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Undergraduate Study

BA Philosophy - 2026 entry

Please note: The below is for 2026 entry. Click here for 2025 entry.
UCAS code V500
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2026
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Philosophy
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 723192

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAA
IB: 36/666
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: ABB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

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.

View 2025 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 icon

Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy

9th in The Complete University Guide 2026

Graduation cap and diploma icon: symbolizing academic achievement and success.

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

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities to study abroad

Arrows crossing over icon

Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research

Top 10 icon

Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy

9th in The Complete University Guide 2026

Graduation cap and diploma icon: symbolizing academic achievement and success.

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

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities to study abroad

Arrows crossing over icon

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
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View 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.

Read more

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

CodeModule 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

 

CodeModule 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

CodeModule 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

 

CodeModule 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

CodeModule 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

CodeModule 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

 

CodeModule 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.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

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.

Find out more about proficiency options

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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.

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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.

Learn more about Flexible Combined Honours

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