Course summary

With our BA Philosophy course, you'll examine some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong, and challenge society's views about them. Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. We will give you an understanding of the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy. Philosophy is a flexible degree allowing you to shape your studies to your interests. You take six modules in your first year and only one is compulsory: Reason and Argument will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. You can also select modules from outside the department. In years two and three you will have the opportunity to explore your chosen topics in more depth, with modules such as Ethics and Animals, Philosophy of Crime and Punishment and Philosophy of Religion. We achieved a 96% overall satisfaction score for BA Philosophy in the National Student Survey, 2020. You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students. You will be encouraged to undertake work placements, and there is the opportunity to study abroad in your second or third year. Placement We encourage you to take placements as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience. You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your final year studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals. Other students have chosen to study abroad for one term in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia. Careers Philosophy will give you a range of transferable skills. In particular, skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing. Recent graduates have found employment in the Civil Service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government, and recent employers have included the Ministry of Defence, Cambridge University Press, local authorities and other universities. 92% of graduates from the Department of Philosophy are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18; First Degree responders from Philosophy). Around one in four of our students continue their studies, including conversion courses and teacher training.

Course details