Come and explore some of the most profound questions it is possible to ask with some of the most eminent philosophers in the country. What makes something good or just? Is the human mind just a lump of grey matter? Can I know that I'm not trapped inside The Matrix? Do we have free will? Does God exist? Does science provide us with a special kind of knowledge? Who decides what counts as beautiful?

Our BA Philosophy with Foundation Year provides a thorough grounding in the central areas of philosophy for students from all educational backgrounds. This prestigious degree fosters independent judgement, original thought and the ability to analyse complex ideas and arguments. It offers a wide range of option modules. Moreover, the Philosophy Department at Birkbeck maintains close connections with other departments in the University of London. We often welcome students on our modules from UCL, KCL, and SOAS and our students, in return, also have the opportunity to take modules with our intercollegiate partners.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can automatically progress on to our three-year, full-time, evening study BA Philosophy.

• Our Foundation Year programmes will fully prepare you for undergraduate study and are ideal if you returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
• Birkbeck's Department of Philosophy is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and the Department’s excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
• In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Philosophy at Birkbeck was ranked 15th in the UK, with a research environment judged conducive to producing internationally excellent research.
• The Department of Philosophy has its own library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library, which has an extensive range of books and online resources.
• The Department of Philosophy is a member of the University of London’s Institute of Philosophy. Students in the Department therefore belong to a large, intercollegiate community of philosophers, and are welcome at a range of seminars, lectures, talks and conferences.