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Philosophy [with Foundation Year] at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Anglia Ruskin University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

18Jan
Anglia Ruskin University - Undergraduate Open Day - Chelmsford
Undergraduate
18Jan
ARU Peterborough - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate
18Jan
Anglia Ruskin University - Undergraduate Open Day - Cambridge
Undergraduate

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.
Careers Our BA (Hons) Philosophy graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including new media, recruitment, events management, marketing, charities, teaching, law or medicine (via a conversion course), the Civil Service, or local government. Some even set up their own independent businesses. Our degree course is designed to help you develop and think about the skills you need to enter your chosen career from day one. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, analysis and communication skills our philosophy students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team, and may develop attitudes and viewpoints that are much appreciated in the workplace. You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research by continuing on to a Masters degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees. Employability and personal career development Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules. You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge. Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications.

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)5.5With 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
75%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
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
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 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://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances
Philosophy [with Foundation Year] at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS