Course summary
Our Philosophy degree introduces you to major philosophical theories and debates across different traditions and cultures and examines what it means to be human, how we should live, and the nature of reality itself. It addresses these issues from a range of historical and contemporary perspectives. It has a strong practical focus, which encourages students not only to understand the world around them, but also to work out how to change it for the better. As a Philosophy student, you will explore fundamental questions concerning knowledge, reality, truth, morality, politics, human nature, and logic. You will learn about thinkers and theories from the ancient Greek world through to the present day. The programme encourages students to apply philosophical ideas to contemporary moral, social and political issues, and debates, demonstrating the importance of philosophy to our daily lives and society in general. You will also develop key transferable skills which will open up a wide range of career opportunities. Philosophy at Swansea is ranked: 1st in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2024) 1st in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024) *Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024, when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide *Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024, when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide Philosophy equips students with key intellectual skills that are much sought-after by many employers. These include critical and creative thinking, logical problem-solving, open-mindedness and effective information analysis. Philosophy graduates can look at careers in human resources (HR), finance and marketing, public relations (PR) and sales. They are also well-equipped for the civil service and teaching.
Modules
Key modules include: Ethics and Moral Philosophy: What makes an action morally wrong or right? Are animals our moral equals? Is morality relative to different cultures? Are abortion or euthanasia morally permissible? Should we be able to genetically-engineer our children? Metaphysics: Does time exist? How do objects persist through change? What is the nature of “truth”? Is the mind distinct from the body? Political Philosophy: What is a “just” society like? How should resources and opportunities be distributed in society? To what extent is government justified in interfering with our lives? Do we have duties to future generations? Epistemology: How can we be certain that our beliefs are true? Is our knowledge of reality shaped by our language? Is truth relative to different cultures? Can we know the world as it is in itself? Philosophy of Mind: What is the nature of consciousness? How can our thoughts control our physical actions? Could a machine ever be self-conscious and/or sentient? What makes you “you”? How can we know what other people’s minds are like? Existentialism: What does it mean to live an “authentic” life? Are we radically free and, if so, how should we live our lives? Is our experience of the world shaped by the body we have? How do and should we relate to other people?
Assessment method
We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include: • Presentations • Group Work • Original Writing Throughout your undergraduate Philosophy degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-philosophy or get in touch with us at [email protected]
How to apply
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:
- S93
- Campus name:
- Singleton Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
A level - BBB
Access to HE Diploma - D: 21 credits M: 24 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H3, H3
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English Language Requirements at Swansea University
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Sponsorship information
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/scholarships/ Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/academi-hywel-teifi/learn/scholarships/
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP