Philosophy and Drama

The Philosophy and Drama programme at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that combines the rigorous analytical thinking of philosophy with the creative expression of drama. This joint honours degree is designed to develop critical thinking, argumentation skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts, alongside practical performance skills and theatrical knowledge. Students will explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics through engaging lectures, seminars, and independent research in philosophy. Simultaneously, they will participate in drama workshops, stage productions, and collaborative projects that foster creativity, teamwork, and performance abilities. The programme encourages students to examine the interplay between philosophical ideas and dramatic arts, exploring how theatre and performance can reflect and influence philosophical thought. With a diverse range of modules, students can tailor their studies to their interests, choosing from topics such as Ancient Philosophy, Contemporary Ethics, Political Philosophy, Theatre History, Acting Techniques, and Scriptwriting. The course aims to equip graduates with versatile skills suitable for careers in education, performance, arts management, writing, or further academic research. The university's vibrant campus environment provides excellent facilities, including theatres, studios, and libraries, supporting students in their theoretical and practical pursuits. Throughout the programme, students benefit from close interaction with experienced academics and industry practitioners, gaining insights into both academic and applied aspects of philosophy and drama. Ultimately, this degree prepares graduates not only to think critically and creatively but also to communicate effectively across different formats and contexts, fostering a broad understanding of human culture and thought.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Part-time:EU:£4500;Non-EU:£6240

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• PL310 - Introduction to Philosopy: Logic and Reasoning
• PL315 - Philosophical Reading and Writing (core)
• PL302 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Metaphysics
• PL303 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
• PL305 - Existentialism
• PL300 - Politics, Rights and Applied Ethics
• FR300 - Learning French 3 (Post A Level)
• FR327 - Learning French 2A (Post GCSE)
• FR328 - Learning French 2B (Post GCSE)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• PL620 - Justice, Violence and the State
• PL625 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
• PL628 - Continental Philosophy: Subject, Identity and the Political
• PL638 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
• PL640 - Normative Ethics
• PL584 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant
• PL588 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism
• PL595 - Metaethics
• PL596 - Philosophy of Medicine
• PL598 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
• PL599 - Wittgenstein
• PL601 - Philosophy of Religion
• PL602 - Philosophy of Language
• PL604 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Langauge
• PL605 - Logic
• PL606 - Philosophy of Science
• PL608 - Paradoxes
• PL609 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
• PL610 - Aesthetics
• PL618 - Political Philosophy

Year abroad

You have the option to spend a year studying Philosophy abroad between Stages 2 and 3. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your studies by living and taking classes at one of our partner institutions either in Europe or further afield.

• Possible modules may include:
• PL564 - Philosophy: Year Abroad Mark 1
• PL565 - Philosophy: Year Abroad mark 2

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• PL619 - Political Philosophy
• PL507 - Philosophy Dissertation
• PL514 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant
• PL520 - Philosophy Extended Essay
• PL521 - Philosophy Extended Essay
• PL526 - Aesthetics
• PL552 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism
• PL569 - Metaethics
• PL570 - Philosophy of Medicine
• PL572 - Greek Philosophy:Plato and Aristotle
• PL573 - Wittgenstein
• PL575 - Philosophy of Religion
• PL576 - Philosophy of Language
• PL578 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Language
• PL579 - Logic
• PL580 - Philosophy of Science
• PL582 - Paradoxes
• PL583 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
• PL641 - Normative Ethics
• TH619 - Religious Studies and Philosophy in the Classroom
• PL639 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
• PL629 - Continental Philosophy: Subject , Identity and the Political
• PL621 - Justice, Violence and the State
• PL624 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level: ABB including B Philosophy (where taken) and B in French (or GCSE / some aptitude in a modern European language other than English)

• GCSE: B in French or some aptitude in a modern European language other than English (if French A level not taken)

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 16 at HL including Philosophy SL 5 or HL 4 (where taken) and a modern European language other than English SL 5 or HL 4 (where taken)

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

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 Kent.

Funding

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.

The Philosophy and Drama program at the University of Kent offers students an interdisciplinary education that combines the analytical and critical thinking skills of philosophy with the creative and expressive aspects of drama. This innovative degree is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines, exploring their intersections and unique features. Students will study fundamental philosophical questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality while also engaging in practical drama activities, including acting, directing, and theatre production. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling graduates to think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate the cultural significance of theatre and philosophy.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and performance projects, students develop skills in logical reasoning, argumentation, performance arts, and creative collaboration. The curriculum includes core modules in philosophical theories, ethics, aesthetics, and drama history, along with options that allow students to tailor their studies to particular interests such as contemporary philosophy, dramatic literature, or theatrical techniques. The program also encourages interdisciplinary research, enabling students to explore how philosophical ideas influence theatrical practices and vice versa.

Students benefit from the expertise of academic staff with backgrounds in both philosophy and drama, many of whom are actively involved in research, performance, and public engagement. The university's facilities include dedicated drama studios, theatres, and discussion rooms, providing an inspiring environment for creative exploration and academic inquiry. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers including theatre production, education, philosophy, arts management, journalism, and further postgraduate study.

Throughout their studies, students have access to a range of extracurricular activities, including theatrical productions, philosophical debates, guest lectures, and industry placements. The program also supports participation in national and international conferences and festivals, fostering a vibrant academic and creative community. Overall, the Philosophy and Drama degree at the University of Kent aims to cultivate versatile graduates with a deep understanding of two dynamic fields, equipped to contribute thoughtfully to cultural and intellectual life.