Philosophy

BA (Hons)

Intermediate award(s): CertHE, DipHE
Full-Time

This course is available in Clearing, call us on 0845 271 3333 for more information

Stephanie Bransfield-Garth

BA Philosophy
Philosophy student Stephanie and her support dog Molly.

“
When I started looking for a philosophy course within commuting distance, I found the content and structure of the Anglia Ruskin offering to be far superior to that of other local universities. The course has actually exceeded my expectations - most of all I enjoy the stimulating discussions and engaging lectures. By putting philosophical ideas into their historic content it makes it much easier to both see the development of strands of thought, and to remember the content. The support offered by both teaching and support staff has been fantastic. I have been able to contact tutors and lecturers whenever I have a problem or issue and they respond promptly. The maxim seems to be if you're not sure just ask rather than worrying about it.

Facilities and resources are absolutely superb: not only are they there, but they are well advertised so it is easy to find anything you need. I fall into the 'special needs / disabled' student category and have found all the lecturers very accommodating in providing any additional help I need. I also use a support dog to get me around and she has become a bit of a feature on campus. I am a 49 year old mother returning to study, and having been intellectually 'on ice' for the last 12 years I was not confident in my ability to learn. I needn't have worried - everyone at Anglia Ruskin has been incredibly supportive.

”

Course overview

Philosophy is an increasingly popular subject at school and in the wider world, as more people realise the value of thinking through some of the really 'big questions' that have puzzled and fascinated us for centuries. Philosophy at Anglia Ruskin is broadly European in outlook, taking up issues in art, literature and politics, but it also offers an intellectual training in thinking and communicating clearly. You can learn how past thinkers have approached such questions and, through this study, develop ways of thinking that are more rigorous, systematic and creative. Philosophy teaches skills that are of immediate relevance, and employers value the problem-solving insights and imaginative flexibility that our graduates demonstrate.

Philosophy examines questions about who we are, what we can know and what we should seek to do if we are to lead worthwhile lives. In our friendly, supportive and stimulating environment you will study the ideas and arguments of some of the major philosophers in the history of the subject through their own writings.

You will also examine central theories in the fields of metaphysics, aesthetics, moral and political philosophy and literary theory. Through the detailed study and interpretation of philosophical texts, the course provides rigorous intellectual training, instilling historical and theoretical awareness and developing your powers of reflection and judgement as well as vital skills of critical analysis and argument.

Module guide

Year one core modules
  • Introduction to Philosophy

    This module is a problem-based introduction to philosophy. It looks at four central topics of philosophical inquiry: the relationship between truth and logical validity (When is an argument sound? Can we think about the content of a claim without thinking about reasons for asserting it?), the nature of knowledge (What are the sources and limits of knowledge?), the appearance/reality distinction (What lies beyond the limits of language and thought? Can we talk intelligibly about ultimately reality?), and selfhood (What is the self? Can we believe or want something unconsciously? What is the relationship between the self and others?). This module does not presuppose any prior philosophical training.

  • Ancient Philosophy

    This module will give you a historical overview of key ideas and events that have shaped what we have come to think of as 'Western civilisation'. In the course of this module we explore influential philosophical, political, religious and scientific ideas, and map the social and political changes that make up Western identity, in the period from the Reformation to the early 20th C. The emphasis is on an integrated approach to historical context and the spread and change of ideas. Through a selection of original sources and secondary readings you are introduced to and encouraged to think critically about these events and ideas and your role in shaping our past, present and future.

  • Western Civilisation 1: Antiquity to the Renaissance

    This module will give you a historical overview of key ideas and events that have shaped what we have come to think of as 'Western civilisation'. In the course of this module we explore influential philosophical, political, religious and scientific ideas, and map the social and political changes that make up Western identity, from the classical period to the Renaissance. The emphasis is on an integrated approach to historical context and the spread and change of ideas. Through a selection of original sources and secondary readings you are introduced to and encouraged to think critically about these events and ideas and your role in shaping our past, present and future.

  • Rights and Responsibilities

    People fight for your rights, resent other people's exercise of your rights, claim rights against the state or on behalf of animals. But what are 'rights'? Who is entitled to them? Why? These questions are central to contemporary moral and political philosophy and also to the way in which we think of issues such as medical care, crime and punishment, justice and happiness.

  • Meanings of Life

    Is life meaningful? What would it be to live an 'authentic life'? Can we be morally certain about good and evil? What is a friend? Is there a God? This module tackles 'the big questions' in an accessible way through film, literature and selected philosophical texts, offering you an opportunity to reflect on such issues while at the same time introducing key philosophical concepts and skills. Taking existentialist approaches in philosophy as its underlying theme, this module encourages you to reflect on the nature of the self, moral dilemmas, and questions of truth and knowledge. You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and to articulate your ideas and arguments clearly.

  • Western Civilisation 2: Reformation to the Modern Age

    This module will give you a historical overview of key ideas and events that have shaped what we have come to think of as 'Western civilisation'. In the course of this module we explore influential philosophical, political, religious and scientific ideas, and map the social and political changes that make up Western identity, in the period from the Reformation to the early 20th C. The emphasis is on an integrated approach to historical context and the spread and change of ideas. Through a selection of original sources and secondary readings you are introduced to and encouraged to think critically about these events and ideas and your role in shaping our past, present and future.

Year two core modules
  • The Rationalists: Early Modern Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Art
  • Kant and the Empiricists
  • Existence and Authenticity
  • Mind and World
Year three core modules
  • Major Project
  • Varieties of Scepticism

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, portfolios, presentations, reviews, reports and Major Project.

Facilities

All courses are taught in our modern and well-equipped classrooms.

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free access to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.


Study abroad options

You will have the opportunity to study for one semester in the US or Canada, made available through our exchange programme.

Special features

Philosophy at Anglia Ruskin University ranked 16th in the UK in The Guardian University League Table 2013.

Cambridge is a beautiful and historic university city. With a student population of some 25,000, it also offers a young, vibrant and creative environment. The city is full of student bookshops, cafes, cinemas, art galleries, museums and an exceptional number of theatre and concert venues, both mainstream and experimental. London is within easy reach of Cambridge by train or coach.

Course Leader

Dr Tristan Moyle

Associated careers

The skills and abilities you will develop are useful for a wide range of careers, from arts-based areas like journalism and media, publishing, advertising and teaching, through to computing and business administration.

Employers recognise the benefit of an intellectual training in critical and flexible thinking and imaginative problem solving and appreciate the independence, creativity and communication skills of our graduates, many of whom have gone on to obtain innovative and interesting employment after graduation.

UCAS Tariff points: 220 - 260
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

If we have confirmed you do not meet our entry requirements you might want to consider a preparatory course at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC), our partner college, based on our Cambridge campus, before coming to study with us.

How to apply

UCAS code

V501

Location

Duration

3 Years

Available starts

September

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Advice & support

Employability

Faculty

Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Department

Humanities and Social Sciences

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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