University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our undergraduate BA Philosophy degree at the University of Birmingham will give you access to world-class talent in fields as diverse as Metaphysics, Philosophy of Psychiatry, Epistemology, Ethics (including Bioethics, Global Justice and the Ethics of Non-Violence), Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Mind. Our academics offer a variety of modules which will allow you to customise your degree to match your interests. In the first year of your degree, you will focus on the fundamentals of western philosophy, including its history and contemporary concerns. In your second and final year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree course so that you can focus on the areas of Philosophy that interest you most. You will also be taught by some of the finest minds in Philosophy as the department is first in the country for its performance in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average. Why study this course? BA Philosophy right for you if... You want to get a head start in the graduate market - take advantage of our work-based placements and employability focused modules and enter the workplace with the skills required to shape the digital and creative agendas of the future. You value the flexibility to tailor your degree - the number of optional modules on offer will allow you to specialise more as you progress through your degree course so that you can study areas of the discipline that interest you most. You're ready to join a vibrant and enthusiastic community - enjoy access to a student experience team who co-ordinates regular coffee mornings for staff and students, visiting speakers, specialist lectures, and a variety of trips. You're aiming to lead the discourse - the Department's position at the forefront of philosophical discussion and debate will prepare you to build and support your argumentation, developing transferable skills that appeal to employers. You want to study a degree with a focus for contemporary issues - at the University of Birmingham, the focus is on philosophy with real-world relevance, so you'll be delving into current topics such as mental health, sex, applied ethics, sustainability and more. 11th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025 64th for Arts and Humanities in the QS World Subject Rankings 2024
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V500
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT