BA Philosophy

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Undergraduate

BA Philosophy

Go beyond the textbooks. Gain the critical, analytical and intellectual skills that make employers sit up and take notice.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

120 points

A Level grades:

UCAS code

V500

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Studying philosophy at Hull means doing philosophy: engaging with current issues and emerging philosophical challenges. That will help you to build and use the skills and methods that only a training in philosophy can provide.

You'll grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, consciousness and what it is to be human. You'll debate the issues of the day, from cutting-edge genetics to artificial intelligence that will equip you to shape your own future and the world around you.

And you can get involved with Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), where our philosophy students hand down their enthusiasm and wisdom from one year group to the next.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Philosophy

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Six reasons to study Philosophy at Hull

  1. 5th in the UK for overall student satisfaction*
  2. Debate the big issues and challenge assumptions
  3. Carry out your own independent research project
  4. 100% graduate employability rating†
  5. Fortnightly debates with students and staff
  6. Philosophy has been taught at Hull since 1927

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120 credits.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Creation, Persistence and Destruction: Problems in Metaphysics

    Metaphysical questions apply to everything you can think of: natural objects, living organisms, human beings, human artefacts, imaginary objects, abstract entities, timeless universals, and supernatural phenomena. You'll consider up-to-date versions of classical metaphysical problems by analysing interesting contemporary arguments and identifying a breadth of examples of that are relevant to the world around us. Sensitively exploring different perspectives and sharing ideas will help us notice how fundamental metaphysical perspectives are often the basis of deep disagreements in ethics, aesthetics, and religious belief, particularly when the metaphysics of the mind, body and self are in question.

    Science and Social Values

    Examine whether, and how, science is different from other modes of investigating and thinking about the world. You'll study relevant contemporary controversies (e.g. the relation between science and religion, and creationism, as well as other alternative world views), the exclusionary nature of many of its technological fruits, and the contingency of the Western model of science.

    Ideas that Shaped the World (Philosophical Texts I)

    Philosophical ideas are at the heart of everyday life, and often in surprising ways. Examine how philosophical theories, from ancient through medieval texts, and through the enlightenment to the current day, have not just shaped and influenced the world we live in. but radically challenged prevailing ways of thinking and the corresponding ways of life. 

    Knowing Now: Problems in Epistemology

    This module examines one of the central issues in philosophy – what it is to know something. We will distinguish knowledge from mere opinion and critically evaluate common views about where knowledge comes from, what it is based on and how it is justified. We will give particular focus to the ways in which knowledge, and claims to knowledge, are culturally shaped and informed, and so how traditions, perspectives and social structures influence our views about knowledge. 

    Reason, Logic and Argument

    In this module you will begin to formally develop a key set of philosophical skills – competence in logical reasoning and the ability to distinguish good from bad arguments. Week by week you'll work through case-studies, applying logical and argumentative theory and reasoning towards well-thought through responses and conclusions. 

    The Examined Life: Introduction to Philosophy

    You'll explore traditional topics in philosophy through contemporary authors and everyday perspectives. For instance, you'll examine what constitutes ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sex and explore the nature and limitations of notions of consent; critique the Aristotelian concept of friendship in the era of vicarious, internet friendships and social media; and analyse Cartesian scepticism through the prism of ‘race’. 

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Minds, Brains, and Machines

    What is it to be minded? What is it to be a person? You'll consider the relation of the mind to the body, explore what being conscious or embodied means and examine the place of mindedness in a natural world apparently devoid of its attributes.

    History of Political Thought

    The history of political thought provides us with experiences of a wealth of perspectives on issues that still occupy central places in human life: the role of power in our collective relationships; the duties of the citizen and the obligations of the state; what it means to be free or equal or oppressed. This module explores some of the most influential and challenging positions from ancient Greek times to the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The module explores the feminist thinkers and others who were and are viewed as radicals, as well as more moderate figures, whose influences remain today.

    Questioning Rights and Wrongs: Thinking About Ethics

    Examine 21st century ethics through a range of case studies from topical issues concerning race relations, gender inclusivity, the environment and animal rights, immigration and nationalism, postcolonial reparations, and disability issues. You'll become increasingly familiar and fluent with this wider range of philosophical insights and gain the skills to understand, articulate and promote dialogue between the often-competing views on the issues we encounter.

