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    Philosophy - BA (Hons)

    Keele Philosophy offers an exceptionally broad course with a wide range of modules so you can tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. It encompasses analytic and continental traditions and philosophical theories from around the world. You will be taught in a friendly department by Keele Philosophy's internationally regarded researchers, enabling you to develop a broad range of skills and expertise.

    Year of entry

    Course type

    • Single Honours

    UCAS code

    • V501

    Duration of study

    • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
    Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

    Why study Philosophy at Keele University?

    Discover new ideas, debate big questions with your lecturers and peers, and better appreciate the views of others
    Research-led teaching, providing insight into new and traditional topics, developing your analytical skills
    Tailor your degree programme based on your interests and career aspirations
    Discover diverse cultures through an International Year at a partner university across the globe
    Opportunity to gain professional experience in an additional work placement year within your studies

    Course overview

    Philosophy poses big questions about right and wrong, human life, the nature of reality and what we know about it. In Philosophy you will study classic and contemporary texts, think about ideas and formulate your own philosophical theories. You will explore central themes – such as moral and political philosophy, logic, epistemology, and the philosophies of mind, religion and science – and will consider key philosophical problems about the nature of the world, the mind and various solutions proposed.

    You’ll learn about different philosophical traditions past and present, including Anglo-American, Indian, Buddhist, Greek, French and German philosophy. You’ll enhance your logical and critical thinking skills, and develop the use of sound arguments to defend your views, while detecting fallacies and other argumentative weaknesses. You'll learn to present your work in a variety of ways, giving you transferable skills to find employment once you’ve graduated.

    Enhance your learning

    Royal Institute of Philosophy Lecture Series

    Hear from guest speakers about their philosophical research and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers and visitors from other universities. You will have the opportunity to network with professionals and share your knowledge and opinions as well as experience debates on a larger scale to gain a wider insight into different theories and explanations of philosophy. This experience builds your awareness of new research and allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

    Work Placement Year

    On this course, you will have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies between Year 2 and 3. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and practical skills in a workplace environment enabling you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.

    You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.

    Study Abroad

    International Year

    Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe. You will develop a new way of understanding the world and gain insight into various perspectives whilst learning in a different environment.

    On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.

    Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

    Learn a Language

    Discover languages at Keele, whether you are a complete beginner or already have a foundation of knowledge; we offer a flexible and guided route to developing your skills. We currently offer British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

    Related courses

    Next Steps

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    Additional opportunities

    Foundation year Learn a language Placement year International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

    There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
    Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

    Entry requirements

    Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

    If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

    Preparation programmes for international students

    International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

    These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

    Next Steps

    Entry requirements

    The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.

    A Level: BBC
    BTEC: DMM
    T Level: Merit

    Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    A Level

    BBC in three A levels

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

    DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
     
    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

    Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

    Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    T Level

    Merit in any T level

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    International Baccalaureate Careers Programme

    We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

    If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

    For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

    Access to HE Diploma

    112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

    The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

    Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

    BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

    If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

    Core Maths

    If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

    Ireland - Leaving Certificate

    H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    China - Gaokao

    70% in the Gaokao.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    India - Standard XII

    Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Germany - Abitur

    2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    France - Baccalaureate

    12 in the French Baccalaureate or 11.5 in the International Option Baccalaureate.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Hong Kong - Diploma

    443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Spain - Bachillerato

    Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

    75% in the Esame di Stato.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Cyprus - Apolytirion

    17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Portugal

    Overall average of 15 in a secondary certificate.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada - Diploma

    60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

    We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

    Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

    We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

    USA - Advanced Placement

    443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

    BBC in three Advanced Levels.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Malaysia - STPM

    BBC in three subjects in the STPM.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

    We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

    Singapore - A Levels (H2)

    BBC in three H2 Levels.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    European Baccalaureate

    70% overall.

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    English Language Requirements

    All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

    Alternative and contextual offers

    We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

    General information

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees for 2023/24 academic year

    • UK: £9250
    • International: Band 2

    For details of our international fee bands please see our Undergraduate tuition fees web page.

    Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

    Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you to manage your money, so that you can make the most of your time at Keele. We can help you to resolve issues with your Student Finance, create a budget, and help you to explore your options if you’re facing financial hardship. We are also able to ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible, such as bursaries and scholarships.

    For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding section.

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    Modules

    Next Steps

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    Your future career

    95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

    Enhance your employability

    Philosophy has a strong record for graduate employment among non-vocational degrees. You will gain highly developed skills in critical thinking, negotiating, and multiple approaches to problem solving, both of which are highly prized by employers. You will learn to organise your time and workload, to present your views confidently and to negotiate with others.

    This course will prepare you for employment in a broad range of careers with skills that are applicable for a variety of roles.

    You may wish to explore a career in:

    • Teaching
    • Police
    • Research
    • Business
    • Psychology
    • Marketing
    • Finance
    • Law
    • Computing
    • Charity
    • Further study

    Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

    From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

    Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    Philosophy is taught by lecturers with diverse research expertise, sparking your imagination in a range of different topics, with consideration of past and present perspectives. You will engage with core and optional modules and will be able to tailor your degree programme based on your interests.

    You will learn to think creatively and engage with thought-provoking discussions with peers and academics, addressing problem questions and constructing reasoned arguments. This experience will allow you to build logical arguments and think critically about the topic at hand, enabling you to gain a better understanding of some difficult questions.

    You will be taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars and web-based learning to ensure you engage with a variety of activities, through group work as well as independent study; developing skills that will prepare you for employment.

    You will be assessed through various methods including:

    • Examinations
    • Essays
    • Presentations
    • Dialogues
    • Video-making
    • Portfolios
    • Dissertation
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    Foundation year

    Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

    This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

    Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

    The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

    The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

    Course Content

    Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

    This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Philosophy degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines – from media to history – which enable us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and ‘mainstream’ society.  Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do. 

    Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage. 

    Course Structure

    The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

    Semester One Modules

    FYO-00247 Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing 15 credits
    FYO-00257 Foundations of Humanities 1 15 credits
    FYO-00259 Foundations of Humanities 2 15 credits
    FYO-00267 Foundations of Social Sciences 3
    		  15 credits

    Semester Two Modules

    FYO-00271 University Research Portfolio 30 credits
    FYO-00261 Advancing Humanities 30 credits

    ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

    • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
    • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English

    How to Apply 

    Students need to apply for BA (Hons) Philospohy with Foundation Year (UCAS code: V5V0) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. 

    Direct Entry Students

    If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

    The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

    We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

    Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

    In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

    Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

    For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

    Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.
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