BA (Hons) Philosophy with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V50A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Our philosophy with a Year Abroad degree is a great opportunity to explore fundamental questions – about ethics, 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 relevance today. Find out how studying philosophy can help you to tackle current issues – climate justice, conspiracy theories, and uncertainty in a ‘post-truth’ world.
UEA philosophy’s staff reflects this great diversity, as we teach and research across a broad range of topics. This means you can tailor your degree to reflect your interests. Our seminar system will allow you to present and test your own ideas in a supportive environment, and we have a varied means of assessment of the skills you’ll develop during your learning journey.
Our goal is to bring out the best in you. You’ll be equipped with a brilliant range of analytical skills for both presenting complex ideas simply, and criticising poor arguments or dubious appeals to evidence. These are exactly the skills many employers prize and our graduates go on to exciting and rewarding careers in teaching, government, journalism, law, environmental work, business, the arts, and beyond.
Studying philosophy at university is one of the most satisfying ways to spend your student years. It can be life-changing, prompting you to reflect on your values and your contribution to the wider world.
On this version of the course, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
This 4-year version of the course gives you the opportunity to spend the third year of your degree studying with one of UEA's many partner institutions across the globe, which offers teaching in your subject and in English. Destinations range from Japan to Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada and the USA.
Studying Abroad gives you the opportunity to broaden your academic and social horizons, giving you opportunities to develop your confidence and communication skills, while bringing a unique element to your CV that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Availability at our partner institutions does vary from year to year and we always recommend you bring an open mind about your destination preference. You'll also need to meet certain academic progression requirements (scoring an aggregate of 55% in your first- and second-year assessments). If for this or for any other reason you were to decide you were unable to spend your third year abroad, you can transfer to a 3-year version of your degree at any time.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year of study is designed to provide a well-balanced and diverse range of introductory modules. Some will be historical, some contemporary, some will be more ethical or political in their focus, and some will focus on mind, reasoning and critical thinking. They'll stimulate you to think in new ways and discover new skills, whether you studied philosophy before or not.
In the first semester, you’ll study classic works in philosophy from the ancient world onwards. You’ll discover 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. Then, 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 your emerging or growing interests in specific areas of philosophy with your academic advisor and course director so that they can guide your academic and future career development plans.
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
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 different ways of doing philosophy.
As part of supported independent learning, you’ll engage with a wide variety of fascinating texts, covering both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your teachers, you'll hone your ability to articulate 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 be able to improve your confidence and get guidance on specific aspects of your academic 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.
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 written assignments, oral presentations, portfolios, creative projects, 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 your formative assessment which will in turn inform the improvement of your final or summative assessment. The constructive feedback that will accompany your summative work is meant 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 that you can choose to enrich your academic development in Year 2 will reflect UEA’s specialisms, including topics such as environmental philosophy, existential philosophies, philosophy of science, philosophy of literature, and philosophy of mind.
You can choose to take all your modules in philosophy, or you can take one or two modules outside of philosophy – as part of a ‘guided theme’ focusing on studying politics, gender studies, psychology, or literature. You may also choose to take a placement module in which you'll have the chance to apply the skills you’re developing through your degree to the working world and to explore a career path that interests you.
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 the various areas of study on offer. You’ll continue to benefit from one-to-one support from both your lecturers during their office hours and from your academic advisor.
During your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas. Benefiting from dedicated feedback on your own work and from 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 consist of a mixture of oral presentations, creative projects and written assignments. All assessments will have a component of formative work for which you'll receive written feedback from the module leaders. This feedback is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks. They'll also empower you with an understanding of your academic strengths and of those points on which you can further improve your performance.
Structure
On this course, you'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions across the globe. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience living in another country, see how your subject and others are studied there, develop greater confidence and enhanced communication skills, and gain experiences that will help your CV stand out to employers.
Check out our Study Abroad pages to learn more.
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
While on your Year Abroad, you'll usually have to study about 50% of your modules in your main area of academic specialism(s) at UEA, and you'll then have opportunities to explore other subjects if you wish (depending on exact topics and modules offered by your host university).
Assessment
On your year abroad you'll undertake assessments in modules in your host university. You'll need to pass the Year Abroad, but your marks do not count towards your final degree classification. In the unlikely event you did not pass the year abroad, reassessment options are available at UEA.
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, if you took Ethics for Second Years in year 2, you could follow it up with Ethics for Third Years. The modules will focus on different sets of issues, but they'll also aim to develop additional skills relevant for the advanced level of engagement with a particular subject. You could also opt to add something new and investigate topics in philosophy you did not study in your second year. You can discover how philosophers have thought about chance, causality or health, or you can explore the fascinating perspectives of existential philosophers or of thinkers that have pondered on our relationship to nature.
While you can choose to take all your modules in philosophy, the option for following a ‘guided theme’ is still there, so you can deepen your understanding and skills in a particular area, be it gender studies, philosophy and literature, or politics. You could also decide to write a dissertation, for which you do one-to-one work with a supervisor who will expertly guide you to achieve your most ambitious research plans at the undergraduate level. Another option is to take a special subject where you and a few other students work with a tutor on an area of mutual 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 expands your chances to explore more in depth those topics which present a particular intellectual or career-related 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 comprise a variety of written and oral tasks, often incorporating a creative element. There is also the opportunity to write a dissertation (10000 words) on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a member of faculty. The feedback received during tutorials 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
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Philosophy with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
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.
- English Foreign Language
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.
-
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
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
How to apply
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.