This year will prepare you for the rest of your course. We’ll focus on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. But we’ll also start to look at intercultural studies and some of the social perceptions that are held across Western cultures.

You’ll develop your problem solving, critical thinking and judgement skills by analysing major philosophers’ ideas and arguments, developing your own views through rigorous, systematic and creative thought, and learning to use philosophical methods in your everyday life.

These are important skills, with the World Economic Forum ranking complex problem solving and critical thinking among the top ten skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.

There’s the chance to engage in philosophical discussions and debates through the student-led Philosophy Society, and attend events such as our Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series.

You could also boost your employability by learning a language with our Anglia Language Programme, or studying abroad for a semester.

• In your first year, you’ll gain a broad grounding in the knowledge and skills you need to study philosophy at degree level. You’ll explore some of philosophy’s biggest issues, including the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, and the nature of ethical deliberation, learning how contemporary philosophers have tackled them.
• You’ll discover the ideas of classical thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and how they emerged as philosophers from their historical and cultural context. You’ll broaden your horizons beyond the west, finding out what Ancient Chinese and Indian philosophies, and major world religions, have to say about life and death, justice and morality.
• You’ll establish what your ideal society would look like by exploring what constitutes democracy and a ‘state’, the concepts and limitations of liberty and rights, the morality of capitalism and the free market, structures of power and oppression, and our duties to the environment and other countries. You’ll develop critical thinking, research, writing and presentation skills throughout the year.

Assessment

Outstanding student support

Join our student community and:

• benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
• learn from inspiring tutors on a course ranked the top Philosophy degree in the UK (National Student Survey 2020) and top in the UK for ‘Satisfied with Feedback’ (The Guardian University Guide 2021)
• access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a closer look

Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.

Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.

Our BA (Hons) Philosophy graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including new media, recruitment, events management, marketing, charities, teaching, law or medicine (via a conversion course), the Civil Service, or local government. Some even set up their own independent businesses.

Our degree course is designed to help you develop and think about the skills you need to enter your chosen career from day one. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgment, analysis and communication skills our philosophy students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team, and may develop attitudes and viewpoints that are much appreciated in the workplace.

You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research by continuing on to a Masters degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.