Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of London offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality. This programme is designed for students who wish to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical ideas from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Whether you are new to philosophy or have some background in the subject, our flexible evening classes allow for in-depth study alongside work and other commitments. Throughout the course, students will examine key philosophical topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of mind. The programme provides a strong foundation in logical reasoning and argumentation, enabling students to critically analyze complex texts and articulate well-structured arguments. It also encourages exploration of how philosophical concepts apply to contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, environmental challenges, social justice, and human rights. Our expert faculty members are active researchers who bring their insights and latest developments into the classroom, fostering an intellectually stimulating environment. The programme includes a variety of assessment methods, including essays, presentations, and exams, tailored to support individual learning styles and goals. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in education, research, public policy, journalism, or further postgraduate study. The flexible structure of the course, with part-time study options, makes it accessible to a diverse range of students, including working professionals. Studying philosophy at Birkbeck not only develops your intellectual and analytical skills but also enhances your understanding of the world and your place within it, preparing you for a variety of professional and academic pursuits.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline 1 October in the year before you intend to sit your first examinations Tuition fee- GBP 2188 Year (EEA)
You have 3-8 years to complete the BA degree and 2-5 years to complete the Dip HE or 1-5 years for Cert HE. Fees are payable as you progress rather than as a single lump sum. The following are examples of University fees for the whole programme of study: £4,376 for the BA, £3,046 for the Dip HE and £1,716 for the Cert HE. Please note that these examples are calculated using current fees for 2014-15, do not reflect any annual change to fees and assume completion in the minimum time permitted. For the Individual course 'Introduction to Philosophy' the fee is £486.
Start date August 2015 Duration full-time 24 months Languages Take an IELTS test- English
Course Content
Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy
The BA in Philosophy consists of twelve courses. Take four courses from level 4, four from level 5 and four from level 6 to include the dissertation.
Diploma of Higher Education in Philosophy
The Dip HE in Philosophy consists of eight courses. Take four courses from level 4 and choose four from level 5.
Certificate of Higher Education in Philosophy
The Cert HE in Philosophy consists of four courses from level 4.
Level 4
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Ethics: historical perspectives
- Epistemology
- Logic
Level 5
- Greek philosophy: Plato and the Pre-Socratics
- Modern philosophy: Descartes, Locke, Berkeley and Hume
- Ethics: contemporary perspectives
- Metaphysics
- Methodology: Induction, reason and science
Level 6
- Modern philosophy: Spinoza, Leibniz and Kant
- Greek philosophy: Aristotle
- Continental philosophy: Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
- Aesthetics
- Philosophy of language
- Philosophy of mind
- Political philosophy
- Philosophy of religion
Dissertation
Dissertation - PhilosophyAdditional information
If you successfully complete the Cert HE in Philosophy you can progress to either the Dip HE or the BA in Philosophy.
The course Introduction to philosophy is available to study on a stand-alone basis as an individual course.
If you take Introduction to philosophy as an individual course and obtain a pass mark of 50 or above, you will qualify to register for the Cert HE in Philosophy and to be credited with the course.
Levels 4, 5 and 6 refer to qualification descriptions given in the framework for higher education qualifications (FHEQ).
Requirements
To be eligible for the BA or Diploma of Higher Education in Philosophy you must normally* be aged 17 or above by the 30 November in the year of registration and satisfy the Universitys General Entrance Requirements.
To be eligible for the Certificate in Higher Education in Philosophy you must normally* be aged 18 or above by the 1 September at the time of registration have passed the equivalent of at least three separate subjects at UK GCSE/GCE O level (at not less than grade C).
You do not have to hold formal qualifications to register for for the individual course 'Introduction to philosophy' . However, you are required to satisfy the Universitys English language requirements as outlined below and normally* be aged 18 or above by the 1 September in the year of registration. If you take Introduction to Philosophy as an individual course and pass with at least 50% you will normally be accepted onto the Certificate of Higher Education in Philosophy and will be credited with this course.
* Applications will be considered from applicants who do not meet the normal minimum age requirement for admission. Each application will be considered on an individual basis, and the decision taken at the discretion of the University of London.
If you are not automatically eligible then you will be individually considered by the University of Londons Special Admissions Panel. The Special Admissions Panel will consider qualifications which are not published under the Qualifications for Entrance Schedule, incomplete qualifications (e.g. diplomas / degrees) and substantial relevant work experience. If we cannot accept you with your current qualifications and experience, we will advise you what qualifications you could take in order to become eligible in the future.
English language requirement
The language of instruction, reading and assessment is English. To succeed on our programmes you need a good level of competence in English. If you doubt your ability in written or spoken English we advise you take a course and test in English language before enrolling on the programme.
Required standard of English
You will usually meet the English language requirement for undergraduate programmes if you:
- hold a UK GCSE / GCE O level in English at grade C or above
- have five years secondary schooling taught solely in English or have passed GCE A levels or IB in essay-based subjects
- have passed an International Foundation programme that permits entry onto a recognised UK bachelor degree
- hold a full Postgraduate award, or a full first degree or Associate degree taught and examined in English from an institute that is acceptable to the University
have passed, within the past three years, an Associate degree, Diploma or Higher Diploma awarded by an acceptable institute / polytechnic / university in Hong Kong, Malaysia or Singapore, or have passed, within the past three years, a test of proficiency in English language from an organisation acceptable to the University.
Where an applicant does not meet the required English language level but believes they can demonstrate the required level for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.
Please note if an applicant satisfies one of the above conditions yet provides evidence of a test of proficiency in English language, awarded within the past three years, which is below the Universitys minimum requirements then they will be required to retake such a test before being offered admission.
Accreditation of prior learning
If you have studied a syllabus as part of a previous qualification which is comparable in level, content and standard, you might not have to take a particular course as part of your University of London International Programmes degree if we believe that the subject has been covered to the same breadth and depth. This is called Accreditation of prior learning or APL. It is also sometimes known as Credit Transfer or Exemption.
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 London.
The Philosophy program at Birkbeck, University of London offers students the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, mind, language, and reality through a rigorous and flexible curriculum. This program is designed for students who wish to engage critically with philosophical ideas from historical and contemporary perspectives. It provides a strong theoretical foundation, enabling students to develop analytical and argumentative skills essential for a wide range of careers and further academic pursuits. The course structure includes modules on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, and logic, among others. Students have access to a diverse faculty of experienced philosophers and benefit from the university's emphasis on evening and part-time study, making it an excellent option for mature students, working professionals, or those with other commitments. The program encourages independent thinking, clear communication, and a deep understanding of philosophical issues, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, law, public policy, journalism, and beyond. Birkbeck’s philosophy department emphasizes research-led teaching, offering students opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that connect philosophical theory to real-world issues. The program also fosters a vibrant intellectual community, where students can engage in debates and collaborative learning with peers and distinguished faculty. Graduates of the philosophy program at Birkbeck are well-equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them valuable contributors in various fields that require careful analysis and humane understanding. The program is typically offered as a part-time study option, allowing flexibility for students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Overall, Birkbeck’s philosophy course aims to cultivate thoughtful, reflective, and articulate individuals who are prepared to engage with complex ideas and societal challenges.
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