Philosophy with Human Rights

The Philosophy with Human Rights BA program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of fundamental philosophical questions alongside critical issues related to human rights, social justice, and ethical responsibility. This course is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and justice, while also gaining practical insights into contemporary human rights challenges. Throughout the programme, students engage with diverse philosophical traditions, contemporary debates, and real-world applications that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical awareness. The curriculum covers core areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy, complemented by specialized modules focused on human rights, social justice, and global ethical issues. Students have the opportunity to develop their conceptual understanding through engaging seminars, research projects, and debates, encouraging independent thought and reasoned argumentation. The programme also emphasizes practical skills such as critical analysis, written and oral communication, and research methodologies, preparing graduates for careers in law, policy-making, human rights activism, academia, or further postgraduate study. With access to excellent resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community, students are supported in their academic and personal development. The diverse and inclusive environment fosters global perspectives and encourages students to consider philosophical questions in the context of contemporary societal challenges. By the end of the course, students will have cultivated a nuanced understanding of philosophical theories and their application to human rights issues, equipping them to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to society. This programme combines rigorous academic inquiry with real-world relevance, making it an ideal choice for those committed to engaging with some of the most pressing issues of our time through the lens of philosophy and human rights.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Philosophy;
Foundations of Human Rights;
Death, God and the Meaning of Life; and
one philosophy option

Year 2

Philosophy and Rights I;
Issues and Methods in Human Rights; and
two philosophy options

Year 3

Human Rights Colloquium;
either Ethics or Contemporary Political Philosophy; and
two philosophy options

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 with Human Rights program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the core principles of philosophy with a focused exploration of human rights issues. This program aims to foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of philosophical debates related to justice, rights, and moral obligations within contemporary society. Students engaging in this degree will examine fundamental philosophical questions concerning the nature of human rights, their historical development, and their application in diverse cultural and political contexts. The curriculum typically includes modules on epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, human rights theory, and applied philosophy, providing a broad foundation for understanding how philosophical ideas underpin current human rights discourses.

Throughout the course, students will engage with both classical and contemporary texts, fostering analytical skills and ethical awareness essential for careers in law, policy-making, human rights advocacy, and academia. The program emphasizes critical analysis, argumentation, and interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from political science, history, and social sciences to enrich students’ understanding of global human rights issues. Practical components such as seminars, workshops, and possibly a dissertation project enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, preparing them for professional roles or further postgraduate study. The University of Essex maintains a vibrant academic environment with access to expert faculty members specializing in philosophy, human rights, and related fields, facilitating engaging discussions and research opportunities. Graduates of this program are equipped with transferable skills including analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of complex moral and political issues, positioning them well for diverse careers across public, private, and non-governmental sectors. The program is designed to promote international perspectives and a commitment to social justice, reflecting Essex’s broader mission of fostering active global citizenship and engagement.