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2024/25
2025/26

BA Philosophy with Placement Experience

  • UCAS code
    V510
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Examine fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong – and explore philosophical concepts in a professional setting – with our BA Philosophy with Placement Experience degree.

Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, evaluate arguments critically, and challenge both your own ideas and those of other people. You'll gain an understanding of the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts, and figures.  

You will be taught by leading experts within our Department of Philosophy, whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, particularly Indian philosophy. 

You will be taught in small, interactive seminar groups, facilitating discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students. In the National Student Survey 2023, 92% of our students said that teaching staff supported their learning well or very well (91.67% of respondents studying BA Philosophy). 

Professional placement

This four-year degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year of study.

Supported by our dedicated placement team, you'll gain real-world experience and a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Your placement will enable you to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, and also provide opportunities for you to build your network.

We have excellent links with a diverse range of employers from industry, the public sector and the charity sector, meaning that we can help you find placements for a variety of career paths.

Over the years, students in the Department of Philosophy have completed a wide range of placements. Roles have included:

  • Education and Engagement Assistant
  • HR Intern
  • Communications Co-ordinator
  • Azure Specialist.

Students have worked at organisations such as the House of Commons, the University of Reading, Microsoft and Enterprise Mobility.

Recent placements have also enabled students to examine philosophical issues in the workplace – for example, working at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.

If you would prefer to study this course without a placement year, you can choose our three-year BA Philosophy course.

Placement support

Our dedicated placement co-ordinator will support you throughout securing a placement, during the placement, and while transitioning back to university life.

From your first year, we will guide you through the career planning process and support you in identifying paid placements suited to your individual career interests. We'll also review your CV and application forms, build your confidence for interviews, tests and assessment centres, and help you prepare for receiving feedback.



Developing your skills

Our modules will enable you to become a fully independent learner, able to reflect critically on your progress, strengths, and the goals you wish to achieve. Our methods are designed to teach you the skills you need, both throughout your degree and r future career.

During your first year, you’ll learn to present your ideas, orally and in writing, in a clear and effective way. You’ll undertake modules focused on honing your ability to make your own arguments and assess the arguments of others.

During your second year, you’ll develop your skills of research and enquiry, and how to effectively present arguments in public. In your final year, your modules will focus on developing independent research and self-awareness.

Thought-provoking modules

We have an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, and the modules we offer stem directly from our academics’ research, which is informed by current events and problems. You’ll be able to choose from a vast breadth of modules and study philosophy in connection to real-world issues, such as democracy, freedom, religion, and climate change.

We offer considerable variety in the topics that we teach, including:

  • ethics
  • aesthetics
  • philosophy of law
  • philosophy of colour
  • philosophy of film
  • artificial intelligence.

You can either choose diverse modules to broaden your knowledge, or themed modules to focus your interests, enabling you to make an informed choice as to how to specialise as you progress through your degree.

How you’ll be assessed

There are no examinations for any modules offered in the Department of Philosophy. We’ll assess you through a variety of methods aiming to support different learning styles and enabling you to reach your highest potential, including:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • group work
  • blog posts.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP)

You can also apply for a paid summer placement in our Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), working with an academic on their research. You will gain transferable skills and a greater understanding of research methods.

Explore another perspective

You can opt to study another subject alongside philosophy on our joint degrees. Popular choices include History, Classical Studies, Politics, English Literature and Psychology.


New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £25,250

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Flexible courses (price per 10 credit module)

UK/Republic of Ireland students: £750

International students: £1275

Throughout your degree, you will complete career and skills related modules, encouraging you to think about what career you would like and what skills you will need.

In addition, our Careers team will support you with:

  • CV writing, placement applications and interview techniques
  • developmental workshops, career advice sessions and recruitment events
  • career mentoring and training sessions.

Your placement will provide you with experience of applying for roles and a year’s worth of valuable work experience to help you stand out. Many students in the School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics are offered jobs from their placement providers after they have completed their placement.

Studying philosophy will give you a range of transferable skills. In particular, skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing.

Recent graduates have found employment in the Civil Service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government. Recent employers have included the Ministry of Defence, Cambridge University Press, local authorities and other universities. 

Around one in four of our students continue onto postgraduate study, including conversion courses and teacher training.