BA Philosophy and Portuguese (RV55)
2024 entry
Course summary
This degree combines philosophy with the study of Portuguese, the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere. The political importance of countries like Angola and Brazil means that Portuguese speakers are increasingly in demand. The course provides a valuable skill set, ideally tailored to the globalised workplace.
For philosophy, you will study units covering an introduction to philosophy, logic, and realism and normativity.
You will follow a structured language course in Portuguese, as well as explore the rich literature, cinema, history, thought, politics, and visual culture of Portuguese-speaking countries and communities. You will spend your third year abroad in a Portuguese-speaking environment, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. To find out more about studying abroad, visit Centre for Study Abroad.
Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, which results in a vibrant learning environment as staff respond to new research. This course combination offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges and a range of options that will allow you to pursue your own interests.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision. Assessments may include presentations, essays, commentaries, exams, collaborative projects, debates, podcasts, video essays, and dissertations.
Portuguese can be studied from beginners' level only. As a modern languages student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre. You can also access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
Course structure
In your first year of philosophy, you will gain a grounding in the fundamentals of philosophy through two mandatory introductory units: one exploring issues in epistemology and metaphysics; the other concerning moral and political philosophy. You will also take a unit in critical thinking and logic.
In year two, you complete your foundation in philosophy with a mandatory unit on realism and normativity and conduct more detailed study in topics ranging from ethics to the philosophy of language.
In your final year, you may undertake an independent study unit on almost any topic in philosophy, writing an extended essay in consultation with a supervisor. Final-year taught units relate to the research interests of staff in areas ranging from global justice to philosophy of physics.
For Portuguese, you will study language and culture units focusing on topics that range from history and politics, to linguistics, literature and cinema.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and Portuguese can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.