Philosophy (including Year Abroad)

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of fundamental philosophical questions and issues. This undergraduate program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary philosophy. Throughout the course, students will examine topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, engaging with texts and ideas from renowned philosophers across history. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, encouraging students to analyze complex problems and articulate well-reasoned arguments.

A distinctive feature of the Philosophy degree at Essex is the opportunity to spend a Year Abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultural and intellectual environments. This international experience enriches students' perspectives and enhances their academic and personal development. During the Year Abroad, students can study at partner institutions across Europe, North America, and beyond, gaining exposure to diverse philosophical traditions and teaching methods.

The course structure combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere. Students are encouraged to participate actively in philosophical debates and to develop their own philosophical questions and projects. The program also offers a range of optional modules, enabling students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether they lean towards ethics, logic, philosophical history, or contemporary issues.

Graduates of the Philosophy program at Essex are well-equipped for a variety of careers, including academia, law, journalism, public policy, and other fields requiring critical analysis and ethical judgment. The university’s emphasis on research-led teaching, combined with its vibrant academic community and global outlook, ensures students are prepared for the intellectual challenges of the modern world. The degree’s rigorous curriculum and international dimension make it an excellent choice for students seeking a deep and broad philosophical education with practical and global relevance.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

Our courses are characterised by choice and flexibility. Studying at Essex is about discovering yourself, so your course combines compulsory ('core') and optional modules to ensure you gain key knowledge in the discipline while having as much freedom as possible to explore your own interests. Our modules change from year to year in response to new developments and innovation, but our module directory can show you which modules are available to our current students.
Example structure
Because of our interdisciplinary approach, many of our courses offer a wide selection of available modules, often including options from departments other than your own. Your course content will therefore depend on your own unique interests, but the structure below gives an example of what’s available to you.
Year 1
Introduction to Philosophy (core)
Death, God and the Meaning of Life (optional)
The Enlightenment (optional)
Sex, Politics and Religion (optional)
Year 2
Conceptual Foundations of Modernity (core)
Ethics (optional)
Philosophy and Religion (optional)
Capitalism and its Critics (optional)
Philosophy and Film (optional)
Year 3
Year abroad

Year 4
19th Century Continental Philosophy (optional)
20th Century Continental Philosophy (optional)
Contemporary Political Philosophy (optional)
Freud and the Philosophy of the Unconscious (optional)
Nietzsche (optional)
Philosophy of Mind (optional)

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 program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in both traditional and contemporary areas of philosophical study. Designed to promote critical thinking, analytical skills, and clear argumentation, the course covers a wide range of topics including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, and the philosophy of mind. Students have the opportunity to explore classical philosophical texts as well as engaging with current debates and interdisciplinary approaches, fostering a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and their application to real-world issues.

The program often includes a Year Abroad option, allowing students to spend a dedicated period studying at an partner university overseas. This experience broadens students' cultural horizons, enhances language skills, and provides exposure to different philosophical traditions and academic environments. The Year Abroad is integrated into the curriculum, usually spanning the third year of study, and requires students to undertake coursework and assessments at the partner institution.

Students benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty members who are active researchers and published authors in their fields. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as effective communication, research methodology, and critical analysis, which are highly valued in various careers beyond academia. The University of Essex's vibrant intellectual community and resources, including its library and online learning platforms, support students throughout their studies.

Graduates from the Philosophy program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of fields, including law, education, public policy, business, journalism, and further academic research. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals, with options for specialization in areas like ethics and political philosophy or the philosophy of science.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering a collaborative academic environment. The program aims to cultivate not only knowledge and understanding but also the ability to think independently, argue convincingly, and reflect critically on complex issues. With the inclusion of the Year Abroad, students gain invaluable international experience, making them more competitive in global employment markets.

Overall, the Philosophy program at the University of Essex prepares students to become thoughtful, analytical, and open-minded individuals equipped with the skills necessary for a diverse and changing world. The program’s structure, support systems, and emphasis on experiential learning contribute to a fulfilling academic journey that opens many doors for future opportunities.