Philosophy

Develop the critical thinking skills needed to challenge today’s big questions

Philosophy isn’t just about abstract thinking – it’s about how we live, work and make sense of the world around us.

At UEA, you won’t rush through the big questions - you’ll be encouraged to take your time to think deeply, challenge assumptions and explore ideas from many angles.

With a focus on applied ethics, political philosophy and emerging fields like environment and experimental philosophy, you’ll engage with today’s challenges, from AI to religious pluralism.

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Why choose Philosophy at UEA?

TOP20

in the UK for Philosophy

Complete University Guide 2025

Top25

in the UK for Philosophy

The Guardian 2025

21^st

overall in the UK

Complete University Guide 2025

Develop the foundation to understand everything

Philosophy equips you with thinking skills that apply to virtually any field – from ethics and politics to science, technology, and beyond.

At UEA, you won’t just study the theory – you’ll apply philosophical thinking to current debates:

How should AI be governed?
What are our obligations to future generations?
What role should religion play in diverse societies?

Tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions

Our flexible degree structure allows you to shape your studies around what matters most to you. Choose from a wide range of optional modules to create a philosophical education that aligns with your passions and career goals.

Some topics you might explore include:

Ethics and values - Essential for careers in healthcare, business, and public policy
Political philosophy - Foundational for law, government, and advocacy
AI and technology - Increasingly vital in tech development and regulation
Environmental philosophy - Crucial for sustainability and conservation work
Philosophy of religion - Valuable for education, community relations, and cultural sections

We encourage you to connect philosophy with other disciplines – take complementary modules in history, politics, literature, or business to see how philosophical thinking enhances real-world problem-solving. Our joint degrees with English Literature, Politics, and Economics let you develop specialised expertise while building a versatile skill set that appeals to employers across numerous sectors.

Find the right course for you

Your study options

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Foundation Year option

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Your next steps

Ready to explore the courses we offer in "subject"?

Or join us for a subject taster session to get a feel for what it's like to study "subject" at UEA.

We also hold regular webinars on a broad range of topics about university, like personal statements, student finance, and life as a student.

All Philosophy courses Subject tasters and webinars