Philosophy

The Philosophy undergraduate program at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. Rooted in a rich intellectual tradition that spans ancient to modern philosophy, this course provides rigorous training in critical thinking, logical analysis, and persuasive argumentation. Students will engage with a wide range of philosophical texts and ideas, from classic works by Plato and Aristotle to contemporary debates in metaphysics and epistemology. The program encourages students to develop their own philosophical perspectives while critically examining existing theories and positions. Throughout the course, learners will participate in lectures, seminars, and tutorials led by renowned scholars in the field, fostering an engaging and interactive academic environment. The curriculum is designed to build analytical skills and foster clarity of thought, which are essential for a wide variety of careers in academia, law, public policy, and beyond. In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as moral philosophy, philosophy of mind, logic, or the history of philosophy, tailoring their studies to their interests and future ambitions. The program emphasizes the importance of original research and independent thinking, preparing students for postgraduate study or professional pathways that benefit from critical reasoning and persuasive communication. Graduates of the Philosophy program at Cambridge will join a prestigious community of alumni who have contributed significantly to various fields of human inquiry, demonstrating the enduring relevance and vital importance of philosophical inquiry.

Much of the teaching takes the form of lectures, with additional classes for some subjects (such as first-year Logic).

You have weekly supervisions, for each of which you’re given topical reading and asked to write an essay which you then discuss with your supervisor. Although it varies throughout the year, each week you typically have between six and 12 lectures, and between one and three supervisions and/or small classes.

Assessment is predominantly by written examinations. However, in Parts IB and II one written examination can be substituted with two extended essays of 3,000-4,000 words. Part II offers the additional alternative of submitting a dissertation of 6,000-8,000 words on a subject of your choice.

Year 1 (Part IA)

The course is designed to accommodate the many students studying philosophy for the first time.

In the first year, you acquire the reasoning skills that enable you to tackle philosophical problems and to think intelligently about abstract questions generally, not just gather information about who said what. Therefore, you’re encouraged to approach topics in your own way and we organise regular discussion groups for first- and second-year students.

Part IA gives you an introduction to philosophy through the study of four core compulsory papers:

• Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind
• Ethics and Political Philosophy
• Logic
• Set Texts, such as Plato’s Meno, Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy and J S Mill’s On Liberty and The Subjection of Women

Year 2 (Part IB)

Years 2 and 3 focus on areas that particularly interest you. Part IB is about exploring the philosophical aspects of a range of issues, both practical and theoretical.

There are two compulsory papers:

• Metaphysics and Epistemology
• Logic

You then choose two further subjects from:

• Ethics
• Greek and Roman Philosophy (from Classics)
• Early Modern Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• Political Philosophy
• Experimental Psychology (from Natural Sciences, involving practical work)

Year 3 (Part II)

Our objective in Part II is to provide you with an understanding of various contemporary debates and to familiarise you with current philosophical concepts. Lectures explore current and new positions on debates, and you participate in seminar discussions on advanced subjects.

There are no compulsory papers and you choose four from an extensive range of subjects. These include most of those mentioned above, studied at a more advanced level, as well as several papers covering new areas. Papers recently available include:

• European Philosophy from Kant
• Mathematical Logic
• Philosophical Logic
• Aesthetics
• Philosophy in the Long Middle Ages

In addition, there may be a Special Subject which changes from time to time (for 2015-16, the Special Subject is Wittgenstein). It’s also possible to take one or two papers from another course, such as Classics or Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion.

• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• EU students – a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving examination (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable.
• A Level: A*AA
  IB: 40-41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
• All applicants for Philosophy are required to take a written assessment at interview, if interviewed.

Scholarships

• Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust awards

Philosophy at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, reason, ethics, and the nature of reality. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical traditions from ancient to contemporary thought. Students are exposed to a broad range of topics including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and political philosophy. The curriculum features a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, providing personalized academic guidance.

The philosophy program at Cambridge is renowned for its distinguished faculty, many of whom are leading figures in their fields. Students have the opportunity to engage in original research, participate in seminars with visiting scholars, and attend conferences and workshops that enhance their academic experience. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, science, and the arts to enrich philosophical inquiry.

Students enrolled in the course benefit from Cambridge's historic and vibrant academic community. The university's library system provides access to extensive philosophical texts, journals, and resources necessary for in-depth study. The program prepares graduates for various career paths including academia, law, politics, public policy, business, and other fields requiring analytical skills and reasoned judgment.

The course duration for the undergraduate Philosophy program is typically three years for a BA degree, with options for joint honours or specializations available. The program's assessment methods include written examinations, essays, and oral presentations. Admission criteria emphasize academic excellence, particularly in subjects such as Mathematics, Latin, Greek, or other relevant disciplines, reflecting the university’s tradition of rigorous intellectual training. Overall, Cambridge's Philosophy program offers a distinguished educational experience that combines historical depth, critical inquiry, and methodological rigor, equipping students with essential skills for intellectual and professional pursuits.