Philosophy [with Foundation Year]

Grapple with the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries by studying for our BA (Hons) Philosophy degree in the heart of Cambridge.

‘Who are we?’, ‘what can we know?’, and ‘what should we do to lead worthwhile lives?’ are just a few of the questions you’ll consider as you discover how great minds, past and present, have tried to answer them.

As a BA (Hons) Philosophy student at ARU, you'll understand both the history of philosophy, as well as cutting edge debates in contemporary philosophy, within areas such as the Philosophy of AI, Ethics and the Philosophy of Art.

Your studies will be supported by our expert philosophy lecturers, who offer one-to-one tutoring and personalised feedback. In the National Student Survey 2023, our Philosophy courses scored: 93% for Student Voice; 92% for the Teaching on my Course; 92% for Learning Opportunities; 90% for Assessment and Feedback; and 90% for Academic Support.

You’ll develop your problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills by analysing major philosophers’ ideas and arguments, developing your own views through rigorous, systematic and creative thought, and learning to use philosophical methods in your everyday life.

These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum ranking complex problem solving and critical thinking among the top ten skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.

There’s the chance to engage in philosophical discussions and debates through the student-led Philosophy Society, and attend events such as our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series.

You could also boost your employability by learning a language with our Anglia Language Programme, or studying abroad for a semester.

Outstanding student support

Join our student community and:

• benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources

• learn from inspiring tutors on a course ranked top in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Feedback’ (The Guardian University Guide 2021)

• access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Careers

Our BA (Hons) Philosophy graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including new media, recruitment, events management, marketing, charities, teaching, law or medicine (via a conversion course), the Civil Service, or local government. Some even set up their own independent businesses.

Our degree course is designed to help you develop and think about the skills you need to enter your chosen career from day one. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, analysis and communication skills our philosophy students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team, and may develop attitudes and viewpoints that are much appreciated in the workplace.

You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research by continuing on to a Masters degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications.

Year 1: Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Educations. Year 2 core modules: Ancient Philosophy; Reason and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophy; Political Thought; World Philosophies. Year 3 core modules: Ethics in Theory and Practice; Kant and the Empiricists; Mind and Consciousness; Ruskin Module. Year 3 optional modules: Philosophy of Art and Image; Descartes and the Rationalists; Anglia Language Programme; Professional Placement. Year 4 core modules: Knowledge, Truth and Doubt; Undergraduate Major Project - Philosophy. Year 4 optional modules: Nature and the Absolute; Concepts of Good and Evil; Issues in Modern Philosophy; Global Feminisms; Research Communication; Anglia Language Programme; Communication, Flesh, Philosophy. Modules are subject to change and availability.

We’ll assess your progress using a variety of methods likely to be used in the workplace, such as presentations, research projects, reviews, reports and portfolios, as well as more traditional essays and your final-year Major Project.