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The University of Southampton
PhilosophyPart of Humanities

Careers & Employability

At the University of Southampton, we believe in providing our students with skills, experience and opportunities to help in acquiring a future career.

Through our Careers and Employability service, you are given guidance and support throughout your studies and including post-studies for up to three years after graduation.

Each faculty provides ample opportunities to get involved in a wide range of programs that can help towards gainful employment. Find out more below.

In the most recent Destination of Leaver from Higher Education survey conducted by the Higher Education Funding Academy for England, 97.5% of the respondents who graduated from our undergraduate programmes and were in work or further study just 6 months after graduation. Of those in work, more than two thirds were in managerial or professional roles.

Your employability

Employers tell us that they are looking for driven, articulate individuals with a passion for learning; Humanities students fit that bill. During your time with us we will support your personal and professional development within, alongside and outside of your degree programme. Working in partnership with the university's Career Destinations service, we will provide you with a framework which will enable you to take ownership of your future from the start of your studies and to make the most of all opportunities available to you, building your confidence to fulfil your ambition and realise your goals.

How it works

Humanities employability modules

Three modules, one for each year of your programme, comprising of a series of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni, will take you through career planning step by step. Starting with an introduction to the opportunities on offer, the modules build up through skills self-assessment to help you to discover hidden talents, CV, application and personal statement writing, entrepreneurial and start-up options, interview techniques, psychometric testing and digital self-marketing. Employers will tell you what they can offer, from placements, internships and springboard programmes to ambassadorships and graduate recruitment. You will learn how and when to apply for roles and be given top tips for making an impact. Our alumni will share their experiences of the world of work, helping you to make connections between your studies and potential career options. Additional optional seminars and flexible online learning will enable you to tailor your development to suit you and your ambitions.

 The Humanities Employability Module can be found here

Humanities Peer Mentoring

Peer Mentoring is a mutually beneficial way of learning and developing transferable skills that will help you not only during your time at the University of Southampton, but into employability. The scheme takes advantage of the expertise of current Humanities students, who use their first-hand experience and student-led training to be appointed as Mentors. New students (Mentees) are automatically enrolled into the scheme so that every new undergraduate Humanities student can take full advantage of the Mentors to provide extra help and information during their transition into University life here at Southampton. For more information, please visit our Peer Mentoring webpage.

Humanities External Advisory Board

Our modules are supported by input from our External Advisory Board. Members are drawn from a pool of employers and research partners who advise us on a fast-changing job market. Membership of the Board changes frequently so we are always getting fresh ideas, suggestions and advice.

Humanities VIP Alumni

We work closely with our graduates to provide a university experience that extends beyond graduation. Our VIP Alumni are graduates who have opted to give back to Humanities, offering their time to share their experiences and insights with current students. You will meet our VIP Alumni as you study our employability modules or network at events, activities and recruitment fairs.

Career options

When you leave Southampton as a driven, articulate individual with a passion for learning you will be equipped to enter a wide variety of fields, including setting yourself up in business.

Examples of Philosophy graduates’ career paths include: PR officer, academic, project manager, editor, market analyst, marketing manager, recruitment manager, teacher, events manager, civil servant, risk manager, journalist, political researcher, human resources manager, company director, and retail manager. 

Visit the Philosophy alumni page to learn more about what our students are doing now.

Careers with Philosophy in the news

A recent article in Times Higher Education tells us that 'Employers have discovered that a mind sharpened by the study of philosophy is ideal for today's workplace'.

A Guardian article tells us why philosophy graduates are 'suddenly all the rage with employers'.

An opinion piece in The Times explains why philosophy is 'the ultimate transferable work skill'.

A journalist explains why 'the most useful classes I took were all in Philosophy'.

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