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
Philosophy
BA (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
V500
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Department
UCAS Tariff Points
104
Overview
Explore the biggest issues facing humans today - and develop thinking skills for the knowledge economy.
Human societies are rapidly transforming. Big data is changing what we think - and how we vote. AI is becoming more powerful. But can we trust it to make good decisions? And with people across the globe on the move, how do we respond to migration?
The workplaces of tomorrow need critical thinkers who can tackle complex issues - and find solutions. And skills like analytical thinking, moral reasoning and problem-solving are becoming central to 21st century careers.
On this course, you’ll develop future-proofed thinking skills. And you’ll explore the big questions of today - like:
- what is race - and how do we fight racism?
- do corporations have moral responsibilities?
- does language impact social justice?
- how does our culture influence our morality?
You’ll join a close-knit and supportive learning community - where everyone knows each other well, and where it’s easy to get support.
Joint honours options
You can also 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.
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 part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international 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
On this course, you’ll test conventional ideas, challenge assumptions and question authority. You might explore whether democracy is the ‘right’ way to govern. Or you might examine how fake news and conspiracy theories undermine scientific and political debate.
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to reason - and what makes an action ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ You’ll ask how humans are different from animals. And you’ll learn how to evaluate arguments and use logic.
In your second year, you’ll start to focus on your interests. This might be religion and the concept of gods. Or evolution, gender, identity or art. You can also carry out a self-organised work placement.
In your final year, you’ll specialise. You’ll look more deeply at the concepts of freedom, morality and judgment. You might questions whether we have free will. Or you might test the idea of evil.
On the course, you might use art, literature, or virtual reality to challenge your thinking. And you’ll explore female philosophers - from Elizabeth of Bohemia to Martha Nussbaum.

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
You’ll learn through sharing, discussing and evaluating fundamental - and sometimes controversial - ideas. You’ll examine human nature, and our place in the world. You’ll question the status quo and analyse different opinions. You’ll evaluate the beliefs of others - and your own.
Your teaching will be a mix of:
- group discussions
- seminars
- online discussions
- podcasts
- interactive lectures
You’ll be part of a close-knit and supportive learning community - where everybody knows each other well. Your learning environment will be friendly and inclusive - and you’ll feel comfortable sharing your ideas. Your tutors are experts who are passionate about Philosophy - and truly care about their students. You’ll be able to get support whenever you need it.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Oxford 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
You’ll graduate with sought-after thinking skills that are prized in the knowledge economy. And analytical thinkers are increasingly needed in growth areas like:
- social media regulation and oversight
- The ethics of AI
- government policy
You’ll emerge ready to join a workforce where critical thinking, creativity and moral judgment are vital. You’ll be able to solve complex problems - with an open mind and critical distance. You’ll be able to construct and articulate solid arguments. And you’ll be able to influence your peers and colleagues.
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.
Related 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.