    Philosophical Revolutionaries (Philosophical Texts II)

    Building on the ‘Ideas that Shaped the World’ module from year one, you'll examine more demanding excerpts from four texts drawn from a wide range of philosophical traditions and cultures and with a particular focus on theories that revolutionised our way of life.

    Theorising Gender

    Examine theories of gender relations, looking at masculinity and femininity, the relationship of gender and sexuality and the intersections of gender with other social divisions. 

    Environments and Philosophy

    The key questions of environmental philosophy are questions about the future—of the world and the lives of the people of the future. You'll use your philosophical skills to examine environmental case studies and consider how the concepts, problems and ideas for ways of living, have a bearing on your plans for your own future as well as the world at large. You will be introduced to practical research skills, including learning how to prepare a research proposal, identify appropriate research resources, construct an annotated bibliography, and a research ethics approval form.

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Philosophy Research Project

    Work one-on-one with one of your lecturers, who will use their expertise in their field of philosophical research to guide you and mentor you in planning, researching and writing your own extended project or dissertation. This module allows you to focus in depth on, and to articulate the philosophical issues and questions that you find most exciting and engaging, and to demonstrate how you have developed as a philosopher.

    Challenging Perspectives (Philosophical Texts III)

    Explore advanced philosophical excerpts from three texts drawn from a wide range of philosophical traditions and cultures and with a particular focus on philosophers who are challenging dominant views. You'll engage in-depth with a key section of the advanced texts and critically examine their continuing impact and influence.

    Faking News: Difference, Disagreement and Dialectic

    Explore so-called deep disagreements and their nature and roots, and assess the prospects and limitations of their resolution through reasoned argument and debate. You'll review current examples such as climate change denial, conspiracy theories, and clashes of culturally traditional and modern values, and consider strategies for the conciliation of such disputes.

    Our Digital Age: Philosophical Perspectives on Humanity, Technology and Nature

    Examine what it is to be ‘human’ in an ever-more technological age. As humans we have traditionally distinguished ourselves from other animals while, at the same time, sharing much of our bodily circumstances and natural environment with them. In recent decades bodily, neurological and pharmaceutical enhancements, and in particular the increasingly virtual nature of our existence and interactions, have stretched our traditional concepts of ‘humanity’. You'll apply and develop your philosophical skills in critically examining the many challenges and opportunities that arise from these issues.

  • Optional

    Gender, Science and Knowledge

    This is an overview of the ways of theorising the relationship between gender, science, and knowledge. It explores the concepts of objectivity, rationality and nature. 

    State, Democracy and Globalization: Issues in Contemporary Political Philosophy

    Explore major issues in public policy and possible solutions informed by political and moral understanding. You'll examine topics such as the import of identity and diversity factors such as disability, education, ethnicity, race, age, gender expression and gender identity, language, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status on issues of public policy and philosophically assessing the contributions of those factors.

    States of Violence: Power, Protest and Terror

    Critically examine the relationships between violence, the modern state and its people. You will be introduced to theories of power and legitimacy and how these relate to protest, civil disobedience and terrorism.  Explore a range of issues, from the role of disobedient and violent actions against democratic states through to a critical review of state responses, including theories of radicalisation and de-radicalisation and the ethics of counterterrorism strategies.    

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

8%
92%
  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

4%
96%
  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Ellie Palmer Philosophy

The lecturers were incredible and treated me with such respect and friendliness.

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Foundation year

We offer the option of a foundation year to boost your skills and knowledge if you don't quite meet our entry requirements for direct entry on to the degree.

Carolyn Ward

Regular debates

Take part in debates with staff, fellow students and eminent visiting experts.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBB

  • BTEC grades M100

  • Points required 120

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 30 points
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma overall with a minimum of 118 UCAS tariff points

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our lecturers

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Take a tour of the facilities

Our Philosophy students benefit from 24/7 access to the Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books. 

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£15,400 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The fees shown are for 2023 entry. The fees for 2024 have not yet been confirmed and may increase.

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,978 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Civil service
  • Public relations

Philosophy, as it's taught at Hull, gives you the skills that employers look for – including analytical thinking, critical debating skills, intellectual integrity and problem solving.

Our graduates go on to successful careers in teaching, lecturing, media production, publishing, print and broadcast journalism, law, politics, Civil Service, public relations, business and the charity sector.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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* National Student Survey (NSS) 2022, HEIs only

†Number of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2018/19, published by HESA July 2021.