Course summary

Develop your thinking skills through a distinctive combination of imagination and exact reasoning. This single honours course will give you a solid understanding of the foundation of the discipline, along with a great degree of flexibility to tailor your degree to your own interests. Interrogate the pillars of society, our mental constructs and build intellectual skills that you’ll draw on for the rest of your life and career. Thinking philosophically requires a distinctive mix of imagination and exact reasoning. You'll develop this along with analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual flexibility. Studying thinkers from many branches – analytic, continental, pragmatist, and Chinese philosophy – you’ll learn about a wide variety of philosophical areas, identify links between different disciplines and forge your own ideas. From a strong general understanding in year one, you’ll be free to construct your own, highly personalised pathway, choosing modules as varied as the nature of the mind and the value of art based on your interests, with opportunities for individual projects and work placements. Why study this course?

• Top 100 in the world for Philosophy QS World Rankings 2023 - learn from world-leading staff, teaching an exceptionally diverse range of modules.

• An immersive experience - regular opportunities to get involved in the activities and events put on by the department, from annual conferences to regular reading groups.

• Take on the big issues - work with the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, researching areas of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics.

• Outside lectures - join our award-winning, student-led volunteering project Philosophy in the City and introduce school children to philosophical ideas they can apply to everyday life.