Philosophy and Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about human existence, society, and the nature of knowledge. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical ideas and sociological theories. Students will examine a wide range of topics, including ethics, political philosophy, social structures, cultural diversity, and contemporary social issues. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for independent research, encouraging students to engage with complex concepts and develop their own well-informed perspectives. Taught by experienced academics renowned for their research and teaching, the programme integrates theoretical foundations with real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse careers in areas such as public policy, social research, education, journalism, and further academic study. The programme emphasizes both individual reflection and collective inquiry, fostering an environment where students can debate ideas openly and critically. Throughout the course, students will benefit from the university’s strong links with local communities and organizations, offering practical experience and potential placements. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies according to their interests, choosing optional modules in areas like gender studies, political activism, or environmental ethics. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant academic community provide an inspiring setting for intellectual growth. By the end of the programme, graduates will possess a nuanced understanding of philosophical debates and sociological phenomena, along with the analytical skills necessary to address complex societal challenges. This degree aims to equip students not only with knowledge but also with the ability to think critically, argue effectively, and contribute thoughtfully to society.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Philosophy;
Sociology and the Modern World;
Death, God and the Meaning of Life or one first-year option; and
one first-year option

Year 2

Conceptual Foundations of Modernity or one philosophy option(s);
Continuity and Controversy in Sociology;
Nineteenth-Century Continental Philosophy;
one sociology option; and
one philosophy half-option

Year 3

Current Disputes in Sociology;
two philosophy options; and
one philosophy or sociology option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Philosophy and Sociology program at the University of Essex offers students the opportunity to explore two fundamental disciplines that are key to understanding human society and thought. This joint honors course is designed to provide a comprehensive education that combines rigorous philosophical analysis with an insightful understanding of sociological theories and practices. Students will engage with classic and contemporary philosophical texts, fostering critical thinking and intellectual flexibility. Simultaneously, they will study sociological concepts, research methods, and social issues, gaining a nuanced perspective on society, culture, and social change. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to develop connections between philosophical ideas and sociological phenomena, which enhances their analytical skills and prepares them for various careers or further academic pursuits. Throughout the course, students benefit from access to the university's extensive resources, including expert faculty members with expertise in both philosophy and sociology. They also have opportunities to participate in research projects, seminars, and conferences, enriching their academic experience. The coursework is structured to build from foundational topics in the first year, progressing to more specialized modules in the second and third years, culminating in a research project or dissertation. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in public policy, social research, education, journalism, or further postgraduate study in related fields. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning according to their interests, combining core modules with elective options. Located in the vibrant academic environment of the University of Essex, students also benefit from modern facilities, supportive academic staff, and a diverse student community. The university's commitment to research-led teaching ensures that the program stays current with ongoing debates and developments in philosophy and sociology, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about understanding human thought and social structures.