Philosophy Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Philosophy is arguably the oldest university subject and has the widest field, with philosophers asking fundamental and important questions about values, culture, science, religion and society. As such Philosophy sits at the heart of any university, engaging with and enriching other programmes. In fact, at Winchester, Philosophy has a special role pledged to pioneering values-driven education and asking big questions about human existence.

* Focus on values and beliefs to deepen your understanding of the specific needs of individuals and communities within local and global societies

* Learn the highly transferable skills of speaking and writing clearly and convincingly along with the capacity for independent thinking

* Learn from leading international thinkers across the campus on a wide range of questions relating to your course

* Gain real-world work experience as a part of your degree programme through work placement within an organisation such as a charity or a think tank

If you’re keen to acquire the tools of logic and reason, to think rigorously and defend your own position clearly around these questions, then our dynamic three-year programme is a great place to start. We actively encourage critical reflection and debate, and you can study a range of core philosophical areas such as logic, epistemology, theology, ethics and aesthetics.

At Winchester, you study the grand narrative of the philosophical tradition, from ancient Greece to the world of existentialism and post-modernity. Each year you analyse the meaning and significance of classic philosophical works from thinkers as diverse as de Beauvoir, Aquinas, Fanon and Aristotle. 

In analysing the texts produced by great intellects, you grow as a writer, debater and thinker. And it’s not all about heavyweight thinkers – you have the chance to explore philosophical ideas in everyday life: for example, how films or art help us to explore the big questions. 

In Year 1, you begin by studying modules in Philosophy that are designed to develop your study skills and enhance your confidence in critical writing and reading. These include Philosophy: Paradoxes and the Search for Knowledge; Philosophy from Ancient to Early Modern Times; Christ and the Philosophers and The Good Life.

In Year 2, core modules include Thinking with the Earth and Research Planning; Kant, Hegel and Nietzsche; and Ethics in War and Medicine Today. You also start choosing your optional modules to reflect your own academic interests, with options including Gender and Sexuality; Religion, Ritual and Society; and Philosophy of Film. In your Year 2, you can also opt for a Work Placement.

In Year 3, in addition to researching and writing your dissertation and studying the core module From Existentialism to Contemporary Philosophy, you can choose from a broad selection of optional modules. These cover topics from meta-ethics to mortality and theology, giving you paths to pursue your personal interests in Philosophy.

You will graduate from the University of Winchester with a degree that shows you have an understanding of people and communities, not just texts. Some Philosophy students start their degree with a career in mind, such as teaching (philosophy, religion or ethics), journalism, social work and academia, while others discover their vocation during their course. You could also go on to our own MA Death, Religion and Culture, or other Master’s degrees in the School such as MA History or MA Cultural Heritage and Resource Management, or beyond into PGCE studies or conversion degrees in Law or Psychology. Other potential career pathways are working for NGOs and charities, where ethical issues are paramount, and employment in both the public and private sectors. 

Whatever your career plans, this is a degree that develops you as an independent thinker, a close observer of society and a collaborative problem solver – that gives you lots of options for your future.