Philosophy (Placement Year)

BA Hons

  • UCAS Code V501
  • Entry Year 2023 or 2024
  • A Level Requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 4 Years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 7th for Student Satisfaction (Philosophy) in The Guardian University Guide (2023)

  • A global focus, with particular expertise on non-Western philosophy

  • Study abroad and placement opportunities

Philosophy is the careful, critical, and reasoned engagement with a wide range of fundamental questions about human existence; about art, politics, justice, right and wrong, truth and knowledge, faith and reason.

Here at Lancaster we approach these questions not only through the history of Western philosophy, examining figures such as Plato, Kant, Descartes and Nietzsche, but also through non-Western approaches to philosophy, and contemporary philosophical discussion of a wide range of topics.

Lancaster is distinctive in two respects:

  • a large proportion of our experts specialise in applied philosophy and contribute to discussions about public policy and the law, both nationally and internationally.
  • a number of experts specialise in non-Western philosophy, including Indian and Islamic philosophical traditions.

These two distinctions make Lancaster uniquely placed to provide a wide-ranging programme that is balanced and rounded, drawing on philosophies from around the world. We have a particular focus on how philosophy can be used in daily life, from government to education, international relations to wellbeing. Our lecturers are passionate about their specialisms and bring their latest research into their teaching.

The degree covers many topics and approaches. As you advance through the degree, you increasingly have the opportunity to tailor the degree to your own interests by choosing from a wide range of modules.

In your first year you will take three modules. The cornerstone is the core module Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality, which draws on a broad range of philosophical traditions and covers several areas of philosophy including metaphysics and epistemology. It will also develop your ability to reason and think clearly about the most fundamental questions of human existence. We’ll study both European and non-European sources.

In the first year we also strongly recommend that you take the complementary module Moral and Political Philosophy. This will develop your ability to reason and think clearly about questions of how we ought to act and organise our lives together. You will also be able to choose a third module from a range of subjects that complement your studies.

In the second year and final years you can choose from a broad range of options. These are just some of the many modules we offer:

  • Indian Philosophical and religious Thought
  • Metaphysics
  • Understanding Liberty: Theory and Practice
  • Mind-Body Problem
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Nineteenth Century Philosophy
  • Philosophical Questions in the Study of Politics and Economics
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Values and Objectivity
  • Exploring Politics, Religion and Values
  • Aesthetics
  • Darwinism and Philosophy
  • Feminist Philosophy
  • Future Generations
  • The Imagination
  • PPR in India – includes three weeks at Manipal University in India

The options available in any given year vary depending on our latest research, student feedback and topical concerns. You will find further information about modules in the Course Structure section.

In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a sustained investigation of a specific subject that interests you. This is the dissertation option, where you define a question with a member of academic staff, who will discuss the topic with you and advise you in your own research.

The placement year

To prepare students for their work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments.

The University will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.

“Studying philosophy at Lancaster has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and has allowed me to study a wide range of subjects including ethics, epistemology, the nature of the mind and many more interesting topics. Being taught by experts within their field who have a real passion for their subjects and who encourage and guide you through your work is incredibly helpful and is a key strength of the department. I have also been fortunate enough to do a placement year whilst completing my studies. I worked for an international charity called Hospices of Hope which promotes hospice care in southeast Europe. Philosophy has given me key analytic and evaluative skills which helped me conduct research and plan marketing.”

John Garman, BA (Hons) Philosophy (Placement Year)

Extra curricular

We are a lively department and several staff are involved in national and international advisory groups and our students benefit from these connections. We have extra-curricular events such as conferences, talks and seminars taking place throughout the year.

Our students take part in the many clubs and societies that are supported by Lancaster University Student’s Union. This includes the Philosophical Society that organises regular discussions, debates and guest speakers, as well as international societies representing different countries, faith groups, political groups, debating society, InterVol and many more. There are regular events, trips and high profile visiting speakers, which provide numerous ways to get involved and meet other students who share your interests.

Careers

A Philosophy degree provides you with the opportunity to develop knowledge and transferable skills relevant to a range of different future careers. According to the most recent Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, 6 months on from graduation, our Philosophy graduates have gone on to careers in Public Relations, HR and recruitment, teaching and education, legal research, logistics and project management. We will help you determine your direction and aim to support you in getting there. We do this by offering subject-specific support from academic tutors and specialist careers advisers.

Find out more about the support the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion offers to improve your employability, and learn about the careers of some of our alumni.


Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry Requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level ABB

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Course Structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and others which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism. We divide academic study into two sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). For most programmes Part 1 requires you to study 120 credits spread over at least three modules which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects. A higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster please visit our Teaching and Learning section.

The following courses do not offer modules outside of the subject area due to the structured nature of the programmes: Architecture, Law, Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Sports and Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine and Biomedical Science.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research.

Core

Optional

Optional

Core

Optional

Fees and Funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2023/24 are:

UK International
£9,250 £21,980

Scholarships and Bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Download the course booklet to find out more about Lancaster University, how we teach Philosophy and what you'll study as a Philosophy student.

Philosophy subject guide

Undergraduate open days 2023

Our summer open days give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.

Undergraduate Open Days
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A tour of the Campus

Join Meenal and Vlad as they take you on a tour of the Lancaster University campus. Discover the learning facilities, accommodation, sports facilities, welfare, cafes, bars, parkland and more.

Undergraduate Open Days

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.