BA (Hons) Philosophy with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V50P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our philosophy degree is a great opportunity to explore fundamental questions – about ethics, the nature of the good, human and animal minds, the nature of religious belief, and the place of humans in the universe. On BA Philosophy with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend nine to twelve months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
You’ll discover how the great thinkers of the past imagined the world and how their radical ideas might still be of relevance today. You’ll find out how studying philosophy can help you to tackle current issues – climate justice, conspiracy theories, and uncertainty in a ‘post-truth’ world.
UEA philosophy’s staff reflects this great diversity, as we teach and research across a broad range of topics. This means you can tailor your degree to reflect your interests. Our seminar system will allow you to present and test your own ideas in a supportive environment, and we have a varied means of assessment of the skills you’ll develop during your learning journey.
Our goal is to bring out the best in you. You’ll be equipped with a brilliant range of analytical skills for both presenting complex ideas simply, and criticising poor arguments or dubious appeals to evidence. These are exactly the skills many employers prize and our graduates go on to exciting and rewarding careers in teaching, government, journalism, law, environmental work, business, the arts, and beyond.
Studying philosophy at university is one of the most satisfying ways to spend your student years. It can be life-changing, prompting you to reflect on your values and your contribution to the wider world.
Placement Year
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you'll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. Philosophy graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We'll, however, require that the tasks you'll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you’ll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
* Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this must be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you’ve an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year of study is designed to provide a well-balanced mix of introductory modules. Some will be historical, some contemporary, some will be more ethical or political in their focus, and some will focus on language, mind and logic. They'll stimulate you to think in new ways and discover new skills, whether you studied philosophy at school or not.
In the first semester, you’ll study classic works in philosophy from the ancient world onwards, you’ll see how thinkers across time and cultures have responded to the great question, ‘What is the Meaning of Life?’, and you’ll start to find out how philosophy can be applied to real-world problems and social dilemmas, from medicine to policy making. In the second semester, you'll explore the toolbox of critical thinking in our introduction to logic module, which in turn will help you navigate with more confidence the history of philosophy and gain a deeper understanding of revolutionary ideas in their proper intellectual and historical context.
Our offer of philosophy modules promises a challenging journey that spans many historical periods and cultural traditions. You'll also be able to discuss your emerging or growing interests in specific areas of philosophy with your academic advisor and course director so that they can guide your academic and future career development plans. You’ll also embark on a series of workshops which will help you to begin your search for the placement you’ll undertake in your third year.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Through engaging lectures, small seminars, practical workshops, and one-to-one support from your lecturers and tutors, you'll explore a wide range of topics and discover new ways of doing philosophy.
As part of supported independent learning you'll engage with diverse and fascinating texts, including both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your teachers, you'll develop your ability to express your ideas clearly, both in writing and other formats.
We place great emphasis on working ideas through together. We encourage everyone to contribute, listen and respond appropriately in both large and small group settings. We seek out positive criticism, and polite and fruitful exchanges of views.
Each of your lecturers holds drop-in office hours, through which you'll develop your confidence and get valuable guidance on specific aspects of your academic and personal development.
Continuing throughout your degree, you'll have an academic adviser from the advising team. The adviser is there to provide academic and career guidance, and to support your wellbeing.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 40% Teaching
- 60% Independent learning
Assessment
All assessments are at the module level and consist of a mix of creative assignments, oral presentations, and essays. These assessments will not contribute to the classification of the degree. You'll be given the opportunity to work on a preliminary version of your assessment as part of your formative work due during the teaching period. You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Structure
In the second year of your philosophy course, your core modules will cover topics in philosophy of religion and political philosophy. A distinctive feature of our modules is their focus on bringing different philosophical traditions in conversation with one another.
Combining contemporary and historical perspectives, your core modules will give you the necessary skills to navigate complex philosophical ideas and concepts and use them in your own arguments and approaches to issues of current social and political importance.
The optional modules will reflect UEA’s specialisms, including topics such as environmental philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of literature or the greatest thinkers from the past – including Dewey, Marx, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and an array of non-Western thinkers.
You can choose to take all your modules in philosophy or can take one or two modules outside of philosophy. This will typically be organised as a ‘guided theme’ such as studying politics, gender studies, or philosophy of literature. You’ll continue to be supported in your search for your third-year placement with another series of workshops.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Lectures and seminars will help you delve into your chosen areas of study. The teaching methods on individual modules are tailored to support your development in various areas of study on offer. You continue to benefit from one-to-one support from both your lecturers during their office hours and from your academic advisor.
In your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas, reading and decoding philosophical texts in the search for innovative answers to complex problems. Using individual feedback and one-to-one support, you'll build your skills further as you develop into a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
How you'll spend your time:
- 30% Teaching
- 70% Independent learning
Assessment
All assessments are at the module level and comprise a variety of both written and oral assignments, including long and short form essays, blog posts, posters, creative presentations, and portfolios. All assessments will be preceded by formative work upon which written feedback will be provided. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, your core modules will cover ethical problems and questions about the human condition. From the optional modules on offer you could decide to continue with the second part of something that you took in your second year. For example, you may well want to deepen your understanding of ethics by moving from normative ethics to practical ethics or even meta-ethics. Or you could opt to add some new areas of interest by investigating areas of philosophy you did not study in the second year.
You can choose to take all your final year modules in philosophy or you can take one or two modules outside of philosophy – from areas such as politics, gender studies, history, psychology, or literature. You could also decide to write a dissertation, for which you do one-to-one work with a supervisor. Another option is to take a special subject where you and a few other students work with a tutor on an area of joint interest. Topics explored by past generations of students span a wide set of issues from gender identity, intersections between gender and religion, to the more abstract realms of logic.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year will be an opportunity to explore in depth those subjects which present a distinct intellectual and career-oriented appeal to you. You'll continue to be taught by subject specialists in lectures and seminars. If you choose, you may pursue a dissertation, working one-on-one with an expert on a project of your own design.
In your independent study, you'll flourish as a creative and independent thinker as you master the fields of study that matter the most to you.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 20% Teaching
- 80% Independent learning
Assessment
Assessments are varied in format covering written and oral tasks which will have an analytic and a creative component. These include essays, portfolios, and presentations. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to write a dissertation (8-9000 words) on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a member of faculty. Constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BCC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year Options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA (Hons) Politics (with a Foundation Year)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Philosophy degrees from UEA are tried and tested routes into a range of careers, including law, journalism, the Civil Service, the cultural industries, teaching and lecturing, charity and environmental work, and politics. This is due to the unique range of skills you'll have developed by studying philosophy. They include:
- Precise and effective communication skills
- The ability to analyse data and information
- Reasoning, problem-solving and persuasion skills
- Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
- Innovative and original ideas supported by reasons
- A commitment to justice, fairness, integrity, and the desire to do things that are praiseworthy.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work
Discover more on our Careers webpages.