The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Philosophy
BA (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
V500
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
On our Philosophy course you’ll tackle some of the most exciting and fundamental questions about human nature and our place in the world. Can we understand what other people are thinking? Is morality real or a matter of opinion? Is science the only source of truth?
You won't just learn ‘about’ philosophy, we'll encourage you to become a philosopher in your own right.
We teach philosophy from a western, analytical perspective. But we also offer modules in eastern philosophy and issues around continental philosophy.
We offer modules exploring the work of:
- Plato and Aristotle
- the Hellenistic Philosophers
- Medieval Philosophy
- Descartes, Hume and Kant.
In addition you will explore:
- the philosophy of language
- the philosophy of science
- the philosophy of religion
- the philosophy of mind
- ethics and metaphysics.
You can teach philosophy to children in schools through our ‘philosophy with schools’ programme.
We are a branch of the Royal Institute of Philosophy. We organise an exciting programme of public lectures across the city.
Joint honours options
You can study this course as part of a joint honours degree. This course can be joined with:
How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
For more information about how we are supporting applicants impacted by Covid-19, please see our information for applicants page.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.
Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors.
If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.
We operate 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.
Application process
Full time Home / EU applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We do not expect students to purchase any compulsory course books, as they are all available in the library. If students wish to purchase additional books to supplement their reading this is at their own discretion. Travel and associated costs of all work placements are the responsibility of the student, therefore it is advised that they organise placements bearing this in mind.
Learning and assessment
From day 1 we will encourage you to become a philosopher in your own right. You will engage with the thoughts of great thinkers, from Plato to Kant. And examine current developments in areas such as:
- the philosophy of mind and language
- culture, gender and sexuality.
Our small, interactive classes will teach you to debate and discuss your ideas with confidence. As well as develop your own opinions about what it means to be a philosopher.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to help you to think for yourself and maximise your academic potential. We foster a friendly and supportive environment in which you can develop your own thinking.
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- interactive lectures
- group discussions
- seminars
- online discussions
- podcasts.
We encourage you to continue debating issues outside the classroom by getting together with other students. As well as meeting staff informally to discuss your ideas.
We’ve structured the course to help you develop broader-ranging skills that will increase your confidence and help you later in life. By the end of the course you will be able to:
- construct cohesive arguments
- structure your thoughts
- keep an open mind
- maintain a critical distance
- uncover the heart of an issue through a process of debate, reflection and argument.
In your final year you will also develop your research skills.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
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.
Further study
You can stay at Oxford Brookes to continue your studies with us; we offer a MA by Research in Philosophy and also provide doctoral supervision. We have an active research community and pride ourselves on the high-quality supervision we give our research students, with each student being allocated at least two supervisors.
Student profiles
Our Staff
Dr Mark Cain
Mark's research interests are in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science, Mind and Language. In particular, he is interested in understanding the process by which humans develop from a state of seeming ignorance at birth to one in which they are able to speak a language and grasp a vast array of concepts only a few years later.
Read more about MarkFree language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Information from Discover Uni
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.