Course summary

Develop your independent practice, experience life in another country, and understand the theories and ideas behind contemporary art on our BA Art and Philosophy. Studying philosophy alongside art allows you to consider the medium from a range of perspectives. You will join a lively community at Reading School of Art and explore a vast range of media, experiment with emerging art forms, and develop as an artist. The studios are a busy place with events, screenings, performances and exhibitions happening regularly. You will receive a dedicated space, accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and a studio tutor to help develop your individual and professional practice. Trips to museums and art galleries help prompt thoughts on how art is displayed and received. You will gain professional experience by taking part in your own exhibitions, public art commissions and other events. Your teaching staff are all artists, curators and researchers of international standing and will encourage regular exhibitions and open debate. 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, in particular Indian philosophy. Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In following years you will explore a wide range of subjects and explore the overlap between art and philosophy. Placements and collaborations are actively encouraged and there is also the option to experience life in another country by studying abroad. Throughout your degree you will receive advice and guidance on your career development. Placement A great deal of importance is placed on real-world art experiences in work placements. Past students have enjoyed internships at Studio Voltaire and the Frieze Art Fair. Others have performed at the ICA, taken part in an Arts Council–supported film project at the Museum of English Rural Life and participated in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea. There are also several opportunities – across all our undergraduate courses - for you to study abroad at an international university. Institutions include the Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver, Canada; Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA; Monash University, Australia; and National Taiwan University of the Arts in Tapei, Taiwan; as well as Art Universities in Dijon, France; Zurich, Switzerland; Budapest, Hungary; and Tampere, Finland.