Philosophy

Our undergraduate BA Philosophy degree at the University of Birmingham will give you access to world-class talent in fields as diverse as Metaphysics, Philosophy of Psychiatry, Epistemology, Ethics (including Bioethics, Global Justice and the Ethics of Non-Violence), Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Mind.

Our academics offer a variety of modules which will allow you to customise your degree to match your interests. In the first year of your degree, you will focus on the fundamentals of western philosophy, including its history and contemporary concerns. In your second and final year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree course so that you can focus on the areas of Philosophy that interest you most.

You will also be taught by some of the finest minds in Philosophy as the department is first in the country for its performance in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average.

Why study this course?

BA Philosophy right for you if...

You want to get a head start in the graduate market - take advantage of our work-based placements and employability focused modules and enter the workplace with the skills required to shape the digital and creative agendas of the future.

You value the flexibility to tailor your degree - the number of optional modules on offer will allow you to specialise more as you progress through your degree course so that you can study areas of the discipline that interest you most.

You're ready to join a vibrant and enthusiastic community - enjoy access to a student experience team who co-ordinates regular coffee mornings for staff and students, visiting speakers, specialist lectures, and a variety of trips.

You're aiming to lead the discourse - the Department's position at the forefront of philosophical discussion and debate will prepare you to build and support your argumentation, developing transferable skills that appeal to employers.

You want to study a degree with a focus for contemporary issues - at the University of Birmingham, the focus is on philosophy with real-world relevance, so you'll be delving into current topics such as mental health, sex, applied ethics, sustainability and more.

11th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025

64th for Arts and Humanities in the QS World Subject Rankings 2024

First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.