Philosophy BA

Led by internationally recognised researchers, our programme dives into contemporary philosophy and its impact on real-world challenges. From ethics in times of war to the role of philosophy in psychology, religion, climate change, and robotics—you’ll discover how philosophical thinking shapes the world around us. 

Study at Birmingham and learn to ask better questions.

Our academics and researchers

With specialties in Applied Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, and Philosophy of Religion, our academics and researchers lead philosophical debates and address global challenges from a philosophical perspective.

• Dr Jussi Suikkanen is the editor of the Elements in Ethics series, the author of the textbook This is Ethics – an Introduction, and recently featured in an episode of BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze.
• Dr Christina Easton's work on the ethics of military recruitment has been discussed on TV and in the House of Lords. 
• Dr Henry Taylor launched a new video series aimed at 9-13 year olds, getting young people interested in philosophy and the "big questions".
• Professor Lisa Bortolotti and Dr Kathleen Murphy-Hollies collaborated with curators at The Philosophy Museum in Milan for an exhibition around conspiracy theories and fake news.

Our Philosophy students

Our Philosophy students embrace opportunities across the university and the city: from volunteering for charities and joining associations, to singing in student choirs, taking part in work experience and more.

• Philosophy student Bianca takes you through an average weekend in Birmingham, from farmer's markets in Moseley to music concerts at the Hare and Hounds in Jewellery Quarter.
• From 'Dharmic Religions and Traditions' to 'Sex Ethics,' BA Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics student Lorna discusses her favourite modules.
• Alumna Ester gives advice on how to make the most of your Philosophy degree, including taking advantage of work experience opportunities.
• BA Philosophy student Laurie walks in the footsteps of Birmingham philosophers, sharing fun facts along the way.

Life in a creative city

As the UK's second city, Birmingham is a cultural and creative hub. Our industrial roots paved the way for a rich offering of museums, shops, restaurants and venues. Discover our city for yourself!

• Get a taste of the highlights of Birmingham city centre with Grace: from shopping to concert venues, the library, crazy pool and more.
• Searching for cute brunch spots and high street shopping? Check out Harborne with Liv.
• Read through nationally and internationally significant collections at Birmingham Library, the largest public library in Europe.
• Browse nonfiction novels, modern theory, and zines at independent book shop Voce.
• Check out Brum’s many annual festivals: from performances at Fierce, to jokes at Birmingham Comedy Festival, or films at Flatpack Film Festival.
• Digbeth is home to galleries and social spaces like Centrala, Eastside Projects, Grand Union.
• Meet philosophers from across the city and beyond with Birmingham’s Philosophy in Pubs group or The Philosopher's Yard.

Department facilities and activities

Study in a department that focuses on philosophy with real-world relevance and contemporary application. Our range of modules delve into current topics such as mental health, sex, sustainability, ethics and more, taught by leading experts across a variety of specialisms. Paired with access to archives and texts and cultural opportunities our degree puts a wealth of resources at your fingertips.

• Explore on-campus museums and galleries including the Lapworth Museum of Geology, Winterbourne House and Garden, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts – all free to students.

• Access our exceptional resources, including the Cadbury Research Library, consisting of over 200,000 rare books dating from 1471, as well as the Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest regional library.

• Culture Forward brings the University, City, and region's cultural and community organisations into closer and more creative collaborations. Opportunities for students range from workshops and talks to exhibitions and performances, and from research projects to student work experience programmes.

• Benefit from connections to departments across the university. Combine Philosophy with a number of other subjects, from Politics to History to English Literature and more. At Birmingham, you can build a degree that fits with your interests and career goals.

• Can AI be creative? What are our responsibilities in times of war? Do holes exist? Engage with these questions, and more, as you develop essential skills for work and life.

• Lectures: These give you an insightful, expert introduction to key topics; they also provide guidance to support your reading and assessments.
• Seminars: These are small group discussions where you share and test ideas with your academic tutor and your peers. Seminars help you understand topics better and build confidence in sharing your thoughts.

Support during your studies

At Birmingham, you’ll have plenty of support to help you adjust to university life:

• Personal Academic Tutors: You'll have a tutor assigned to you who will guide and support you throughout your studies.
• Wellbeing Officers: The Wellbeing team help with extensions, disabilities, extenuating circumstances, or any personal challenges. They’ll also connect you with further support on campus or elsewhere.
• Academic Writing Advisory Service: Tutorials, workshops and support in  structuring an argument and developing your own academic voice.
• Student Experience Team: They offer research opportunities, and cultural, intellectual and social activities to enhance your university experience.

Contact hours

Your degree is designed to help you achieve 120 credits per year, which equals about 40 hours of learning each week. This includes lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, revision, and assessments.

Assessment methods

You’ll be assessed in different ways to suit each module. At the start of a module, you’ll be told how and when you’ll be assessed. Methods will vary but may include coursework (e.g., essays), group or individual presentations and projects, exams, reports or computer-based assignments.

Feedback: You will receive timely feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from it and improve your performance in future assessments.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

A Level

AAB or equivalent.

IB Diploma

6,6,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications

• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD.
• BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level.
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

• Understanding complex information
• Writing clearly and effectively
• Building a case to critically assess a particular point of view
• Respecting the views of others even if they disagree with you
• Generally thinking for yourself

Philosophy graduates go on to pursue highly successful careers in professions such as:

• Law
• Journalism
• Teaching
• Management consultancy
• Local government
• Publishing
• Marketing

Some graduates choose to progress to further study, not just in Philosophy but in Politics, International Development, Sociology and other areas.

Our Philosophy students have gone on to secure roles such as Human Resources Officer, Visiting Scholar, Executive Officer, Paralegal, and Bid Writer, working for organisations such as:

• BBC
• UK Civil Service
• National Grid
• University of Oxford
• Virgin

The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.