Philosophy

The Philosophy program at University College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to construct and evaluate complex arguments, this program provides students with a thorough grounding in both the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophical debates. Students will engage with core areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, moral philosophy, political philosophy, and logic, gaining a broad understanding of the major issues that have shaped philosophical thought over centuries.

At UCL, the Philosophy program emphasizes both historical perspective and active participation in current philosophical research. Students have access to a wide range of modules that allow specialization in areas such as the philosophy of mind, language, science, and ethics, among others. The program encourages independent thinking through seminars, tutorials, and research projects, fostering skills that are highly valuable in various fields including academia, law, ethics, and public policy.

The department boasts a vibrant academic community with renowned scholars and researchers who contribute to cutting-edge philosophical discourse. Students benefit from close interaction with faculty, participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that enrich their learning experience. The program also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary study, enabling students to explore connections between philosophy and disciplines such as psychology, linguistics, history, and the natural sciences.

UCL’s Philosophy program emphasizes developing not just theoretical understanding but practical reasoning skills, critical analysis, and clear communication. The curriculum includes options for independent research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. Additionally, the program supports students in developing transferable skills—such as problem-solving, logical analysis, and persuasive writing—that are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Graduates of the Philosophy program at UCL have gone on to succeed in diverse careers, including academia, journalism, government, business, and non-governmental organizations. The program fosters a vibrant intellectual environment that challenges students to think deeply, question assumptions, and articulate complex ideas effectively. Whether you are interested in exploring the profound questions of human existence or preparing for a career in a related field, the Philosophy program at UCL provides an excellent foundation for academic and professional development.

The programme allows students to develop an advanced knowledge of problems in contemporary analytic philosophy, the history of philosophy and the study of value. It provides students with an understanding of a representative range of central philosophical debates and of the nature of philosophical problems, and encourages them to develop and defend their own viewpoint.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), six optional modules (90 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

These modules introduce students to graduate study in philosophy. Students will give short presentations on central topics and classic papers which form the basis of discussion.

• Research Preparation in Philosophy 1
• Research Preparation in Philosophy 2

Optional modules

Options may include the following: 

• Global Justice and Health
• Texts from Early Modern Philosophy: Hume
• Early Wittgenstein
• Epistemology
• Self-Knowledge
• Philosophy of Mind
• Moral Responsibility and Moral Dilemmas
• Kant
• Greek Philosophy
• Nineteenth Century Philosophy
• Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
• Metaphysics of Science
• The Self in Early Analytic Philosophy
• Sartre’s Philosophy
• Epistemology of Disagreement
• Equality
• Recent Work in Practical Philosophy
• Graduate Studies in the Philosophy of Language
• Perception and its History

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project in any area of philosophy taught and approved by the Department, leading to in a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught through a combination of seminars, lectures, and supervisions. Students' performance is assessed through examinations, presentations, coursework, and the dissertation.

A minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with a strong degree in a non-philosophical subject are welcome.

The Philosophy undergraduate program at University College London (UCL) offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. UCL is committed to making education accessible and affordable for diverse student populations. The university provides various sources of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, bursaries, and student loans. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as excellence in philosophical research or contribution to the university community. The UCL Student Funding Office manages numerous scholarship schemes, providing detailed information about eligibility and application procedures. Bursaries and financial support programs are also offered to students who demonstrate financial hardship, ensuring that capable students from all backgrounds can pursue their academic ambitions. In addition, students may access government-funded loans, such as the UK Student Loans for UK residents, which cover tuition fees and living expenses, with repayment plans contingent on income levels after graduation. International students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including scholarships from their home governments, international organizations, or private foundations. UCL's financial guidance services assist students in understanding their options and planning their finances effectively. The university also offers part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn while studying, thereby reducing financial strain. Overall, UCL's comprehensive approach to student financing aims to minimize financial barriers, enabling students to concentrate on their academic pursuits and make the most of their university experience without undue financial worry.

The Philosophy Bachelor's degree program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive education in classical and contemporary philosophical thought. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning, providing a strong foundation for careers in academia, law, journalism, public policy, and other disciplines. Students explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality through diverse modules that cover topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy.

UCL's Philosophy program emphasizes a rigorous academic approach, encouraging students to engage with complex texts and participate in lively discussions and debates. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and independent study, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and critical analysis. In addition to core courses, students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, logic, or applied ethics, tailoring their studies to personal interests and career aspirations.

The department benefits from a distinguished faculty comprising internationally recognized scholars who contribute to cutting-edge research and provide mentorship to students. The program also offers various extracurricular activities, such as philosophy societies, conferences, and guest lectures, enriching the student experience. Moreover, students have access to UCL’s extensive library resources, digital collections, and research facilities.

The BA Philosophy program at UCL typically takes three years full-time to complete and may include options for study abroad or internships, allowing students to gain international exposure and practical experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking, clarity of argument, and philosophical writing skills, preparing graduates for further postgraduate study or a variety of professional pathways. Overall, UCL’s Philosophy program combines a strong theoretical foundation with opportunities for practical application, making it a compelling choice for students passionate about exploring fundamental questions about human life and the universe.