Philosophy (BA)

Subject Area: Philosophy

The Philosophy (BA) degree at Cardiff University is a three-year full-time program that delves into the key areas of philosophy, including morality, justice, knowledge, and belief. Students will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and work with lecturers who are leading researchers in their field.

Why Study This Course

This program allows students to follow their interests, think critically and independently, and shape the future by applying philosophical research to develop policies or strategies aimed at solving real-world social problems. Students will study at the frontiers of inquiry, analyzing contemporary research with staff who are leading researchers in their field. They will also develop skills and experience in shaping and presenting their ideas and arguments.

Course Structure

The program is divided into three years, with 120 credits of study in each year. The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2026/2027 academic year.

Year One

• Moral and Political Philosophy (SE4103, 20 credits)
• Philosophy Through Fiction and Film (SE4110, 20 credits)
• Mind, Language and Belief (SE4113, 20 credits)
• New Directions in Philosophy (SE4114, 20 credits)
• Reason and its Limits (SE4115, 20 credits)
• Writing at University and Beyond (SE6266, 20 credits)

Year Two

Students choose at least 2 modules from moral, political, and feminist philosophy, and at least two modules from philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of language, and epistemology.

• Political Philosophy (SE4443, 20 credits)
• Modern Moral Philosophy (SE4456, 20 credits)
• Philosophy of Feminism (SE4459, 20 credits)
• Contemporary Moral Philosophy (SE4463, 20 credits)
• Contemporary Epistemology (SE4444, 20 credits)
• Minds, Bodies, Worlds (SE4445, 20 credits)
• Philosophy of Language (SE4457, 20 credits)
• Philosophy of Psychology (SE4458, 20 credits)
• Damcaniaethu Cyfalafiaeth (SE4446, 20 credits)
• Ancient Philosophy (SE4453, 20 credits)
• Credoau'r Cymry (SE4454, 20 credits)
• French Existentialism (SE4455, 20 credits)
• Philosophical Aesthetics (SE4464, 20 credits)

Year Three

In the final year, students will be immersed in the research culture of philosophy and gain a deeper understanding of how current philosophical research can impact the world.

• Philosophy in Practice (SE4447, 20 credits)
• Dissertation in Philosophy (SE4385, 20 credits)
• Cyfiawnder Byd-eang (SE4394, 20 credits)
• Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru (SE4396, 20 credits)
• Ethics of Knowing (SE4422, 20 credits)
• Moral Responsibility (SE4426, 20 credits)
• A Sense of the Possible (SE4427, 20 credits)
• Paradoxes of Democracy (SE4432, 20 credits)
• Meaning Through Silence (SE4433, 20 credits)
• Aesthetic Injustice (SE4434, 20 credits)
• Reasons and Relationships (SE4438, 20 credits)
• Disruptive Emotions (SE4440, 20 credits)
• Speech Acts Online (SE4441, 20 credits)
• Ethics of Migration and Citizenship (SE4462, 20 credits)

Entry Requirements

The university accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3).

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status.

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: ｣9,535
  • Year two: ｣9,535
  • Year three: ｣9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: ｣24,700
  • Year two: ｣24,700
  • Year three: ｣24,700

Learning and Assessment

Throughout the degree, the aim is to support students to become independent, creative, and critical thinkers. Assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection.

Careers

Graduates from the Philosophy (BA) degree possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers. These include the ability to independently analyze complex problems, work effectively with others, communicate effectively, and use reflection and feedback to further develop skills. Graduates can be found in a variety of sectors, including the civil service, local government, charitable organizations, small businesses, consultancy firms, and schools and colleges.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.