Philosophy (with a Foundation Year)

The Philosophy degree program at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating course designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality. The programme offers a solid foundation in philosophical theories and contemporary debates, enabling students to explore diverse areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of mind.

The Foundation Year serves as an essential introduction for those who wish to pursue higher education in philosophy but do not yet meet the standard entry requirements. This year provides a thorough grounding in key philosophical concepts, enhancing students’ academic skills and confidence to excel in subsequent years of study. During the Foundation Year, students will engage with a variety of modules that introduce logical reasoning, critical analysis, and philosophical writing, ensuring they are well-prepared for the core components of the degree.

Throughout the three-year undergraduate course, students will have the opportunity to study a wide range of philosophical subjects, with options to specialize according to their interests. The programme emphasizes active participation in debates, research projects, and philosophical inquiry, fostering independent thinking and effective communication. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate arguments, develop their own perspectives, and articulate complex ideas clearly and convincingly.

The department boasts distinguished academics and researchers who bring their expertise into the classroom, providing students with insight into current philosophical research and debates. The university’s campus provides a vibrant intellectual environment, with access to extensive library resources, seminars, and conferences that enrich the learning experience.

Graduates of the Philosophy programme are well-equipped for careers in teaching, law, journalism, public policy, and numerous other fields that value analytical and ethical reasoning skills. The programme also lays a strong groundwork for postgraduate study in philosophy or related disciplines, fostering lifelong skills in inquiry and reflection. Overall, the University of East Anglia’s Philosophy with Foundation Year offers an engaging, supportive environment for students eager to explore fundamental questions about human thought and the nature of reality.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 16800 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students: £9,000. International Students: £14,400

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Level 0: The Foundation Year is an intensive course where you will study alongside students who aim to progress on to a variety of degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. With an average of 18 guided learning hours per week you will participate in lectures, seminars, reading and study groups, as well as visits to organisations such as the East Anglian Film Archive and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. You will also be given individual tutorial support to ensure you are reaching your full potential and are able to progress on to the full honours programme with confidence.

Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies, politics and the history of art. You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail at level 1 and above. In addition, you will develop a wide range of transferable skills in areas such as written and verbal communication, research, collegiality, time-management and language skills which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.

Year 2

Level 1: At level 1, you take four introductory philosophy modules – designed to equip every student, with previous experience of philosophy or not, with the necessary skills to succeed at honours level – and add two options from other Schools, normally history, literature, world art, linguistics, politics or economics.

Years 3 and 4

Levels 2 and 3: In your third and fourth years, the selection of core and optional modules in philosophy allows you to design a coherent programme around your own interests. You must do a certain number of subject-based modules, e.g. mind or ethics, and a certain number of historically-based modules, e.g. Kant or empiricism (philosophy comes alive through its history, which we study because it is useful to engage in critical dialogue with great minds of the past). Outside of these requirements, your choice of philosophy modules is entirely free. Some choose the dissertation module in the final year: any student who qualifies through a sufficiently strong performance in their second year may substitute for one of their taught modules a module in which they are supervised to write a 10,000-word dissertation on a philosophical subject of their own choosing. In year 2 you are also entitled to study two free choice modules, which can be chosen from any eligible module within the University. You may do more philosophy, or may broaden your interests by taking other modules from the humanities, or from sciences or the social sciences. Or you can take a language or a practical career-based module, in preparation for employment after university.

In this way, within the general framework of the degree, every student can build up a degree programme that best suits their own skills and interests.

During the Foundation Year you will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to exercise different learning styles and familiarise yourself with the format and expectations of assessment in Higher Education. There will be a strong emphasis on formative assessment with feedback on drafts of written work and group tutorials which will help you to clearly see how you can improve and develop, enabling you to learn from your peers as well as teaching staff. This in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and become a more independent learner.

Your progress will be monitored through individual tutorials to ensure that you are happy on the course and achieving your full potential. You need to achieve a minimum of 40% overall with a pass in all modules in order to progress on to the Philosophy programme.

At levels 1 and above there will be some lectures designed to set you thinking but the main emphasis will be on small group seminars in which you will work on problems with a member of staff. You will be assessed by a mixture of essays, longer projects or dissertation, and examinations and will continue to receive feedback on your written work throughout your degree to help you improve.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

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

Requirements

• A Level:

CCC

• International Baccalaureate:

28 Points

• Scottish Highers:

Please contact institution for further information

• Scottish Advanced Highers:

Please contact institution for further information

• Irish Leaving Certificate:

Please contact institution for further information

• Access Course:

Please contact institution for further information

• HND:

Please contact institution for further information

• European Baccalaureate:

60% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 19 in Writing, 18 in Listening components and 20 in Reading components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing and 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you are studying the BTEC National Diploma please contact us for further information.

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 East Anglia.

The Philosophy with Foundation Year programme at the University of East Anglia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the core areas of philosophical inquiry, including logic, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. The Foundation Year serves as a preparatory phase, enabling students who may not have the traditional qualifications or adequate subject knowledge to develop essential academic skills and foundational understanding necessary for successful degree-level study. This pathway allows students to transition smoothly into the full undergraduate degree, which builds upon the foundational knowledge gained during the initial year.

The philosophy course at UEA emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and clear argumentative skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers including academia, law, journalism, public policy, and more. Students will explore classic philosophical questions, learn about different philosophical traditions, and develop their own reasoned arguments. The programme also encourages engagement with contemporary issues and encourages students to think about the societal implications of philosophical ideas.

The Foundation Year includes modules in academic skills, introductory philosophy, and general studies, which are designed to boost students’ confidence and academic ability. Following the Foundation Year, students continue on to complete the full BSc Philosophy degree, which typically lasts three years. Throughout the course, students benefit from UEA’s experienced academic staff, research-led teaching, and a vibrant academic community. The university's facilities and resources support a stimulating learning environment, promoting independent thought and intellectual development.

The programme aims to foster a deep understanding of philosophical concepts, improve reasoning and writing skills, and cultivate a reflective, open-minded approach to complex issues. It prepares students well for postgraduate study or diverse career paths where critical analysis and ethical reasoning are valued. The university's strong links with philosophical societies, conferences, and publication opportunities provide additional platforms for students to engage with scholarly activities. Overall, the Philosophy with Foundation Year at UEA offers a rigorous, welcoming, and intellectually enriching pathway into the study of philosophy.