It’s a broad subject area and can get pretty deep – meaning it’s not for everyone – but studying a philosophy degree will allow you to tackle some of the world’s biggest questions. As a philosophy student, you’ll look at some of history’s greatest thinkers and analyse their investigations and findings. There’s no right or wrong answer in philosophy, so if you’re someone who enjoys theorising and delving deeper, this might be the perfect subject for you.
What do you need to get on a philosophy degree?
The ranges of entry requirements for philosophy are as follows:
- UCAS points: 96 – 168
- A-levels: A*AA – BCC
- Scottish Highers: AAAAA – BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
- BTEC Nationals: D*D*D* – DMM
- International Baccalaureate: 42 – 26
Most unis will ask for A-levels (or equivalent) in essay-based subjects like English, history, philosophy or religious studies.
Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.
What philosophy degrees can you study?
Philosophy can often be studied alongside another subject. Degrees in philosophy include:
- BA Philosophy
- BA Philosophy and Linguistics
- BA Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
What topics does a philosophy degree cover?
Common modules for philosophy include:
- Ancient philosophy
- Issues in contemporary ethics
- Early modern philosophy
- Knowledge and reality
- Philosophy of mind
- Political philosophies
- World philosophies
- Reason, argument and analysis
“In their first year, students take a wide range of modules typically involving Issues in Philosophy (an introduction to questions about what knowledge is), Descartes and Mill (an introduction to the work of two very important thinkers), Doing Philosophy (involving close reading of texts and development of analytic and writing skills), Using Philosophy (developing philosophical and presentation skill in application to issues of contemporary interest) and an Introduction to Ancient Philosophy.” – Guy Longworth, Director of Teaching and Learning for Philosophy at the University of Warwick.
What do you learn studying a philosophy degree?
Studying a philosophy degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:
- Understanding the development of philosophical inquiry
- Reasoning and debating
- Analysis and critique of text
- Knowledge of philosophers and their theories
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Research
- Public speaking
- Self-awareness
- Creative thinking
- Independent thinking
- Independent working
- Presentation
“Those who’ve taken a degree in philosophy have honed a variety of important skills. For some examples, they can think, write and speak clearly, analyse and express themselves well, read texts closely, analyse positions critically, uncover tacit presuppositions, construct cogent arguments and explain and argue in clear persuasive writing.” – Guy Longworth, Director of Teaching and Learning for Philosophy at the University of Warwick
What professional accreditations can you get with a philosophy degree?
Joint degrees may be accredited by relevant professional bodies, like the British Psychological Society (BPS) for combinations with psychology.
What can you do with a philosophy degree?
Philosophy is a pretty transferable degree, meaning you can use it in lots of different industries. Some jobs include:
- Lecturer/teacher
- Journalist
- Parliamentary advisor
- PR officer
- Chaplain
- Local government officer
- Psychotherapist
- Social researcher
Check out our careers guides here.
Where to study philosophy?
Check the latest ranking of unis offering philosophy courses by the Complete University Guide.
How long is a philosophy degree?
A philosophy degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry or abroad), which will increase the course to four years.
How will you be assessed?
Philosophy courses usually involve assessment through:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Assessed discussions
- Dissertation
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Your options for further study include:
- MSc Philosophy
- MA Philosophy
- MA Literature and Philosophy
- MA Practical Philosophy
- MSc Philosophy and Public Policy
What alternatives are there to a philosophy degree?
Not sure if a philosophy degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: