Philosophy - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
- single
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
Harcourt Hill campus
Harcourt Hill campus
In studying philosophy at Oxford Brookes you will tackle some of the most exciting and fundamental questions about human nature and our place in the world. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of philosophy and contemporary debates. Philosophy explores the way we think and reason, questioning the assumptions that underpin what we think we know about ourselves and the world.
You will have the opportunity to consider such questions as:
- What makes humans distinctively human?
- Is the mind a computer?
- What constitutes knowledge and how is it acquired?
- Is it rational to believe in God?
You will develop the ability to ask challenging questions, reach reasoned conclusions and express yourself with clarity and precision.
Why Brookes?
Oxford Brookes offers high quality teaching and significant research and consultancy activity in an outstanding location, together with superb sporting, recreational and study facilities.
We are at the forefront of contemporary developments in teaching and research in philosophy. Our team is internationally recognised for making a significant contribution to research into the philosophy of human nature and cognate issues. You will be encouraged to work on contemporary philosophical issues, using knowledge of the history of ideas, and will be fully supported throughout.
Our supportive and friendly culture is enhanced by the student-run Philosophy Society, which organises regular social and academic events.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Philosophy is taught by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic philosophers who have an ongoing interest in all areas including philosophy of the mind and action, ethics, the history of philosophy and philosophy of religion. There is a friendly and supportive environment in the department that enables our philosophy students to maximise their academic potential.
We use a range of methods to communicate with our students; from lectures, group discussions and seminars to online discussions and podcasts. In your final year you can undertake your own research for your degree. Assessment takes a range of forms including written coursework, examinations and oral presentations.
There are opportunities to study abroad for one or two semesters in Europe, the United States, Canada or Australia.
In detail
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Siobhan Klaus
I was initially attracted to the study of philosophy by the subject material; I enjoyed reading philosophy texts. However it struck me early on in my degree that the skills you gain when studying philosophy, such as being able to reason effectively and analyse arguments, are skills which are widely applicable.
See full profile »Course content
By taking a range of specially-designed modules, you will grapple with the thoughts of the great thinkers from Plato to Wittgenstein and examine cutting-edge contemporary developments in the subject in areas ranging from the philosophy of mind to ethics. But above all, you will learn to think for yourself in a friendly and supportive environment.
In addition to studying for single honours, you can also study philosophy in combination with another subject, as an equal partner, as a major component or as a minor component of your degree. See the 'Combine with...' tab for the list of subjects that can be studied together with Philosophy.
All our courses are reviewed regularly to ensure that they respond to developments in the subject area and the needs of employers. The list below is indicative of the range of modules that we expect to be available. You can also view a more detailed description of module content here.
Year 1
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Academic Literacy: Philosophy
- Introduction to Ethics
- Theory of Knowledge
Years 2 and 3
- Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Early Modern Philosophy
- Medieval Philosophy
- Foundations of German Idealism
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Language
- Hellenistic Philosophy
- Metaethics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Religion
- Continental Philosophy of Religion
- Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy
- Culture, Gender and Sexuality
- Vice and Virtue
- Special Topics in Philosophy
- Independent Study in Philosophy
- Interdisciplinary Dissertation
- Dissertation in Philosophy
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Rachel Compton
The staff have helped me with module choices and putting together a good academic learning plan. They also offer help if I don’t understand any content on the course itself, providing a comfortable atmosphere to discuss any problems.
See full profile »Department
Department of History, Philosophy and Religion
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: up to 6 years
Teaching location
Harcourt Hill Campus
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
V500 BA/PK
Combine with...
RELATED COURSES:
This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
LV65 Mod/PQAN
Communication, Media and Culture
PV95 Mod/PQHQ
Education Studies
XV35 Mod/PQWD
English
QV3M Mod/PQEA
English Language and Communications
QV95 BA/PQLD
Film Studies
PV35 Mod/PQFM
International Relations
LVF5 Mod/PQRL
Japanese Studies
TV2M Mod/PQJB
Law
MV15 Mod/PQLW
Mathematics
GV15 Mod/PQMA
Music
VW53 Mod/PQMS
Religion and Theology
VV6M Mod/PQRC
Politics
LV25 Mod/PQPO
Psychology
CV85 Mod/PQPS
Sociology
LV35 Mod/PQSO
Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
CV65 Mod/PQSU
Fees / funding
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International students
Full-time: £11,000
Find out how to pay your fees.
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: grade C, including A-level at grade B
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offer quoted for each subject.
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time applications should be made directly to the university using the university application form.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
RELATED COURSES:
Dave Preece
I chose to come to Brookes because I liked the range of subjects offered and the variety of teaching styles used. The modular system and the flexibility of the course was also something that attracted me; I could tailor the degree to suit my interests.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Philosophy
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
One of the world's great academic cities, Oxford is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects. Oxford Brookes students are eligible to join the Oxford Union, famous for its debates and illustrious speakers, from international politicians and leaders to sportsmen and other celebrities.
Oxford is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. It also has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
Studying philosophy will help you to develop reasoning and communication skills that are highly prized by employers. Philosophy graduates work in a wide range of sectors including journalism and the media, the civil and diplomatic services, law, marketing, computing, management consultancy, and counselling.
One key feature of the Oxford Brookes Philosophy programme is that it builds specialised sessions on employability into core modules at first, second and third year levels.
Further study
If you decide to continue your studies, Oxford Brookes offers an interdisciplinary MA in Mind, Brain and Learning, which is taught by an expert team of philosophers, with the assistance of specialists in psychology, neuroscience and education.
We have an active research community and can also provide doctoral supervision in philosophy. We pride ourselves on the high-quality supervision we give our research students, with each student being allocated at least two supervisors.
