| UCAS code | V500 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
| UCAS code | V501 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
Overview
- You’ll study the many facets of Philosophy in depth including metaphysics, epistemology and moral philosophy.
- From the beginning you’ll be encouraged and taught how to think rigorously, defend your views, understand different opinions and ultimately develop a sharp, analytical and open mind.
- Our wide range of optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your degree according to your own interests and career ambitions.
- The Philosophy student society will give you the chance to make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors.
- Opportunity to combine Philosophy with other subjects as part of our Combined Honours courses and our BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours course.
Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy
9th in The Complete University Guide 2026
86% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology graduates: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Opportunities to study abroad
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy
9th in The Complete University Guide 2026
86% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology graduates: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Opportunities to study abroad
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA | n/a |
| IB | 36/666 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International students
International students should check details of our English language requirements
If your academic qualifications or English language skills do not meet our entry requirements our INTO University of Exeter International Foundation course can help you reach the required language and academic standards.
Further information
Please read the important information about our Typical offer.
For full and up-to-date information on applying to Exeter and entry requirements, including requirements for other types of qualification, please see the Applying section.
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional/elective modules
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophical methods, analysis and concepts. You will also be introduced to important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks. You will take 60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules. You may take up to 30 credits of these options from outside of the department.
Compulsory modules
You should take 60 credits of ‘core’ modules, listed as compulsory
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 | 15 |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 | 15 |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 | 15 |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis | 15 |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality | 15 |
Optional modules
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| PHL1004 | Philosophical Problems 1 | 15 |
| PHL1007 | Philosophical Reading 1 | 15 |
| PHL1009 | Philosophies of Art | 15 |
| PHL1010 | Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL1112 | Philosophy of Film | 15 |
| SPA1004 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 |
You should take 60 credits of ‘core’ modules, listed as compulsory
You should take 30-60 credits of option modules
Up to 60 credits of module choices from available PHL2*** coded option modules. You may take up to 30 credits of these options from outside of the department.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Stage 2 compulsory modules At least 60 credits taken from these "core" modules | ||
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 | 15 |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research | 15 |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context | 15 |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind | 15 |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics | 15 |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language | 15 |
Optional modules
Philosophy (up to 60 credits)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| PHL2001 | Phenomenology | 15 |
| PHL2002 | Existentialism | 15 |
| PHL2020 | Virtues and Vices | 15 |
| PHL2021 | Symbolic Logic | 15 |
| PHL2038 | The Self | 15 |
| PHL2040 | Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 |
| PHL2042 | Philosophical Frontiers | 15 |
| PHL2045 | Aesthetics | 15 |
| PHL2052 | Epistemology | 15 |
| PHL2053 | History of Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL2054 | Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 |
| PHL2060 | Philosophy of Emotion | 15 |
| PHL2096 | Cyborg Studies | 15 |
| PHL2111 | The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 |
| PHL2112 | Practical Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2117 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 |
| PHL2119 | Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2123 | Philosophy of Medicine | 15 |
| PHL2125 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 |
| PHL2127 | Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL2130 | Plato's Dialogues | 15 |
| PHL2131 | Philosophy of Music | 15 |
| SPA2017 | The Holocaust, Genocide and Society | 30 |
Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is normally based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.
Compulsory modules
120 credit compulsory placement module
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HAS3999 | Study Abroad (HASS) | 120 |
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests. You may take 0- 30 credits in place of options from modules outside of the department.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | ||
| PHL3001 | Phenomenology | 15 |
| PHL3002 | Existentialism | 15 |
| PHL3013 | Virtues and Vices | 15 |
| PHL3014 | Symbolic Logic | 15 |
| PHL3038 | The Self | 15 |
| PHL3045 | Aesthetics | 15 |
| PHL3052 | Epistemology | 15 |
| PHL3053 | History of Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL3054 | Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 |
| PHL3060 | Philosophy of Emotion | 15 |
| PHL3078 | Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 |
| PHL3080 | Philosophical Frontiers | 15 |
| PHL3096 | Cyborg Studies | 15 |
| PHL3111 | The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 |
| PHL3113 | Practical Ethics | 15 |
| PHL3114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 |
| PHL3117 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 |
| PHL3118 | Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 |
| PHL3122 | Philosophy of Medicine | 15 |
| PHL3124 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 |
| PHL3126 | Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL3127 | Plato's Dialogues | 15 |
| PHL3131 | Philosophy of Music | 15 |
| SPA3017 | The Holocaust, Genocide and Society | 30 |
Course variants
UCAS code: V501
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why study abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I study abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and encourage you to develop your writing and presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Project work
- One-to-one sessions
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Practical assignments
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
As a Philosophy graduate you will be well prepared for a number of careers including teaching, the media, business, social research, work in the public and charity sectors, and the legal profession. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
Below are a few examples* of initial jobs undertaken by Politics and International Relations graduates. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Job title
Operations Analyst
Marketing Executive
Management Accountant
Primary Teacher
Account Manager
Equity Finance Analyst
Senior Associate
Event Manager
Project Executive
Organisation
London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympics
JP Morgan
Department of Health
HM Prison Service
HSBC
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
BOC
Wilton and Bain
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Politics degree in Exeter. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken. Please note that, due to data protection, the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Subject area
MA Social and Political Studies
MA Political Theory
MA Understanding and Securing Human Rights
MA Philosophy
Institution
University of Exeter
University College London
University of Bristol
University of London
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
Combine this subject with another through our Flexible Combined Honours course
Shape your degree to match your interests and goals with our BA/BSc Flexible Combined Honours (FCH).
This unique programme lets you study two or three subjects - even across departments - for example 'Archaeology and Geography' or 'English and Biological Sciences'.
You’ll benefit from a varied learning environment, with the chance to meet and collaborate with a wide range of peers. You can also follow a themed interdisciplinary pathway to deepen your understanding of a specific topic.
