University of Manchester

BA in Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of the most general and fundamental features of reality - including ourselves - and the knowledge and beliefs we have about that reality which are embodied in our concepts, theories and practices.
The BA (Hons) in Philosophy course enables you to learn how to develop and justify your own answers to some of the most fundamental and important questions:

• Can I know that I'm not trapped inside The Matrix?
• What makes something the morally right thing to do?
• Do we have free will?
• Does God exist?
• Is the human mind just a lump of grey matter?

While we'll explain some of the existing answers to these questions, and the reasons why one might think those answers are correct, our focus is on teaching you how to critically assess these arguments and develop and argue for your own answers.

You will develop useful skills including:

• how to present an effective and rigorous argument;
• how to develop criticisms of other people's arguments and views;
• how to explain difficult material clearly and concisely; and
• how to deal with the fact that on most of the questions in life, reasonable people can believe radically different things.

These skills are value for your career as well as in everyday life, whether you're deciding what to do, having an argument with a friend, or simply reading a newspaper.

Aims

• Deliver structured yet flexible study, informed by current research, in which you critically evaluate, and think for themselves through philosophical arguments and problems.
• Provide you with a curriculum where you study texts and questions central to the analytical tradition in philosophy and from outside that tradition.
• Develop your subject-specific knowledge, cognitive, intellectual and transferable skills, preparing you for further academic study and employment.
• Employ an appropriate variety of teaching and assessment methods and use learning resources effectively and efficiently.
• Provide an effective induction programme, and academic and pastoral support to enhance your progress and academic development.

Special features

Study Abroad

If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3.

If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester.

You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including ‘with International Study'.

Professional Experience Year opportunity

You can apply in Year 1 to do a Professional Experience Year. If you meet the criteria, the Professional Experience Team and Careers Service will work with you to find a placement in your second year.

You will then complete your Professional Experience Year in third year extending your degree to four years. Your degree title will be extended to include 'with Professional Experience'.

Teaching and learning

Course units feature formal and interactive lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in depth.

Tutorials, seminars, group discussions, essay-writing and presentations improve your written and oral communication skills.

You are assigned an Academic Advisor who takes a friendly interest in your progress and can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.

All permanent members of Philosophy teaching staff are internationally recognised researchers publishing their work in journals and books and giving talks around the world.

Coursework and assessment

Course units are normally examined by a combination of unseen exam and coursework essay.

For course units in logic there are weekly worksheets, which form part of the assessment.

You will complete a dissertation in your final year.

Course content for year 1

Year 1 provides you with a grounding in philosophical traditions, themes and problems.

You can also take 20 credits in an outside subject such as Politics or a language course.

Course content for year 2

You will develop and deepen your understanding of issues introduced in the first year, and can choose new and more advanced topics to explore.

You can also take 20 credits in an outside subject, a University College course or the Manchester Leadership Programme.

Course content for year 3

Year 3 offers specialised and in-depth explorations of issues led by original researchers in the field. You also undertake a substantial independent piece of research on a topic of your choosing and can study 20 credits in an outside subject.

Course content for year 4

If completing a year professional placement, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.

The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability. For the past 5 years, we have been in the UK's Top Two most targeted universities by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2020 - 2024).

Our graduates have progressed to careers in a wide range of sectors, reflecting the broad nature of our courses. Popular routes include journalism and media, charities, consultancy, the civil service, finance, marketing and PR, social work, teaching and law.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for:

• Manchester City Council;
• Royal Bank of Scotland;
• Palgrave MacMillan;
• Lloyds TSB;
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office;
• TeachFirst;
• Siemens.

Postgraduate study presents another option for progression and past graduates have continued their studies in subjects such as philosophy, teaching, law, political theory, business and marketing.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.The service can help you:

• find summer internships or work experience;
• apply for jobs and provide practice interviews;
• access online and interactive services such as practice psychometric tests.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability. The University organises careers fairs and events throughout the year to give you a chance to meet graduate recruiters.

You can also improve your employability by choosing course units in Year 2 from:

• the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning ;
• the Manchester Leadership Programme or Manchester Enterprise Centre;
• an extensive list of optional language units.