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Philosophy at UEA
Find out more about studying Philosophy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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BA (Hons) Philosophy with a Year Abroad
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V50A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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 have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe.
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 Year Abroad 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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Year Abroad
This four-year version of the Philosophy course gives you the opportunity to spend the third year of your degree studying with one of UEA's many partner institutions across the globe, which offers teaching in your subject and in English. Experience how philosophy is taught and discussed in different cultural contexts.
Where Could You Go?
- Asia: Study Eastern philosophy in Japan or Hong Kong
- Europe: Explore Continental philosophy at its source
- Americas: Experience different approaches in USA, Canada, or Latin America
- Australia: Discover new perspectives in the Southern Hemisphere
Why Choose a Year Abroad?
- Study different philosophical traditions in their cultural context
- Gain international perspectives on contemporary debates
- Build global academic and professional networks
- Develop independence and cross-cultural communication skills
- Add distinctive international experience to your CV
Important Information:
- Partner university places vary yearly - flexibility about destinations helps
- You'll need a 55% average across your first two years
- Can switch to the 3-year Philosophy BA at any time if plans change
Studying philosophy abroad isn't just about academic learning - it's about experiencing how different cultures approach life's fundamental questions.
Visit our Study Abroad section to explore specific destinations and opportunities.
Careers
Career Pathways
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.
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.
Study and Modules
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 4 or grade C.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: 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 & Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit 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 Philosophy with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
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 4 or grade C.
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(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- 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
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):
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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(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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
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- 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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
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: