Philosophy at UEA
Find out more about studying Philosophy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (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 2026
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Want to tackle the big questions that shape our world today? From religious pluralism to artificial intelligence, from animal rights to the nature of language and creativity - philosophy gives you the tools to analyse complex problems and develop thoughtful solutions. On this version of our Philosophy degree, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a work placement, gaining invaluable real-world experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
At UEA, you'll explore both classic philosophical ideas and their modern applications. You might examine how ancient Greek concepts of democracy can inform current political debates, or how theories of knowledge help us navigate today's 'post-truth' challenges. Our diverse teaching team brings these connections to life, helping you see how philosophical thinking drives real change in areas like environmental policy, technology ethics, and social justice.
You'll develop your own ideas in small, interactive seminars where you can debate with classmates and test theories in a supportive environment. As your interests grow, you can shape your degree by choosing modules that match your passions - whether that's environmental ethics, philosophy of mind, or political theory.
This BA Philosophy with a Placement Year course equips you with skills that employers consistently value: clear thinking, powerful communication, and the ability to analyse complex problems from multiple angles. Our graduates put these skills to work in diverse careers - from environmental consulting to legal practice, from journalism to tech ethics, from education to public policy.
More than just career preparation, studying philosophy is an invitation to think deeply about what matters to you and how you can contribute to solving today's challenges. Join us to develop both the intellectual tools and practical skills to make a real difference in whatever field you choose.
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Placement Year
Want to Graduate with Professional Experience?
Turn philosophical thinking into practical action with our placement year option. Spend 9-12 months between your second and final years applying your analytical and critical skills in a professional setting that matches your interests.
How Does It Work? While you'll take the lead in finding your placement, you're never alone in the process. From your first year onwards, UEA's Career Central Service and your School will support you with:
- Guidance on finding suitable placements
- Help with applications and interviews
- Support throughout your placement year
- Workshops to explore your values and career interests
Where Could You Work?
Philosophy develops versatile skills valued across many sectors:
- Public sector policy and administration
- Business and consulting
- Heritage and cultural organisations
- Education and research
- NGOs and think tanks
- Publishing and media
- Technology ethics
All placements are designed to challenge you intellectually while building professional skills that enhance your final year studies and launch your career.
Have an Entrepreneurial Vision? Transform your placement into a 'Year in Enterprise' - your opportunity to launch your own business with expert support:
- Structured guidance through business planning
- Professional mentoring
- Specialised training courses
- Support in developing your idea
(Note: The Year in Enterprise option is not currently available to Student Visa holders due to visa regulations.)
Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year introduces you to philosophy's powerful tools for understanding both timeless questions and today's challenges. Whether you're new to philosophy or have studied it before, you'll discover fresh perspectives and develop valuable skills that will serve you throughout your degree and beyond.
First semester: Start your journey by exploring how great thinkers across history and cultures have tackled life's biggest questions. You'll see how their ideas still matter today - from ancient Greek insights about happiness to modern debates about medical ethics and public policy. You'll begin developing the analytical skills that employers value, learning to break down complex arguments and present your own ideas clearly.
Second semester: Build your philosophical toolkit with an introduction to logic and critical thinking. These essential skills will help you analyse arguments, spot faulty reasoning, and develop convincing arguments of your own - abilities crucial for success in any career. You'll also explore revolutionary ideas in their historical context, understanding how philosophical thinking has shaped our world.
Throughout the year, you'll work closely with your academic advisor who'll help you connect your growing philosophical interests to potential career paths. As you discover which areas of philosophy spark your curiosity - whether that's ethics, political philosophy, or philosophy of mind - they'll guide you in choosing future modules that align with your goals.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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 first year combines interactive lectures, small seminars, and practical workshops to introduce you to philosophical thinking. You'll explore historical and contemporary texts in a supportive environment where everyone's voice matters. Regular feedback from your teachers helps you develop clear writing and speaking skills.
You'll have dedicated support through:
- Regular office hours with your lecturers
- One-to-one guidance from your academic adviser
- Small group discussions and workshops
Time commitment:
- Teaching: 40%
- Independent learning: 60%
Assessment
Your first year introduces you to university-level assessment through diverse methods:
- Written assignments and essays
- Oral presentations
- Creative projects
- Portfolios
While these assessments don't count toward your final degree classification, they're crucial for developing your skills. You'll receive detailed feedback on practice assignments throughout each module, helping you improve before final assessments.
