This course offers you both depth and breadth over three years of exciting and challenging study. The third-year units require engagement with the latest research and students reach a high level of attainment and are well prepared for postgraduate study, both in philosophy and many other subjects. The programme will equip you with skills, including textual analysis, clear written and verbal expression, and critical thinking, which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

In your first year you will gain a grounding in the fundamentals of philosophy through two mandatory introductory units – one exploring issues in epistemology and metaphysics, and the other concerning moral and political philosophy. You will also take units in critical thinking and logic, and a choice of other units, which have recently included Readings in Value Theory, and Knowledge and Reality. You may also take open units outside the department in your first year.

In year two you complete your foundation in philosophy with mandatory units and conduct more detailed study from ethics to philosophy of language.

In the final year you may work for 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.