This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2025.
Anglia Ruskin University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Grapple with the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries by studying for our BA (Hons) Philosophy degree in the heart of Cambridge. ‘Who are we?’, ‘what can we know?’, and ‘what should we do to lead worthwhile lives?’ are just a few of the questions you’ll consider as you discover how great minds, past and present, have tried to answer them. As a BA (Hons) Philosophy student at ARU, you'll understand both the history of philosophy, as well as cutting edge debates in contemporary philosophy, within areas such as the Philosophy of AI, Ethics and the Philosophy of Art. Your studies will be supported by our expert philosophy lecturers, who offer one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback. In the National Student Survey 2023, our Philosophy courses scored: 93% for Student Voice; 92% for the Teaching on my Course; 92% for Learning Opportunities; 90% for Assessment and Feedback; and 90% for Academic Support. You’ll develop your problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills by analysing major philosophers’ ideas and arguments, developing your own views through rigorous, systematic and creative thought, and learning to use philosophical methods in your everyday life. These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum ranking complex problem solving and critical thinking among the top ten skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. There’s the chance to engage in philosophical discussions and debates through the student-led Philosophy Society, and attend events such as our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series. You could also boost your employability by learning a language with our Anglia Language Programme, or studying abroad for a semester. Outstanding student support Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from inspiring tutors on a course ranked top in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Feedback’ (The Guardian University Guide 2021)
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Modules
Year 1: Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Educations. Year 2 core modules: Ancient Philosophy; Reason and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophy; Political Thought; World Philosophies. Year 3 core modules: Ethics in Theory and Practice; Kant and the Empiricists; Mind and Consciousness; Ruskin Module. Year 3 optional modules: Philosophy of Art and Image; Descartes and the Rationalists; Anglia Language Programme; Professional Placement. Year 4 core modules: Knowledge, Truth and Doubt; Undergraduate Major Project - Philosophy. Year 4 optional modules: Nature and the Absolute; Concepts of Good and Evil; Issues in Modern Philosophy; Global Feminisms; Research Communication; Anglia Language Programme; Communication, Flesh, Philosophy. Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment method
We’ll assess your progress using a variety of methods likely to be used in the workplace, such as presentations, research projects, reviews, reports and portfolios, as well as more traditional essays and your final-year Major Project.
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:
- V502
- Institution code:
- A60
- Campus name:
- Cambridge Campus
- Campus code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
5 GCSEs at grade D, or grade 3, or above and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3. If you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two years post-GCSE study requirement, but you still must meet the GCSE requirements. Applicants who do not meet the two years post GCSE study at level 3 may be considered based on their satisfactory employment history, which must be a minimum of two years full time employment supported by employer evidence and deemed appropriate by the University for meeting the course of study applied for.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | With minimum 5.5 in each component |
Equivalent English Language qualifications, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University, are also accepted.
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 | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | 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
https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances/undergraduate
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT