Philosophy, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Philosophy is the love of wisdom - it is the search for truth and understanding, whether about ourselves, society, the world, or reality itself. It is a wide-ranging academic discipline, incorporating the study of ethics and morality, politics, human nature, knowledge and the universe.

The BA Philosophy programme at Swansea will introduce you to major philosophical theories and debates across different traditions, cultures and schools of thought. It will equip you with the ability to reflect on questions of fundamental importance (How should we live our lives? What does a just society look like? How can we know what exists?), to think creatively and logically, and to debate issues in a clear and persuasive manner.

An important focus of the programme is applying philosophy to practical, contemporary problems. For example, what is the impact of technology on wellbeing, and what it means to be human? How should forms of offensive or hateful speech be regulated? As a result, the study of philosophy is about both understanding the world, and working out how we can change it for the better.

Throughout the degree, you will be equipped with creative and critical thinking skills, coupled with the ability to reflect ethically and innovatively. You will learn to connect abstract ideas and ideals with practical problems and questions. At the heart of the degree is a focus on ensuring that you can identify, assess, develop and communicate arguments and theories. This involves complex conceptual reasoning and information analysis, as well as an appreciation of the views and experiences of people across historical and geographical contexts.

Why Philosophy at Swansea?

You will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. 

You will be joining a high-performing department, which is currently ranked:

  • 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)*
  • 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 7th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1-26, NSS 2025.

Your Philosophy Experience

The first year of the degree provides you with a grounding in the key areas of philosophy that are then built upon in the following years. These include critical reasoning and logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and ancient . There is also an annual trip to the Senedd, which takes place in the first term. This offers you an early opportunity to spend time with your peers in a programme and career relevant context. 

The second and third years aim to develop the skills and knowledge you have accrued in the first year, alongside a carefully selected range of optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree to your personal interests and aims. Some modules cover ‘pure’ philosophy topics, whilst others apply philosophical theories and arguments to practical contexts and issues.

Reflecting the nature of philosophy, the primary mode of assessment is written essays, in which you can undertake detailed analysis of existing philosophical ideas and arguments, as well as developing your own. However, the programme also includes a diverse range of assessment types, including paired critical exchanges, group presentations, audio-visual dialogues, reading diaries and oral . These are designed to foster your effective communication skills across a range of media and formats, as well as team-working skills and technological competencies.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA. 

Philosophy Employment Opportunities

This programme embeds opportunities for you to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking, teamwork and communication through assessments, presentations and collaborative projects. As a first-year student, you will attend an introductory employability session, designed to orient you towards career pathways and the support available at Swansea University.

Modules also include integrated skills-development sessions, designed in collaboration with our Centre for Academic Success, to help you to build core academic, digital, and professional competencies from the outset of your .

We maintain strong links with departments across the University, to promote joint events and opportunities. You will have opportunities to undertake research internships within the department through short, medium, and long-term funded schemes and competitive opportunities, which support your involvement in ongoing staff research projects.

Graduates with a degree in philosophy go on to undertake further study as well as graduate-level employment. Our graduates are employed all around the world, and enter careers in sectors including:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government and Politics
  • Humanitarian Organisations
  • Law and Public Services
  • Media and Public Relations

Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as:

  • Westminster Forum Projects
  • The Labour Party
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers

 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Philosophy, BA (Hons)

Philosophy with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Philosophy with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)