Philosophy [with Foundation Year]

Grapple with the big questions that have puzzled humans for centuries and discover how great minds have tried to answer them.

Who are we? What can we know? What should we do to lead worthwhile lives? These are a few of the questions you’ll address on our BA Philosophy degree – as well as discovering how great minds through the ages have tried to answer them.

As well as exploring the history of philosophy, you’ll examine modern-day debates in areas like global feminisms, ethics and art.

Engage in philosophical discussions and debates through our student-led Philosophy Society.

Explore the key philosophical, social and political issues surrounding artificial intelligence and machine technology.

Boost your employability: learn a language, take a placement year, and solve live briefs for real-world organisations.

No exams! You’ll show your progress through methods likely to be used in the workplace.

Careers

Study Philosophy at ARU and develop skills for your chosen career.

Problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, analysis and communication skills are highly valued by employers, 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. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.

You can also boost your employability by learning a language, studying abroad for a semester, and taking part in work placements and live briefs for our partner organisations.

Our 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.

You might decide to stay at ARU and take a Masters degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

In Year 1 you’ll explore some of philosophy’s biggest issues including the existence of God and the nature of knowledge and ethical deliberation, discover classical thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, and establish what your own ideal society would look like.

In Year 2 you’ll tackle issues like consciousness, reality, and free will, while optional modules will allow you to explore your own interests.

Finally, you’ll complete a major research project on a topic of your choice, learn about Scepticism from ancient Greece to the present day and continue to specialise in your own interests.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after gradudation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.