Philosophy

University of Winchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

11Jun

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

6Jul

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

28Sep

University of Winchester - Open Day (2025 entry)

Undergraduate

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. In Year 1, 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. In Year 2, 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 Years 2 and 3, 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. Graduates enter a wide range of careers. Some students arrive with destinations in mind, including teaching (philosophy, religion or ethics), journalism, social work and academia, while others discover their vocation during the degree course. Other potential careers include working for NGOs and charities, where ethical issues are paramount, and employment in both the public and private sectors. Whatever your career plans are, this is a degree that develops you as an independent thinker, a close observer of society and a collaborative problem solver – that gives you lots of options.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

Course does not award QTS

How to apply

31Jan

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:: W76

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 - 104 - 120 points

Access to HE Diploma

GCSE/National 4/National 5

T Level - M

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). 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

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	An 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.

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

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
EU	£16700	Year 1
International	£16700	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).