Program Overview

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BA Philosophy with Placement Experience

The BA Philosophy with Placement Experience degree at the University of Reading is a four-year program that equips students with the ability to think logically, evaluate arguments critically, and challenge their own ideas and those of others. Students will gain an understanding of central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts, and figures.

Overview

This degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between the second and final year of study, providing students with real-world experience and transferable skills highly valued in the workplace. The program is taught by leading experts in the Department of Philosophy, with research strengths in moral philosophy and the philosophy of mind and language.

Professional Placement

The placement year is supported by a dedicated placement team, which helps students secure a placement, provides guidance during the placement, and assists with the transition back to university life. Students have completed placements in various organizations, including the House of Commons, the University of Reading, Microsoft, and Enterprise Mobility.

Placement Support

The university offers career planning support from the first year, helping students identify paid placements suited to their individual career interests. The placement coordinator reviews CVs and application forms, builds confidence for interviews, and prepares students for receiving feedback.

Developing Your Skills

The program enables students to become fully independent learners, able to reflect critically on their progress, strengths, and goals. Modules focus on developing skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and research, as well as independent learning and self-awareness.

Thought-Provoking Modules

The university offers a wide range of modules, including ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of law, philosophy of color, philosophy of film, and artificial intelligence. Students can choose diverse modules to broaden their knowledge or themed modules to focus their interests.

Assessment

There are no examinations for any modules offered in the Department of Philosophy. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, group work, and blog posts, aiming to support different learning styles and enable students to reach their highest potential.

Reading Internship Scheme (RIS)

Students can apply for a paid summer placement as part of the Reading Internship Scheme, which offers a wide variety of internships across multiple sectors. Internships provide transferable skills and a greater understanding of research methods.

Explore Another Perspective

Students can opt to study another subject alongside philosophy on joint degrees, with popular choices including History, Classical Studies, Politics, English Literature, and Psychology.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBB
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall
• Extended Project Qualification: recognized as part of a formal offer
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.0

Structure

The program consists of four years, with compulsory and optional modules in each year. The placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with valuable work experience.

Compulsory Modules

• Reason and Argument
• Great Works in Philosophy
• The Meaning of Life

Optional Modules

• Radical Philosophy
• Global Justice
• Philosophical Skills for Life
• Mind and World
• Optional Language Module

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: Ł9,790 (2026 entry)
• New international students: Ł25,850 (2026/27)
• Additional costs: field trips, extra resources, accommodation, and living costs

Careers

The program provides students with transferable skills, including clear thinking, logical analysis, and critical assessment of arguments. Graduates have found employment in various sectors, including the Civil Service, journalism, consultancy, finance, and local and central government. Around one in four students continue onto postgraduate study, including conversion courses and teacher training.

Career Support

The university's Careers team supports students with CV writing, placement applications, interview techniques, and career mentoring. The team also provides developmental workshops, career advice sessions, and recruitment events.