Philosophy and Film

The Philosophy and Film programme at the University of Kent offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines the rigorous analytical methods of philosophy with the creative and cultural insights of film studies. This degree is designed for students who are passionate about exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality, while also engaging critically with the art and industry of cinema. Throughout the course, students will delve into philosophical theories from ancient to contemporary thinkers, develop skills in logical reasoning, and apply these concepts to analyze various genres and themes in film. The programme encourages students to think critically and creatively, fostering an understanding of how philosophical ideas influence and are reflected in film narratives, aesthetics, and production processes. Students will have the opportunity to study core modules such as Fundamentals of Philosophy, Ethical Theory, and Philosophy of Mind, alongside specialized modules like Film Analysis and Cinema and Society. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, practical screenings, and interactive discussions to enhance learning and engagement. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for hands-on experience through film projects, critical writing, and research methods. By the end of the course, graduates will be equipped with excellent analytical skills, a deep understanding of philosophical and cinematic principles, and the ability to critically evaluate cultural and artistic phenomena. The programme prepares students for careers in areas such as media, arts, education, research, and beyond, or for further academic study at postgraduate level. With experienced faculty members, supportive learning environments, and ties to cultural institutions, the University of Kent provides an inspiring setting for exploring the intersection of philosophy and film and developing skills relevant to diverse professional fields.

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 Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible 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:

PL302 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Metaphysics

PL303 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics

PL310 - Introduction to Philosopy: Logic and Reasoning

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SE586 - Ethnographies 1

SE587 - Ethnographies 2

SE588 - Advanced Social Anthropology I

SE589 - Advanced Social Anthropology II

PL584 - Knowledge and Metaphysics:Descartes-Kant

PL585 - Contemporary Theory of Knowledge

PL588 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL590 - Philosophies of Art

PL592 - Hegel and Marx

PL595 - Metaethics

PL596 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL598 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

PL599 - Wittgenstein

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

PL611 - Metaphysics

PL616 - Philosophical Issues in Quantum Mechanics

PL618 - Political Philosophy

PL627 - Philosophical Text 2

TH618 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

PL622 - Advanced Topics in Reasoning

PL625 - Philosophical Text 1

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

PL624 - Philosophical Text 1

PL623 - Advanced Topics in Reasoning

PL626 - Philosophical Text 2

TH617 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

PL619 - Political Philosophy

PL617 - Philosophical Issues in Quantum Mechanics

PL612 - Metaphysics

PL514 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant

PL526 - Aesthetics

PL527 - Contemporary Theory of Knowledge

PL552 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism

PL556 - Philosophies of Art

PL569 - Metaethics

PL570 - Philosophy of Medicine

PL572 - Greek Philosophy:Plato and Aristotle

PL573 - Wittgenstein

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

SE591 - Southern Mediterranean Societies: Mashriq andMaghreb

SE592 - The Ethnography of Central Asian Societies

SE601 - European Societies

SE547 - South East Asian Societies

SE579 - The Anthropology of Amazonia

SE583 - Pacific Societies

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B)

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

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 at HL with Philosophy 4 at HL or 5 at SL (where taken)

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

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 Film program at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to explore the complex relationship between philosophical inquiry and cinematic art. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts alongside an appreciation of film as a cultural and artistic form. Students will examine fundamental philosophical questions related to existence, knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics through the lens of cinema, engaging with both classic and contemporary films. The curriculum includes modules on the history of philosophy, logic, ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy, integrated with film studies, including analysis of film theory, genre, and history. The program encourages students to critically analyze films’ narratives, visual styles, and ideological messages, fostering skills pertinent to media critique and philosophical reflection. Throughout the course, students will develop the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, present well-argued essays, and participate in debates on diverse philosophical and cinematic topics. The program aims to prepare students for careers in academia, media, cultural criticism, or related fields, emphasizing intellectual flexibility and the capacity to interpret cultural artifacts. The lecturers involved are experts in their fields, bringing a combination of philosophical rigor and cinematic knowledge to the classroom. The program typically includes a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. There is an opportunity for students to undertake a final year dissertation focusing on a specific topic that combines philosophy and film studies. The University of Kent’s facilities, including access to film archives, multimedia lab resources, and a supportive academic community, enhance the learning experience. Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue careers in academia, journalism, screenwriting, and other creative industries, leveraging their interdisciplinary training to address a wide range of professional opportunities. Overall, the Philosophy and Film program at the University of Kent offers an intellectually stimulating environment for students passionate about understanding human thought, culture, and the power of film as a philosophical and artistic medium.