Philosophy Joint Honours

The Philosophy Joint Honours programme at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating education in one of the most fundamental disciplines of human thought. This interdisciplinary course combines the study of philosophy with a second subject, enabling students to develop a broad range of skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Throughout the programme, students explore core philosophical areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy, while also engaging with the perspectives and methodologies of their partner discipline, which could range from languages and literature to social sciences or sciences.

Designed to foster intellectual curiosity and analytical skills, the programme allows students to examine complex philosophical questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality, in conjunction with insights from their other field of study. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging students to critically evaluate ideas, construct well-reasoned arguments, and develop their own philosophical viewpoints. The programme also emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding philosophical developments, with modules covering significant philosophers and philosophical movements from antiquity to modern times.

Students benefit from access to the university’s excellent teaching facilities and resources, including libraries and online databases, as well as opportunities for conferences, workshops, and collaborations with academic staff and peers. The programme prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including law, education, journalism, public policy, and further postgraduate study. It aims to cultivate versatile graduates who are capable of clear reasoning, problem-solving, and ethical consideration in a variety of professional settings.

Overall, the Philosophy Joint Honours degree at Birmingham offers a rigorous and rewarding educational experience, fostering a deep understanding of philosophical ideas and their application within a broader academic context. It equips students with critical skills and knowledge necessary for meaningful engagement with complex issues in both academic and real-world environments, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse career paths and lifelong learning.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

Philosophy: First year modules include: Knowledge and Reality (what is the world like, and how, if at all, do we come to know about it?); History of Philosophy; Logic; and The Individual and Society (covering moral and political philosophy). There are also two seminar-only modules: Philosophical Texts I (where you learn how to analyse and criticise some texts on a variety of topics) and Independent Study I (where you learn essay writing and research skills and apply them by writing an essay on a philosophical topic of your choice).

Second year

Philosophy: In the second year, all students are given some freedom of choice, so you can pursue the topics and questions that interest and inspire you. Second year modulescurrently on offer include: Thought and Language; Topics in the History of Philosophy; Philosophy of Science; Philosophy of Mind; and Meta-ethics. There is also Philosophical Texts II, where you focus on a single classic book by a particular author (you will have a range of texts in different areas to choose from), and Independent Study II, which gives you the opportunity to further hone your essay writing skills and to write another essay on a question of your own devising.

Third year

Philosophy: In the final year there is even more choice of modules. Some areas (like ethics and metaphysics) will be familiar to you, but will be studied at a more advanced level; others, like the philosophy of Schopenhauer, will be new to you. Final year modulescurrently on offer include:

• Contemporary Moral Theory
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Psychology
• Issues in Contemporary Metaphysics
• Realism and Anti-Realism
• Philosophy of Language
• Schopenhauer
• Global Bio-Ethics

Another option is the Philosophical Project module, for which you research and write a dissertation with the help of a supervisor who advises you and generally guides you through the process.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

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

Requirements

-Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB-ABB

International Baccalaureate: 34-36 points

Required subjects and grades:

if Philosophy or Religious Studies are taken at A level, we will require at least a grade B in these subjects

Additional information:

Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two.
Other qualifications are considered

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

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 Birmingham.

The Philosophy Joint Honours programme at the University of Birmingham offers students a comprehensive education in philosophical thought, covering a wide range of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reason. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and debates. Students have the opportunity to study philosophy in conjunction with another arts or social science subject, fostering interdisciplinary approaches and a broader academic perspective. The curriculum includes core courses in logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, alongside modules tailored to the student's chosen joint subject. The programme encourages engagement with contemporary philosophical issues such as mind and consciousness, political philosophy, and scientific methodology, equipping graduates with skills applicable across various careers including law, journalism, public policy, and academia. Teaching methods involve lectures, seminars, and independent research, supported by access to excellent library resources and philosophy-specific facilities. Assessment is typically through essays, exams, presentations, and dissertation projects, aiming to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical argumentative skills. The university’s vibrant philosophy community offers numerous opportunities for participation in conferences, workshops, and public philosophers' talks, enhancing students' academic experience and professional development. The joint honours structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, balancing philosophical inquiry with other disciplines such as history, politics, or languages. Graduates of the programme acquire a rigorous intellectual foundation and transferable skills vital for diverse career paths, fostering critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. The programme's flexible options and supportive academic environment ensure that students are well-prepared for postgraduate study or entering the workforce with a highly regarded qualification.