Please note there are no vacancies on this course for September 2024
Page last updated 23 September 2024
Study a future-facing, interdisciplinary philosophy degree, where you'll focus on applying theory to practice. Your teaching will be centred around core themes, comprising of: Health, Society and Public Ethics; Technology, Environment and Sustainability; and Human Flourishing and Creative Practice.
By examining life's fundamental questions, philosophy helps to shape the way we think about the world. What are the ethical, political, and social questions we need to ask ourselves? How can we change the world using our knowledge?
Exploring questions such as these develops your creativity, rationality, and critical thinking skills, enabling you to think carefully about theoretical problems. You'll learn to apply this knowledge to practical situations in the real world, from artificial intelligence to human creativity.
We firmly believe that philosophy is for everyone, and we're dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible philosophy course.
BA(Hons) Philosophy offers a unique and innovative approach to studying philosophy, standing out for its practice-based philosophy, interdisciplinary integration, and future-thinking perspective.
Our course equips you to think critically and creatively. You'll be encouraged to question your own preconceptions and cultural biases to foster a deeper understanding of the world.
We understand that philosophy isn't just about abstract ideas; it's about real-world impact, and our collaborations with the Bristol Robotics Laboratory and Bristol Centre for Synthetic Biology have provided previous students with invaluable experiences.
UWE Bristol remains one of the premier destinations to study continental philosophy in the UK. Our expertise in European traditions, including German idealism, 20th-century French philosophy, phenomenology, and hermeneutics, stands out.
Our commitment to postcolonial, decolonial, and indigenous philosophies ensures that you'll be exposed to diverse global perspectives, enriching your philosophical education and prepares you to engage with philosophies from around the world.
Where can a philosophy degree take me?
BA(Hons) Philosophy will transform you into an innovative thinker able to bring new perspectives to many professions. Our graduates have thrived in academia and the business sector, showcasing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills they've gained through this course.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
All Foundation Year students study together and will take four compulsory modules covering introductions to Sociology, Criminology, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, and university level academic and study skills.
This will ensure that you have the necessary grounding across all the social science disciplines, enabling you to develop a range of perspectives that will enrich your learning at Year one and beyond.
You'll study:
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
You'll study:
Study exchange (if applicable)
If you choose the study exchange option, you'll spend the first and/or second semester of year two studying at another university.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
You'll study:
Plus, six optional modules from:
If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after year two.
Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
You will study:
Plus, six optional modules from:
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
You'll study a mix of theoretical and practice-led modules and follow three core themes throughout your course, which are Health, Society and Public Ethics; Technology, Environment and Sustainability; and Human Flourishing and Creative Practice.
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, workshops, and symposia. Live briefs and placements with external partners will demonstrate how philosophy can be applied practically in the real world.
Our interdisciplinary course approach allows you to explore philosophy in conjunction with fields like science, technology, and ethics, so you'll graduate with a holistic understanding of complex issues and the ability to address them from multiple angles.
The course showcases a remarkable commitment to the intersection of philosophy and art, evidenced by our collaboration with renowned artists, including Turner Prize winners and Documenta artists, who contribute to our art modules, fostering a truly immersive and creative learning environment.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities, each year:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study | % check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24% | 76% | 0% | 100% |
| 2 | 23% | 74% | 3% | 100% |
| 3 | 19% | 81% | 0% | 100% |
Experience teaching philosophy yourself through a project we run with local schools.
Join our thriving, student-run Philosophy Society to hear from speakers from other universities, and take part in topical debates and activities. Find out more at UWE Bristol Philosophy Society
Where possible, we will organise live briefs held by external professionals.
Expand your knowledge and learn from practitioners at the lectures and conferences we organise where possible. You'll find plenty going on at the University, and at local art centres and other venues.
Our innovative, inclusive assessment strategy suits learners from a broad range of backgrounds. You'll be assessed using diverse assessment methods, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities in a variety of ways, from blog writing to presentations.
You'll get to choose how you engage with your assessments, enabling you to co-create your learning. Completing a range of assessments allows you to show employers that you have a broad skillset and valuable experience needed in the workplace, from teamwork and leadership.
Assessments include written essays, integrated student presentations and oral public speaking exams, group work including seminar leading (symposia), independent projects, research essays, dissertations, short tests, digital portfolios and blog journals. Examples of assessments include writing philosophical works, engaging in practice-led modules and placements, and organising and leading public engagement events, such as "Thought in Action" at Watershed.
Percentage of time you'll spend on different assessment methods, each year:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment | % check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 22% | 65% | 13% | 100% |
| 1 | 36% | 64% | 0% | 100% |
| 2 | 38% | 59% | 3% | 100% |
| 3 | 22% | 65% | 13% | 100% |
Students who undertake work experience, or a study exchange overseas, tend to graduate with better degrees and with improved employability skills, making you a sought after graduate.
We also offer volunteering and other work-based experiences, to deepen your knowledge and skills.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from College staff and our award-winning careers service.
Grow your personal and professional network and develop specialist subject knowledge by spending a semester or academic year at one of our partner universities abroad.
Increase your confidence, intercultural communication skills and boost your employability.
The teaching team actively encourages its students to where possible, get involved in international opportunities and every year several Philosophy students go to Venice to attend the Summer School of Phenomenology and Phenomenological Philosophy.
Explore our study abroad pages to find out more.
Learn in modern, well-equipped facilities to support your study of philosophy including our dedicated subject library.
You'll also have 24 hour access to our main university library, which has spaces for silent and group study, and rooms you can book.
You'll have use of books, trade press, academic journals, and industry databases both on and off campus.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Philosophy, Politics and International Relations facilities and see what's on offer here for you.
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
By the end of our philosophy course, you'll be equipped with the critical thinking, argumentation, and communication skills that employers value highly. You'll develop fundamental transferable skills crucial for future employability, such as open-mindedness, entrepreneurship, empathy, and teamwork.
You'll learn to think carefully about theoretical problems, form coherent arguments, and articulate your solutions. You'll develop a deep, critical knowledge of key contemporary issues in philosophy, such as mental health, environmental crisis, and digital innovation. Plus, you'll analyse important facets of the human experience, such as race, gender, and sexuality.
UWE Bristol is a branch of the Royal Institute of Philosophy and members of the British Philosophical Association, ensuring our teaching contains the latest developments in the field. You'll also benefit from our industry connections, offering you professional opportunities such as attending public engagement events.
As a graduate from a philosophy degree, you could find employment in a diverse range of sectors. These include education and teaching, academic research, law, finance, the creative industries, healthcare, social work, not-for-profit organisations (NGOs), entrepreneurship, or the civil service.
Many students also progress to postgraduate study in philosophy, law and other subjects. Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BA(Hons) Philosophy.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644