Course summary

Philosophy is the careful, critical, and reasoned engagement with a wide range of fundamental questions about human existence; about art, politics, justice, right and wrong, truth and knowledge, faith and reason. Here at Lancaster we approach these questions not only through the history of Western philosophy, examining figures such as Plato, Kant, Descartes and Nietzsche, but also through non-Western approaches to philosophy, and contemporary philosophical discussion of a wide range of topics. Lancaster is distinctive in two respects: a large proportion of our experts specialise in applied philosophy and contribute to discussions about public policy and the law, both nationally and internationally. a number of experts specialise in non-Western philosophy, including Indian and Islamic philosophical traditions. These two distinctions make Lancaster uniquely placed to provide a wide-ranging programme that is balanced and rounded, drawing on philosophies from around the world. We have a particular focus on how philosophy can be used in daily life, from government to education, international relations to well-being. Our lecturers are passionate about their specialisms and bring their latest research into their teaching. The degree covers many topics and approaches. As you advance into the degree, you increasingly have the opportunity to tailor the degree to your own interests by choosing from a wide range of modules. In your first year you will take three modules. The cornerstone is the core module Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality, which draws on a broad range of philosophical traditions and covers several areas of philosophy including metaphysics and epistemology. It will also develop your ability to reason and think clearly about the most fundamental questions of human existence. We’ll study both European and non-European sources. In the first year we also strongly recommend that you take the complementary module Moral and Political Philosophy. This will develop your ability to reason and think clearly about questions of how we ought to act and organise our lives together. You will also be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies. In the second year and final years you can choose from a broad range of options. The study abroad option is an exciting and informative experience for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university. In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a sustained investigation of a specific subject that interests you. This is the dissertation option, where you define a question with a member of academic staff, who will discuss the topic with you and advise you in your own research. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.