Program Overview

Philosophy BA

Overview

Philosophy trains you to argue persuasively and think deeply. You might be full of curiosity and wonder, anger and confusion, or a desire to make sense of yourself and the world. Philosophy covers all these bases and more.

At Nottingham, you’ll be introduced to the essentials of ethics, reasoning and logic while also expanding your sense of what philosophy can do. With our wide range of optional modules, you’ll be able to tailor your degree to the topics which interest you most, while also learning how to apply your knowledge in real world situations, developing your communication, project planning, and presentation skills.

Key Information

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• UCAS Code: V500
• Fees: £9,535* (UK undergraduate students)
• Qualification: BA Hons
• Entry Requirements: AAB
• Start Date: September 2026

Course Structure

• Year 1: Introduction to Philosophical Traditions, Introduction to Practical Philosophy, Introduction to Theoretical Philosophy
• Year 2: Applying Contemporary Philosophical Research A and B, plus optional modules
• Year 3: Optional modules, including Advanced Topics in Modern Philosophy, Advanced Topics in Moral Philosophy, and Philosophy Independent Project Module

Optional Modules

• Year 1: Being Human A and B, Gender, Justice, and Society, Metaphysics, Science, and Language, Philosophy of Religions, and more
• Year 2: Aesthetics, Africana Philosophies and Religions, Applied Ethics, Buddhism and the World, and more
• Year 3: Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy, Authenticity and Existentialism, Elegance and Simplicity in Science, and more

Research Areas

• Philosophy of Mind and Psychology: Mind, Psychology and Mental Health, Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
• Ethics and Moral Philosophy: Advanced Topics in Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Life and Living, Topics in Metaethics
• Political Philosophy: Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Criminal Law
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art: Aesthetics, Philosophy of Art

Tuition Fees

• UK undergraduate students: £9,535*
• International students: £23,000 per year

Additional Costs

• Books: £100 per year
• Volunteering and placements: transport and refreshments
• Language study: optional

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Faculty of Arts Alumni Scholarships: support with essential living costs
• University of Nottingham bursaries and scholarships: additional source of non-repayable financial help
• International undergraduate scholarships: for high-achieving international scholars

Careers

• Graduate profiles: philosophy graduates have gone on to work in law, politics, the media, education, the charity sector, business, management, and the arts
• Career-ready skills: analytical reasoning, articulating complex arguments, constructive criticism, and presentation skills
• Job prospects: 78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation

Campus

• University Park Campus: 300 acres, green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities
• Sustainability: national Green Flag award every year since 2003

Help and Support

• Student services: health and wellbeing, digital services, Moodle, library
• Staff: working here, wellbeing, digital services, vacancies
• Alumni: community, connect, donate

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