About this course
Is there a god? Are our minds separate from our bodies? How much can human beings know? Explore some of the most thought-provoking questions in philosophy while developing skills of critical thinking and analysis that will prove invaluable to your future career. You’ll improve your employability and learning experience by spending a year abroad at a partner university in Europe, Asia, Australasia or North America.
This course is a platform for you to develop your own thoughts on philosophical issues and to engage in philosophical debate. From Ancient Greek philosophy to issues of sex, power and language, you’ll gain an authoritative overview of the history of modern thought.
In your degree you can:
learn philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility, and appearance and reality
apply philosophical thought to language, morality, sex and other important aspects of life
study topics like the duties of affluent people towards those living in poverty around the world
study abroad at one of our partner institutions
develop research and presentation skills
You’ll also learn how to present your own arguments - in both written and spoken form - and appreciate different points of view. You’ll learn in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our academic staff's research feeds into the course content. You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology, studying a language, or choosing from a range of cross-disciplinary modules.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 399.78 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB to ABB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A to B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA to AB in two A levels
BTEC additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB to BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB to BBB
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB in two A levels
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
Access to HE Diploma additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels
or
AA to AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall
OR
77% overall
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
Our philosophy programme is designed to ensure that your learning is progressive. The first year gives you a grounding for your studies and each year combines compulsory and optional modules. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond philosophy, by selecting:
You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1
You’ll take compulsory modules which provide you with essential skills in reason and argument and introduce you to core areas of philosophy, and to the contributions major figures have made to those areas.
You’ll also choose from optional modules such as Ancient Greek philosophy or existentialism.
Year 2
You’ll take a further compulsory module in the history of philosophy. You’ll also study 7 optional modules investigating the theories, views and arguments advanced and explored in central areas of philosophy. These include moral philosophy, aesthetics, and the ethics of global poverty.
Year 3
For your year abroad, you’ll study at one of our partner institutions, for example in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway and Switzerland. You could also choose to spend this year on an approved work placement.
Year 4
For your dissertation, you’ll demonstrate your research and planning skills by carrying out an independent research project.
You’ll also select further optional modules. These usually cover topics which academic staff are actively researching, introducing you to the latest thinking.
Options include studying the work of Nietzsche or Heidegger, or looking at classical Indian or Islamic philosophy.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Action, Reason and Ethics
- Advanced Aesthetics: Aesthetic Creativity
- Classical Indian Philosophy
- Contemporary Theories of Justice
- Happiness and Wellbeing
- Heidegger
- Islamic Philosophy
- Nietzsche
- Other Minds
- Philosophical Logic
- Philosophy of Mathematics
- Philosophy of Sex
- Puzzles and Paradoxes
- Schopenhauer
- Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 23%
- Independent study
- 77%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 23%
- Independent study
- 77%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 83%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Conor McHugh is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- debates
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 34%
- Practical exam
- 5%
- Coursework
- 61%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 46%
- Practical exam
- 10%
- Coursework
- 44%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 19%
- Practical exam
- 6%
- Coursework
- 75%
Careers
You’ll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking,
analysis and team working. Career skills are embedded at every stage of our courses and certain modules offer specific teaching in reasoning and communication. You’ll also broaden your experience and enhance your language skills during your year abroad.
Our philosophy graduates have secured roles as diverse as:
project manager
teacher
human resources (HR) coordinator
investment analyst
digital marketing coordinator
tax consultant
data analyst
Our philosophy degrees are also a good foundation for further study at Masters or PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can choose to spend a year in employment during this course.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Stationery
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Hardware
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Software Licenses
- Textbooks
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 399.78 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: V501
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
Some candidates will be invited to a selection day, which will include an interview. If the Admissions tutor decides to invite you to a selection day you'll receive an email. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.