Programme Specification: BA Philosophy

Programme Convenor: Dr Tony Carroll

Link to Programme Specification

UCAS or JACS code: V500

Brief Description of this programme

The BA in Philosophy offers a rigorous introduction to a range of central philosophical topics, and also allows students flexibility to choose strands of philosophy which interest them. 

At Level 4 (typically Year 1), all Philosophy students take the same compulsory core modules. Knowledge and Reality, Introduction to Value and the History of Greek Philosophy introduce the central concerns and early history of Philosophy. Reason and Argument introduces formal and informal logic, while Philosophical Texts engages students in close reading of classic texts in small seminars. 
For each of  Level 5 and 6 (typically years 2 and 3) there is just one compulsory core module, plus a dissertation at Level 6.  This leaves students scope to choose the remaining five modules from a wide range of subjects reflecting the expertise of the faculty. Students must include choices from distinct option groups, to make sure there is a good overall balance of breadth and depth.  Even so, the range of choice is wide,  including key philosophical writers and ideas of different periods (such as Hellenistic; Medieval; Wittgenstein; Kierkegaard; Nineteenth Century German Philosophy) or issues which have concerned Philosophers through the ages and still do (such as Metaphysics; Epistemology; Aesthetics; Philosophy of Mind; Political Philosophy; Love, sex, death and God).