University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

We offer a range of stimulating and challenging philosophy degrees, which will enable you to think critically about the world around you. 

We teach in a wide range of areas, with expertise spanning applied philosophy – such as business ethics and the philosophy of law – to traditional areas of western and non-western philosophy.

Our flexible degrees allow you to tailor your studies to your interests. You have a wide range of modules to choose from, as well as the opportunity to learn a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme. 

Our courses

On all our courses, you may be permitted to undertake a placement year or a study abroad year between your second and third years. In such cases you will transfer to a four-year course. This is available through internal transfer only.

BA Philosophy

Learn how to criticise arguments effectively, and how to make a good case for your views on questions about truth, reality, right and wrong.

You will study central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures in Western and non-Western philosophy.

This flexible degree allows you to shape your studies to your interests.

Only one module is compulsory in your first year. You can select the rest of the modules yourself and explore these subjects in further depth in years two and three.

Learn more about BA Philosophy

 

BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy

Study the central arguments, theories and texts in areas of philosophy concerned with ethics, politics and art. You will learn to criticise arguments effectively, and to formulate a convincing case for your own views on these topics.

You will also have the opportunity to study other areas of both Western and non-Western philosophy.

We are one of the few universities to offer BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy. With only two compulsory modules in the first year and four compulsory modules in your second year, this degree can be tailored to your areas of interest.

Learn more about BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy

Joint degree programmes

Philosophy complements other subjects very well and at Reading, you have the option of exploring another subject alongside philosophy through our joint-degrees:

We offer flexibility with our joint degrees – if you embark on a joint course, but decide you are more passionate about one subject than the other, we will support you to swap to a single-honours course, which can be done before the start of your second year.

We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer a joint degree in Philosophy, Business and Ethics. This degree is offered in partnership with the triple-accredited Henley Business School.

BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics gives you the opportunity to use multiple disciplines to tackle issues facing society.
My two subjects complement each other wonderfully: they both investigate important, bizarre and fascinating questions. They both satisfy my hunger for knowledge, constant questioning, and problem-solving

Daisy

BA Art and Philosophy graduate

Read more stories from our students

A diverse range of career options

Philosophy develops creative, brilliant thinkers whose knowledge and expertise can be applied to a wide range of professional industries.

94% of graduates from the Department of Philosophy are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; all responders from Philosophy)

Past graduates have worked for KPMG, the civil service, IBM, PwC, Lloyds, museums, charities, schools and universities.

Graduate destinations

Our philosophy graduates have gone on to secure careers in fields as diverse as law, publishing, business, management, government and politics.

  • GlaxoSmithKline 
  • Virgin Atlantic Airways
  • KPMG
  • New Voice Media
  • NHS
  • Royal Air Force
  • IBM UK
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • The British Council
  • Columbia Records
  • The Civil Service
  • Lloyds
  • Grant Thornton UK LLP
  • Amazon UK
  • Department of Work and Pensions

Fees and funding

There is a variety of funding support available to our undergraduate students. You may be eligible for government loans, grants or bursaries.

Students from the UK can receive government loans to help towards tuition fees and living costs. UK students may also be eligible for other grants and bursaries depending on their circumstances.

Fees and funding at the University of Reading

Why study with us?

Study at a Department that ranks in the Top 125 in the world for History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

How you'll study

Engage in discussion and debate with leading academics, explore speciality subjects in thought-provoking modules and benefit from a range of assessments methods.

Life in the Department

Join our supportive, dynamic community of students and staff, who will welcome you to the Department and encourage you to develop and succeed.