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Philosophy at UEA
Find out more about studying Philosophy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Philosophy
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V500
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Course Overview
Why Philosophy at UEA?
Philosophy tackles the big questions shaping our world, from AI and animal rights to justice and trust. Studying philosophy builds the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills employers value most.
Why choose UEA?
- Real-world challenges: Apply philosophical ideas to today’s biggest issues
- Sharpen your voice: Learn in small, interactive seminars and tailor your studies to your passions
- Graduate skills: Build valuable critical thinking and communication skills
What is BA Philosophy?
Explore the big questions about knowledge, mind, and values, guided by inspiring researchers. Shape your degree around your curiosity as you discover which philosophical ideas and traditions matter most to you.
You'll learn to think with precision and argue with confidence, from mapping logical structure to analysing ethical cases and interpreting complex texts. From year two, you'll follow your own passions, choosing from modules that reflect a wide breadth of philosophical thought.
You'll develop the confidence, clarity, and leadership of thought that employers across every sector value. Work placements and the option to study languages or data analysis will help you translate your philosophical training into professional confidence.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA Philosophy degree, you could develop a career as a:
- Teacher: Teach critical thinking, ethics, and philosophical ideas in schools or colleges
- Policy Analyst: Research political or social issues and advise governments or organisations on policy decisions
- Journalist: Investigate issues and communicate complex ideas clearly through articles, broadcasts, or digital media
- Solicitor: Use logical reasoning and argument to advise clients and prepare legal cases
- Communications Manager: Shape messages and strategies that help organisations engage audiences and influence opinion
Career Support
You’ll work closely with your philosophy tutors as you develop the critical and communication skills employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated Career Central. Through one-to-one appointments, employer events, and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. You'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through placements and internships.
After the Course
Your philosophy degree is a gateway to careers where rigorous thinking and clear communication are invaluable. Many graduates go on to conversion programmes in law or computer science, opening doors to new professions. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue a Master's degree or PhD in philosophy or a related field. Our graduates have built successful careers in teaching, the Civil Service, journalism, marketing, and finance.
Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year degree is designed to help you think more clearly, engage with timely questions, and discover how philosophical skills open doors to a wide range of careers.
In your first year, you'll be introduced to philosophy's most powerful tools for understanding both timeless and contemporary challenges. You'll explore how thinkers across history have approached questions about mind, ethics, society, and what it means to live well, while building the academic skills to engage with complex ideas yourself. You'll also develop foundations in logic and critical thinking, and meet regularly with your academic advisor to discover your philosophical interests and shape your path through the degree.
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.
Structure
Your second year takes you deeper into philosophy and its connections to real-world issues. Core modules in ethics and political philosophy will equip you to engage with questions of justice, identity, and society, while a wide range of optional modules lets you follow your own curiosity. You can also broaden your studies by taking modules in other disciplines, learning a foreign language, developing statistical skills, or gaining professional experience through a workplace placement.
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.
Structure
In your third year, you'll specialise in the areas that matter most to you. Alongside a core module that sharpens your understanding of mind and language, you'll choose advanced modules reflecting your philosophical passions, or follow a themed pathway connecting philosophy to fields like politics, literature, or gender studies. You can also complete a substantial independent project, either a dissertation developed one-to-one with a supervisor, or a Special Subject studied in a small, seminar-style group. By graduation, you'll have the analytical, research, and communication skills to succeed in a broad range of careers or further study.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching combines interactive lectures, small-group seminars, and workshops, all delivered by research-active philosophers. Carefully curated reading lists and bespoke learning materials support your independent study between sessions. Regular academic advising and formative tasks help you reflect on your progress and develop as a thinker.
In year one, extra workshop hours on every module help you transition confidently into independent university-level learning.
In years two and three, seminars become more discussion-led, reflecting your growing confidence and expertise.
Assessment
The course uses a wide range of formats to help you develop diverse and transferable academic skills. Most modules include presentations or student-led debates alongside written work. Summative assessments include essays, project work, oral evaluations, and class activities. Tasks range from argument analysis and problem-solving to experiment design and close textual commentary.
In year one, assessments are designed to build your confidence with philosophical writing and argumentation.
In year two, you'll take on more complex essay tasks and begin to develop your own philosophical voice.
In year three, you may choose to write a dissertation, supervised one-to-one by an experienced researcher in their chosen area.
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
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 Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 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
Obtain an overall 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.
- 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 or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC 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(opens in a new window) 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
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall.
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)
- 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(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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
- 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(opens in a new window) 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 for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(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
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. (opens in a new window)
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: