Course content

In Philosophy, you will study 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. Keele has a thriving student-led Philosophy Society, and the programme engages widely with other universities, especially through its Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series.

You can also study a language as part of your degree or study for a year abroad.  

Combinations

Philosophy is also available as a Combined Honours degree:

Philosophy and Education
Philosophy and English Literature
Philosophy and Mathematics
Philosophy and Politics
Philosophy and Psychology

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.

A Level requirements

• A Level requirement BBC-BCC
  

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

GCSE requirements

• English at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DMM

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate

• 30 points 

Access to HE Diploma requirements

• Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.  

Foundation year

You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

Foundation year

Fees and funding

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.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

This course provides a superb grounding in understanding the way people think and approach problems, which is why philosophy has a strong record for graduate employment among non-vocational degrees. You will gain highly developed skills in critical thinking 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. Keele philosophy graduates have gone into a wide range of different careers, including education, the law, finance, government, publishing, the media, the police and civil service, the arts, business and information management, as well as going on to further study.

Recent employers

• BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
• British Army
• Lucy Electric
• RSPCA
• SEL -First Class
• Sheffield Probation Office

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.

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