Philosophy

Philosophy at Durham University offers an intellectually stimulating and comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, beauty, and the nature of reality. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical ideas from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, and logic. The curriculum combines rigorous academic training with opportunities for independent research, encouraging learners to challenge assumptions and refine their own viewpoints.

Throughout the course, students benefit from world-class faculty who are active researchers in their fields, providing inspiring lectures, seminars, and personalized supervision. The programme emphasizes the importance of clear reasoning, persuasive argumentation, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, which are valuable skills for many careers beyond academia, such as law, journalism, public policy, and business. Students will have access to extensive library resources, engaging discussion groups, and collaborative projects that enhance their learning experience.

In addition to core modules, students can choose from a variety of optional courses that reflect the department’s diverse interests, including philosophy of science, philosophy of language, existentialism, and contemporary ethical issues. The programme encourages the development of independent thought and analytical precision, helping students to articulate their ideas clearly and convincingly. Graduates of the Philosophy programme at Durham are well-equipped for postgraduate study or a wide range of professional paths, benefiting from the university’s strong reputation for academic excellence and research innovation. Whether you are passionate about understanding the big questions of life or seeking to hone your critical reasoning skills, Durham’s Philosophy programme offers a rich and rewarding academic journey.

Content

The study of philosophy at Durham does not follow one particular school. The Department is unique in the UK in its wide-ranging expertise in Anglo-American analytical philosophy and Continental philosophy. Each of these has its own distinctive set of issues and approaches to resolving them. We also have special expertise in the philosophy of science, and social science, and the history of science and medicine. So at Durham you will follow one of the widest-ranging philosophy degrees in the country.

At Durham, you will have the opportunity to study Philosophy as a Single Honours degree, or with another subject including: English, Music, Psychology, Politics or Theology. Philosophy can also be combined in a Joint Honours degree within the Natural Sciences programme or as part of a Combined Honours degree.

Philosophy is a new subject for many students, so in your first year you follow a range of introductory courses, introducing the fundamental philosophical subject areas.

Year 1

In their first year, all Single and Joint Honours students take the core modules of Ethics and Values, Knowledge and Reality, and Reading Philosophy. The first two of these concern the two broad divisions of Philosophy, into Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge on the one hand, and Moral Philosophy on the other. Reading Philosophy is a text-based course which examines in depth classic works by writers such as Plato, Hume and Sartre. Single Honours students take in addition a module in logic, and one or two other modules in history and philosophy of science and medicine.

We have special expertise in the history and philosophy of science and medicine and you can take introductory courses in either (or both) of these subjects in your first year. The study of the history of science involves looking at the development of science as the way of explaining events in the natural world, and considering it critically as a belief system in relation to other belief systems and dogmas. The study of the philosophy of science raises philosophical questions about scientific method and about the various metaphysical assumptions upon which scientific theories depend.

Years 2 and 3

In the second and third years, students have a choice of a wide range of modules. In previous years these have included:

• Moral Theory
• Philosophy of Mind
• Modern Philosophy I and II
• Gender, Film and Society
• Theory, Literature and Society
• Issues in Contemporary Ethics
• Philosophy of Religion
• Political Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Language, Logic and Reality
• Twentieth Century European Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• The Philosophy of Economic and Politics: Theory, Methods and Values
• Victorian Science and Religion
• Applied Ethics
• Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science
• History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
• Biomedical Ethics Past and Present.

You will also have the opportunity to study a subject in depth, by writing a substantial Dissertation of your choice.

Study Abroad

We participate in exchange schemes through which you may spend a year of your studies abroad, either with universities in Europe – through the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme – or with the University of California.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• To study single honours Philosophy you must have AAA at A-level, or the equivalent, in arts or science subjects. Philosophy at AS or A level is not a requirement
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
• We consider each application holistically. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference. 
• An interview may form part of the entry requirements for mature students with non-standard qualifications.
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
• Please note we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Funding opportunities for the Philosophy undergraduate program at Durham University are diverse and designed to support students throughout their studies. International students may be eligible for a range of scholarships, including merit-based awards that recognize academic excellence in philosophy and related subjects. Domestic students can benefit from government-funded loans and grants, which cover tuition fees and living costs. Durham University offers several internal scholarships, such as the Durham University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic achievement and potential.

In addition, students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including national and regional bursaries, trust funds, and charity-based awards specific to philosophy or humanities disciplines. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for these funding sources and offers advice on budgeting and financial planning throughout the course duration.

Part-time employment opportunities are also available on-campus and within the Durham area, allowing students to supplement their income while gaining valuable work experience. Durham University’s strong links with local businesses and organizations facilitate a range of paid roles suitable for students balancing work and study commitments.

For international students, there are specific scholarships that support international fee costs and sometimes include additional stipends for living expenses. These awards often require detailed application processes and supporting documentation illustrating academic merit and financial need.

Students are also encouraged to consider the possibility of research grants and bursaries if they wish to pursue postgraduate studies after completing their undergraduate degree. Postgraduates in Philosophy may qualify for research funding from the university or external sources, which can significantly offset costs.

Overall, students admitted to the Philosophy program at Durham University have access to a comprehensive mix of financial support mechanisms aimed at minimizing barriers to higher education and ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically. The university continuously reviews and enhances its financial aid offerings to provide accessible education opportunities, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and inclusive education.

The Philosophy program at Durham University offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, ethics, and reasoning. Designed for students interested in critically examining the nature of reality and human thought, the course combines historical, analytical, and contemporary approaches to philosophical inquiry. Throughout the program, students engage with key thinkers from ancient Greece to modern philosophers, developing skills in logical analysis, argumentation, and academic writing. The curriculum includes core modules such as Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, and Philosophy of Mind, as well as optional modules that allow specialization in areas like Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, and Aesthetics. The program is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, fostering interactive discussion and independent research. Students have access to excellent university facilities, including dedicated philosophy libraries and study spaces. Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, and final examinations, aimed at nurturing critical thinking and clear expression. Opportunities for research projects, dissertation work, and engagement with active research staff further enhance the academic experience. Durham University’s philosophy department is renowned for its vibrant intellectual community, with a diverse student body and active participation in philosophical debates and conferences. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including academia, law, public policy, journalism, and other fields requiring analytical and ethical reasoning. Overall, Durham’s Philosophy degree provides students with a solid foundation in philosophical theories and practices, encouraging deep questioning, rigorous analysis, and the development of a well-rounded intellectual perspective.