Structure
Your second year deepens your philosophical expertise while showing you how to apply these ideas to real-world challenges. Core modules in philosophy of religion and political philosophy demonstrate how different philosophical traditions can illuminate current debates about faith, society, and justice.
You'll learn to navigate complex philosophical concepts and use them to analyse contemporary issues - from political conflicts to questions of identity and belief. This combination of historical understanding and modern application helps you develop sophisticated arguments about today's most pressing challenges.
Shape your studies by choosing from specialised modules that match your interests, covering topics such as:
- Environmental philosophy - explore ethical approaches to climate change and sustainability
- Philosophy of mind - examine questions about consciousness and artificial intelligence
- Existential philosophy - investigate questions about meaning and authenticity
- Philosophy of literature - discover how stories shape our understanding of life
Want to broaden your perspective? You can take modules in related fields like politics, gender studies, psychology, or literature. Ready to gain professional experience? Our placement module lets you apply your philosophical skills in a workplace setting, helping you explore potential career paths while building your professional network.
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)Important Information
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
Second year teaching focuses on deeper exploration of your chosen areas. As you take on more challenging material, you'll develop research skills and independent thinking. Your lecturers and academic adviser continue to provide support while encouraging more autonomous learning.
Time commitment:
- Teaching: 30%
- Independent learning: 70%
Assessment
Second-year assessments contribute to your degree classification and challenge you to demonstrate more sophisticated thinking and analysis. You'll continue to receive constructive feedback on practice work, but with higher expectations that reflect your academic growth.
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
Important Information
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’ve learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
Your final year lets you tackle advanced philosophical questions while developing expertise that will serve you in your future career. Core modules explore ethical challenges and fundamental questions about human nature, helping you build sophisticated arguments about complex real-world issues.
We’ll help you find your own path and deepen your expertise – you’ll build on your second-year studies with advanced modules that develop your analytical and research skills further. You’ll have the chance to explore new territory - investigating topics like philosophy of chance, health ethics, or our relationship with nature. To foster your interests, we’ll encourage you to cross boundaries by following a 'guided theme' combining philosophy with gender studies, literature, or politics.
In your final year, you can take on one of these challenging final-year projects:
- Dissertation - work one-to-one with a supervisor on original research that showcases your philosophical skills
- Special subject - join a small group of students working closely with a tutor on a topic of your choice.
This flexible structure lets you focus on areas that match your interests and career goals. Whether you're planning to pursue further study, enter the workplace, or forge your own path, your final year builds the advanced research, analysis, and communication skills that employers and graduate schools value.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Important Information
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
In your final year, teaching becomes more specialied as you focus on areas that align with your intellectual interests and career goals. Whether you're writing a dissertation with one-to-one expert supervision or participating in small-group special subjects, you'll work at an advanced level that prepares you for your next steps after graduation.
Time commitment:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent learning: 80%
Throughout all years, you'll benefit from UEA's supportive learning environment and our commitment to helping you develop both academically and professionally.
Assessment
Final year assessments let you demonstrate mastery of philosophical thinking and communication. A highlight is the optional dissertation, where you'll work one-to-one with an expert supervisor on an original research project.
Your final degree result comes from your second and final year marks, weighted 40:60 to emphasise your most mature work. Throughout these crucial years, you'll receive detailed feedback to help you achieve the best possible results.
Employability
After the Course
Where Can Philosophy Take You?
A Philosophy degree from UEA opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths. Our graduates succeed across many fields because they combine sharp analytical thinking with ethical awareness and clear communication.
Key Skills You'll Develop:
- Powerful analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Clear, persuasive communication across different media
- Critical thinking and logical reasoning
- Active listening with attention to nuance
- Creative approaches to complex challenges
- Ethical reasoning and integrity in decision-making
Career Pathways Our Graduates Follow:
- Law - where philosophical reasoning meets justice
- Civil Service - applying ethical thinking to policy
- Journalism - communicating complex ideas clearly
- Environmental sector - tackling ethical challenges
- Business consulting - solving complex problems
- Education - sharing ideas that matter
- Technology - addressing ethical implications of innovation
- NGOs - putting principles into practice
Whatever path you choose, you'll have the intellectual tools to succeed and make meaningful contributions to your chosen field.
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.
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
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.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Merit
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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
English language at UEA International Study Centre
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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: