BA (Hons) Philosophy with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V50P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our philosophy degree is a great opportunity to explore fundamental questions – about the nature of the good, human and animal minds, the nature of religious belief, and the place of humans in the universe.
Discover how the great thinkers of the past imagined the world and how their radical ideas might still be of the greatest relevance today. Find out how studying philosophy at university can help you tackle current issues – climate justice, conspiracy theories, and uncertainty in a ‘post-truth’ world.
Prepare to excel in a whole host of careers – teaching, law, environmental work, and more!
Studying philosophy at university is one of the most satisfying ways to spend your student years. It can be life-changing, as it prompts you to reflect on your values and your contribution to the wider world. If you want to ask difficult questions and challenge the things that others take for granted, this degree is most certainly for you.
A Philosophy degree is a great choice for independent thinkers, and – beyond studying it for its own sake – it will help you prepare for any number of careers that involve asking questions, gathering evidence, drawing conclusions and communicating your arguments and creative solutions to complex problems, such as law, politics, journalism, and even advertising.
You don’t need to have studied Philosophy before joining our philosophy degree programme. Your studies will begin with carefully designed introductory modules, which lay the foundations across all fields. You'll be given the chance to discover the debates and questions which interest you most and where you can make a difference.
You’ll study contemporary thinkers as well as those from the past, grapple with puzzles about ethics, God and religion, about the mind, and about language and how it relates to the world. What is there? How do we know? Does science have all the answers? What if there is a God? When, if ever, has anyone found the answers to these questions? These are just a few of the questions you’ll investigate. You can explore the philosophies of the non-Western world, engage with urgent political or environmental issues, and examine how the great ideas in literature stem from broader philosophical worldviews. You'll be guided in your journey by a team of dedicated scholars who are currently engaged in exciting research across all these humanities fields.
You can build your own tailored studies through your second and third years, when you’ll have an open choice of philosophy themes to follow. Examples include environmental philosophy, political philosophy, philosophy of language, ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, logic, philosophy of art, and various opportunities to study the work of ancient and modern thinkers including some non-Western philosophy. In your final year, you might choose to undertake a one-to-one dissertation or enroll for a small group special subject.
Your philosophy degree also allows you to, if you wish, take one module each year from complementary subjects outside of philosophy. Themes currently on offer include politics, gender studies, and psychology.
Philosophy thrives on discussion. That is why you'll explore and debate topics with your lecturers and fellow students in small discussion groups – as well as through lectures and independent study. You’ll also develop your thinking and communication skills through a variety of types of written work and exercises, some for practice, some for assessment.
Throughout your time studying philosophy at university, you'll work in close partnership with UEA’s lecturers and professors, who have produced work that is discussed worldwide. You'll be encouraged to find your own voice and articulate the ideas that will have the potential to change lives, starting with your own.
On BA Philosophy with a Placement Year, you'll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Even when studying texts from the past, Philosophy involves fresh thinking, so our module content is continuously updated to reflect topics and questions our students are passionate about.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you'll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. Philosophy graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We will, however, require that the tasks you'll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you’ll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
* Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your business in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Through engaging lectures, small seminars, practical workshops, and one-to-one support from your lecturers and tutors, you'll explore a wide range of topics and discover new ways of doing philosophy.
As part of supported independent learning you'll engage with diverse and fascinating texts, including both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your teachers, you'll develop your ability to express your ideas clearly, both in writing and other formats.
We place great emphasis on working ideas through together. We encourage everyone to contribute, listen and respond appropriately in both large and small group settings. We seek out positive criticism, and polite and fruitful exchanges of views.
Each of your lecturers holds drop-in office hours, through which you'll develop your confidence and get valuable guidance on specific aspects of your academic and personal development.
Continuing throughout your degree, you'll have an academic adviser from the advising team. The adviser is there to provide academic and career guidance, and to support your wellbeing.
Compulsory Modules
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
Your first year of study is designed to provide a well-balanced mix of introductory modules. Some will be historical, some contemporary, some will be more ethical or political in their focus, and some will focus on language, mind and logic. They will stimulate you to think in new ways and discover new skills, whether you studied philosophy at school or not.
In the first semester, you’ll study classic works in philosophy from the ancient world onwards, you’ll see how thinkers across time and cultures have responded to the great question, ‘What is the Meaning of Life?’, and you’ll start to find out how philosophy can be applied to real-world problems and social dilemmas, from medicine to policy making. In the second semester, you'll explore the toolbox of critical thinking in our introduction to logic module, which in turn will help you navigate with more confidence the history of philosophy and gain a deeper understanding of revolutionary ideas in their proper intellectual and historical context.
Our offer of philosophy modules promises a challenging journey that spans many historical periods and cultural traditions. You'll also be able to discuss with your academic advisor and course director your emerging or growing interests in specific areas of philosophy so that they can guide you both your academic and future career development plans. You’ll also embark on a series of workshops which will help you to begin your search for the placement you’ll undertake in your third year.
How you’ll spend your time:
40% Teaching
60% Independent learning
Assessment
All assessments are at the module level and consist of a mix of creative assignments, oral presentations, and essays. These assessments will not contribute to the classification of the degree. You'll be given the opportunity to work on a preliminary version of your assessment as part of your formative work due during the teaching period. You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Structure
In the second year of your philosophy course, your core modules will cover topics in philosophy of religion and political philosophy. A distinctive feature of our modules is their focus on bringing different philosophical traditions in conversation with one another.
Combining contemporary and historical perspectives your core modules will give you the necessary skills to navigate complex philosophical ideas and concepts and use them in your own arguments and approaches to issues of current social and political importance.
The optional modules will reflect UEA’s specialisms, including topics such as environmental philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of literature or the greatest thinkers from the past – including Dewey, Marx, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and an array of non-Western thinkers.
You can choose to take all your modules in philosophy or can take one or two modules outside of philosophy. This will typically be organised as a ‘guided theme’ such as studying politics, gender studies, or philosophy of literature. You’ll continue to be supported in your search for your third-year placement with another series of workshops.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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
Lectures and seminars will help you delve into your chosen areas of study. The teaching methods on individual modules are tailored to support your development in various areas of study on offer. You continue to benefit from one-to-one support from both your lecturers during their office hours and from your academic advisor.
In your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas, reading and decoding philosophical texts in the search for innovative answers to complex problems. Using individual feedback and one-to-one support, you'll build your skills further as you develop into a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
How you'll spend your time:
30% Teaching
70% Independent learning
Assessment
All assessments are at the module level and comprise a variety of both written and oral assignments, including long and short form essays, blog posts, posters, creative presentations, and portfolios. All assessments will be preceded by formative work upon which written feedback will be provided. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most of your experience.
Compulsory Modules
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
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, your core modules will cover ethical problems and questions about the human condition. From the optional modules on offer you could decide to continue with the second part of something that you took in your second year. For example, you may well want to deepen your understanding of ethics by moving from normative ethics to practical ethics or even meta-ethics. Or you could opt to add some new areas of interest by investigating areas of philosophy you did not study in the second year.
You can choose to take all your final year modules in philosophy or you can take one or two modules outside of philosophy – from areas such as politics, gender studies, history, psychology, or literature. You could also decide to write a dissertation, for which you do one-to-one work with a supervisor. Another option is to take a special subject where you and a few other students work with a tutor on an area of joint interest. Topics explored by past generations of students span a wide set of issues from gender identity, intersections between gender and religion, to the more abstract realms of logic.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)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
Your final year provides an opportunity to explore in depth those subjects which present a distinct intellectual and career-oriented appeal to you. You'll continue to be taught by subject specialists in lectures and seminars. If you choose, you may pursue a dissertation, working one-on-one with an expert on a project of your own design.
In your independent study, you'll flourish as a creative and independent thinker as you master the fields of study that matter the most to you.
How you’ll spend your time:
20% Teaching
80% Independent learning
Assessment
Assessments are varied in format covering written and oral tasks which will have an analytic and a creative component. These include essays, portfolios, and presentations. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to write a dissertation (8-9000 words) on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a member of faculty. Constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BCC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 31 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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 for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 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.
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:
Employability
After the Course
Philosophy degrees from UEA are tried and tested routes into a range of careers, including law, journalism, the civil service, the cultural industries, teaching and lecturing, charity and environmental work, and politics. This is due to the unique range of skills you'll have developed by studying philosophy. They include:
- Precise and effective communication skills
- The ability to analyse data and information
- Reasoning, problem-solving and persuasion skills
- Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
- Innovative and original ideas supported by reasons
- A commitment to justice, fairness, integrity, and the desire to do things that are praiseworthy.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work
Discover more on our Careers webpages.