Philosophy and Computing

The BSc Philosophy and Computing programme at the University of Kent offers a unique interdisciplinary education that combines the critical thinking and analytical skills of philosophy with the technical understanding of computing. This innovative course is designed for students who are curious about the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and ethics, as well as those interested in the development and application of computer technology. Throughout the programme, students will explore diverse philosophical topics such as logic, epistemology, ethics, and the philosophy of mind, alongside computer science subjects including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development. The curriculum encourages students to engage with contemporary issues at the intersection of technology and philosophy, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, privacy, and the ethical use of algorithms. The programme aims to develop critical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and technical competence, preparing graduates for careers in areas like software engineering, data analysis, technological consultancy, or further academic study. Students will benefit from the university’s strong links with industry and research centres, providing practical experience and opportunities for collaborations on innovative projects. The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, supported by expert faculty members who are active researchers in their fields. The university’s emphasis on versatile skills and interdisciplinary learning ensures that graduates are well-equipped to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape and to contribute thoughtfully to societal debates about technology’s impact on everyday life. With dedicated support services, modern facilities, and a vibrant academic community, the Philosophy and Computing programme at the University of Kent offers a rigorous and enriching educational experience for students passionate about understanding the foundations of human thought and harnessing computing technology for societal benefit.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

LL310 - Foundations of Language 1: Sounds and Words

LL311 - Foundations of Language 2: Structure and Meaning

PL302 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Metaphysics

PL303 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics

PL310 - Introduction to Philosopy: Logic and Reasoning

PL315 - Philosophical Reading and Writing (core)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

PL584 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant

PL588 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL595 - Metaethics

PL596 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL598 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

PL599 - Wittgenstein

PL601 - Philosophy of Religion

PL602 - Philosophy of Language

PL604 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Langauge

PL605 - Logic

PL606 - Philosophy of Science

PL608 - Paradoxes

PL609 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

PL610 - Aesthetics

PL618 - Political Philosophy

PL640 - Normative Ethics

PL620 - Justice, Violence and the State

PL625 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

PL628 - Continental Philosophy: Subject, Identity and the Political

PL638 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche

LL538 - First Language Acquisition

LL539 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 1

LL512 - Language Processing

LL513 - Language Variation and Change

LL518 - Stylistics: Language in Literature

LL519 - Syntax 1

LL521 - Research Skills - ELL

LL522 - Morphology

LL524 - History of British English

LL525 - The Study of Speech

LL530 - Writing In The Media: A Practical Approach

LL531 - Atypical Language

LL532 - Learning and Teaching Languages

LL533 - Topics in Pragmatics

LL534 - Semantics and Pragmatics

LL536 - English Language in the Media

LL537 - English Language in the Media 2

LL540 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 2

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

PL639 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche

PL629 - Continental Philosophy: Subject , Identity and the Political

PL621 - Justice, Violence and the State

PL624 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

PL641 - Normative Ethics

PL619 - Political Philosophy

PL514 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant

PL526 - Aesthetics

PL552 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL569 - Metaethics

PL570 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL572 - Greek Philosophy:Plato and Aristotle

PL573 - Wittgenstein

PL575 - Philosophy of Religion

PL576 - Philosophy of Language

PL578 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Language

PL579 - Logic

PL580 - Philosophy of Science

PL582 - Paradoxes

PL583 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

LL540 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 2

LL599 - Dissertation

LL537 - English Language in the Media 2

LL536 - English Language in the Media

LL534 - Semantics and Pragmatics

LL533 - Topics in Pragmatics

LL532 - Learning and Teaching Languages

LL531 - Atypical Language

LL530 - Writing In The Media: A Practical Approach

LL525 - The Study of Speech

LL524 - History of British English

LL522 - Morphology

LL521 - Research Skills - ELL

LL519 - Syntax 1

LL518 - Stylistics: Language in Literature

LL513 - Language Variation and Change

LL512 - Language Processing

LL539 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 1

LL538 - First Language Acquisition

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level: ABB

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 16 points at Higher Level

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The Philosophy and Computing programme at the University of Kent offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to explore the fundamental questions of philosophy alongside the rapidly evolving field of computing. This programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of philosophical traditions, critical thinking, and the technical principles underlying computer science and digital technologies. Throughout the course, students engage with core topics such as logic, ethics, the philosophy of mind, artificial intelligence, and computational theory, gaining insights into how philosophical issues intersect with technological innovation. The programme aims to develop analytical and problem-solving skills that are essential for careers in academia, technology, and related industries. Students benefit from a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, often involving coding exercises, philosophical debates, and research projects. The interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to critically analyze emerging technologies, contribute to ethical discussions surrounding computing, and pursue further study or careers in areas such as software development, data analysis, AI research, or philosophy of technology. The University of Kent emphasizes research-led teaching, ensuring students have access to expert faculty members actively engaged in current debates and innovations. The programme is suitable for students with interests in both philosophical inquiry and computing technologies, providing a unique pathway to understand complex issues such as digital ethics, consciousness, and the impact of automation on society. Depending on the chosen pathway or specialization, students may also have opportunities for placements, internships, or research collaborations with industry and academic partners. Graduates of the programme are equipped to contribute thoughtfully and ethically in various technological fields, with a deep understanding of the philosophical implications of digital advancements.