

Philosophy - Year A Optional Modules* (20 credits each)

Early Modern Philosophy
Existentialism and Phenomenology
Metaphysics and Epistemology
The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics
Professional Placement

Philosophy - Year B Optional Modules* (20 credits each)

Ancestors, Death and Burial
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice
Freedom, Agency and Responsibility
Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines
Religions in Africa
20th Century Philosophy
Professional Placement
Global Genocides

Anthropology - Optional Modules (20 credits each)

Thinking With Things
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice
Family, Gender and Sexuality
Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics
Heritage & Archaeology of Conflict
Human Evolution: origins of modern human behaviour
Materialities in Anthropology
Women and Religion
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines
Religions in Africa
Approaches to Economic Relations
Museums, Heritage and Representation
Professional Placement
Living in Multi-Cultural Worlds
Global Genocides

Year 3
In year 3, students will take a 40 credit dissertation and then 40 credits from each of the joint honours subjects.

*This degree follows a Year A - Year B system, where second- and third-year students are taught together. As a result, the year you complete will depend on a two-year cycle.

Independent Project (40 credits)
Philosophy - Year A Optional Modules*

Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits)
Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits)
The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits)

Philosophy - Year B Optional Modules*

Ancestors, Death and Burial (20 credits)
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits)
Freedom, Agency and Responsibility
Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits)
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits)
20th Century Philosophy (20 credits)
Global Genocides (20 credits)

Anthropology - Optional Modules

Thinking With Things (20 credits)
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits)
Family, Gender and Sexuality (20 credits)
Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits)
Heritage & Archaeology of Conflict (20 credits)
Human Evolution: origins of modern human behaviour (20 credits)
Materialities in Anthropology (20 credits)
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits)
Religions in Africa (20 credits)
Approaches to Economic Relations (20 credits)
Museums, Heritage and Representation (20 credits)
Living in Multi-Cultural Worlds
Global Genocides (20 credits)

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/programme-courses/undergraduate/philosophy-theology-and-religious-studies/philosophy-and

The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words.