University of Winchester

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: The University of Winchester

Philosophy (with Foundation Year)

Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

  • Focus on values and beliefs to deepen your understanding of the specific needs of individuals and communities within local and global societies
  • Learn the highly transferable skills of speaking and writing clearly and convincingly along with the capacity for independent thinking
  • Study one of the oldest university subjects
  • Learn from leading international thinkers across the campus on a wide range of questions relating to your course
  • Gain real-world work experience as a part of your degree programme by volunteering for a placement with a range of organisations, from charities to think tanks
Philosophy is arguably the oldest university subject and has the widest field, with philosophers asking fundamental and important questions about values, culture, science, religion and society. As such Philosophy sits at the heart of any university, engaging with and enriching other programmes. In fact, at Winchester, Philosophy has a special role pledged to pioneering values-driven education and asking big questions about human existence. If you’re keen to acquire the tools of logic and reason to think rigorously and defend your own position clearly around these questions, then our dynamic three-year programme is a great place to start. We actively encourage critical reflection and debate, and you can study a range of core philosophical areas such as logic, epistemology, philosophy of language and aesthetics. At Winchester, you study the grand narrative of the philosophical tradition, from ancient Greece to the world of existentialism and post-modernity. Each year you analyse the meaning and significance of classic philosophical works from thinkers as diverse as de Beauvoir, Aquinas, Fanon and Aristotle. In analysing the texts produced by great intellects, you grow as a writer, debater and thinker. And it’s not all about heavyweight thinkers – you have the chance to explore philosophical ideas in everyday life: for example, how films or art help us to explore the big questions. The Foundation Year (first year of study) gives you the chance to commence your studies with us if you have not quite achieved the entry qualifications required or if you feel you would benefit from the opportunity to develop your study skills and subject knowledge prior to embarking on your degree. Through a range of engaging, small-group lessons and practical placements, you will be equipped with the academic, professional and personal skills to help you succeed at university. Modules will cover broad topics as well as an introduction to your chosen subject area. You will also have the opportunity to study alongside students undertaking a range of degree programmes. In Year 1 (second year of study), you begin by studying modules in Philosophy that are designed to develop your study skills and enhance your confidence in critical writing and reading. Among others, these include Ethics and Religion, Philosophy in the Ancient World, Paradoxes and Puzzles, God, Soul and the World in Early Modern Thought, and Introduction to Political Philosophy. There are optional modules on Contemporary Conversations and The Meaning of Life on Film. In Year 2 (third year of study), core modules include Thinking with the Earth, Research Methods, Kant and Copernican Revolution, and Nietzsche, Freud and Atheism. In your final year you focus on a Dissertation and core modules in Phenomenology and Existentialism, and Contemporary Philosophy. In Year's 2 (third year of study) and 3 (fourth year of study), you build a profile of options around your philosophical studies to reflect your own academic interests. A wide range of optional modules include Bioethics, Christianity, Race and Colonialism, Questions in Metaphysics, and Religion, Ethics and War. You leave the University of Winchester with a degree that shows you have an understanding of people and communities, not just books.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
V50X
Institution code:
W76
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation
  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Applicants are usually required to hold a minimum of 1 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 1 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students
82%
Student satisfaction
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £14700 Year 1
International £14700 Year 1

Additional fee information

For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).
Philosophy (with Foundation Year) at University of Winchester - UCAS