Philosophy with Human Rights (including Year Abroad)

Description

The University of Essex is one of the UK's leading academic institutions, ranked ninth nationally for research excellence following the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Our BA Philosophy with Human Rights (including Year Abroad) brings philosophy together with one of its most powerful practical ideas: that all human beings have the same rights which is an idea that dominates the modern world. You spend your third year abroad. We provide a grounding in philosophy and also involve the study of human rights from the perspectives of philosophy, politics, law and sociology.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

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 Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Philosophy with Human Rights (including Year Abroad) program at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth education in philosophical theories, ethics, and the social issues surrounding human rights. This interdisciplinary course combines rigorous philosophical inquiry with real-world applications, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, human rights advocacy, public policy, and academia. Throughout the program, students explore foundational philosophical topics such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, alongside specialized modules focused on human rights issues, international law, and social justice. The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides an invaluable cultural and academic experience, immersing students in different educational environments and broadening their global perspective. During this year, students may study at partner universities across Europe, North America, or other regions, gaining additional language skills and intercultural competence. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills, which are essential for understanding and addressing complex human rights challenges. The program combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment. Moreover, students benefit from opportunities to participate in internships, volunteering, and conferences related to human rights, enhancing their practical experience and employability. Graduates of this program are equipped with a solid philosophical foundation combined with a nuanced understanding of human rights issues, making them well-prepared for further study or entry into professional fields concerned with social justice, policy-making, or non-governmental organizations. The program's curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current debates and developments in philosophy and human rights, ensuring students receive an education that is relevant and comprehensive. Entry requirements typically include a strong academic record, with an A-level or equivalent qualification that demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills. Support services, academic advisors, and student organizations further enrich the university experience, fostering a vibrant academic community committed to social and ethical issues. The combination of philosophical rigor, a global perspective, and practical experience characterizes the Philosophy with Human Rights (including Year Abroad) course at the University of Essex.