Philosophy seminar with Lina Jansson - Humanities

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy is more than a subject; it's a transformative journey. Whether you're driven by curiosity, a desire for justice, or a quest for understanding, philosophy offers a path to explore life's deepest questions and shape the world around you.

From ethics and metaphysics to social and feminist philosophy, our curriculum is designed to broaden your perspectives and deepen your critical thinking skills.

Extensive module selection 

Design your educational experience according to your interests with our extensive range of courses, offering flexibility and customisation to suit your preferences. 

Delve into an extraordinary selection of optional topics where you can explore:

  • themes of crime and justice, race and gender, politics and theology.
  • domains such as environmental and social philosophy.
  • facets of human existence including sexuality, illness, recreation, and mental health.

Key stats

  • Top 25 for Philosophy in the UK (Complete University Guide)
  • Over 80% of our publications have been recognised as internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
  • 89% of our students agree the teaching staff have supported their learning well

Why choose us?

  • Global outlook -  Immerse yourself in different cultures and traditions through our study abroad programs, expanding your worldview.
  • Expert faculty - Learn from leading academics dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and fostering a stimulated learning environment
  • Practical application - Gain real-world skills through hands-on projects and work placements
Find out more about the Department of Philosophy >

What our students say...

Deborah Igunma headshot
left double quote mark symbol

I definitely felt like I fitted in. Staff and other students, particularly during seminars, would add to this belief too with how open we all were to the discussions we had.

I was also a part of several societies that spoke to different parts of me – the ACS and Entrepreneurship societies for example were amazing. 

 

Read Deborah's full profile
 
Deborah Igunma headshot

Deborah Igunma

Philosophy BA (2019 Graduate), CEO at Peek

Jodi Kiang - outdoors smiling
left double quote mark symbol

The highlight for me was being able to create my own degree. There was so much more freedom of choice, so I could really pick the things I loved.

 

Read Jodi's full profile

 

Jodi Kiang - outdoors smiling

Jodi Kiang

Philosophy and Theology BA (2016), Individual Giving Manager (legacies) at Diabetes UK

Our courses

See all

Faculty of Arts

Philosophy BA Hons

Qualification
BA Hons

Entry requirements
AAB

UCAS code
V500

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

Philosophy and Psychology BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
AAB

UCAS code
V505

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

Philosophy and Theology BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
ABB

UCAS code
VV56

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

History and Philosophy BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
AAB

UCAS code
VV51

Duration
3 years full-time or 4-6 years part-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

English and Philosophy BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
AAB

UCAS code
QV35

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

Classical Civilisation and Philosophy BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
ABB

UCAS code
QV85

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

Classical Civilisation and Philosophy BA Jt Hons

Qualification
BA Jt Hons

Entry requirements
ABB

UCAS code
QV85

Duration
3 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

Faculty of Arts

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

Qualification
BA Hons

Entry requirements
BCC

UCAS code
Y14F

Duration
4 years full-time

Start date
Sep 2025

See all

About our courses

Teaching methods on our course include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials 
  • Placements 
  • Workshops

Weekly reading summaries, presentations and online quizzes and tests may also be used by individual lecturers.

Assessment

For assessments, you will encounter a combination of essays, exams, commentaries, dissertations, in-class tests, portfolios, presentations, reflective reviews, and written exams.  This varied approach ensures that your learning outcomes are assessed comprehensively.

Additionally, personal tutors provide invaluable support, guiding you through academic challenges and personal development opportunities. Peer mentors, trained students from your department, offer further assistance in settling into academic and student life.

 

Work placement module

Through our work placement module, students have the chance to gain direct experience in a professional workplace environment. This part-time placement is supplemented with classroom reflection and support from our Careers service. 

Philosophy in School Project

As part of our commitment to community engagement and student development, all philosophy students have the opportunity to participate in the Philosophy in Schools project. This initiative allows students to teach philosophy in local primary schools, honing their teaching and management skills.

Communicating Philosophy Module

Our unique Communicating Philosophy module offers students the chance to apply their philosophical skills to a range of different careers. Professionals such as lawyers and journalists provide insights into how philosophical concepts can be effectively communicated in various formats, from legal documents to press releases.

The programme equips students with valuable skills sought by employers:

  • analytical reasoning
  • effective communication
  • critical reasoning and articulating complex arguments 
  • independent research 
  • write clearly and persuasively 

Our graduates go on to work across various industries, including but not limited to:

  • Business and finance including banking
  • Commercial, industrial, and public sector management and marketing
  • Sales and advertising 
  • HR and recruitment 
  • Media, Publishing, and Public Relations

Notably, we are consistently ranked among the top choices for graduate recruitment by UK employers in the annual High Fliers report. 

Find out more about how you can use your degree.

''Studying Philosophy probably isn't the most conventional path into the automotive industry, but my time at Nottingham gave me more than just rigorous academic training. I left Nottingham with ways of thinking which have enabled me to thrive on a sought-after graduate scheme, and to secure an exciting job thereafter.''

- Luke Gallimore, BA Philosophy, now working as a Digital Manager in Volkswagen Group UK Ltd

We offer opportunities to study in many countries including Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, and the USA.

See our study abroad webpage for more information.

Please note: In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Offers are usually made without interview. Please note that students with non-standard entry qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.

We follow the university's flexible admissions policy and take educational and personal circumstances into consideration. 

Further details are available on our applying pages.

Watch the video below:

Join us and be guided by our Admissions Manager, Maryam. With her expert guidance, you'll discover some common myths we hear from potential students. From your reference worries to your predicted grades, and everything in between, Maryam clears up some key points you need to know to start your university experience.

Play Button

Related articles

Faculty of Arts

Arts and Humanities Courses with Foundation Year

Who is the foundation year for and what is it like?

Learn more

Faculty of Arts

A day in the life of an English and Philosophy student

Second-year student Sephora shares a typical day...

Learn more
Open Day June 2022