University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Studying undergraduate Philosophy at the University of Birmingham will give you access to world-class talent in fields as diverse as Metaphysics, Philosophy of Psychiatry, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Mind. You will meet the great minds of history and the present day on equal terms, not just learning what they thought, but engaging with them critically. In the first year of your degree, you will focus on the fundamentals of western philosophy, including its history and contemporary concerns. In your second and final year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree course so that you can focus on the areas of Philosophy that interest you most. Why study this course? Fantastic module variety – The amount of optional modules on offer will allow you to specialise more as you progress through your degree course so that you can study areas of the discipline that interest you most. Modules such as Minds, Brains and Computers: Issues in Philosophy of Cognitive Science, Reasons to Believe: Topics in Epistemology and Fantastic Beasts and How to Understand them: Topics in Philosophy of Biology. Taught by the very best - You will study alongside some of the finest minds in Philosophy. The Department is first in the country for its performance in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average. Philosophy from all angles - Explore topics such as the Philosophy of Time, Mind, Science and Mental Health, as well as Applied Ethics, Metaphysics and Sexual Ethics. Outstanding student experience – You will have a variety of opportunities to enhance your student experience during your degree, including regular coffee mornings for staff and students, visiting speakers, specialist lectures, and a variety of trips. Leading the Discourse - The Department is at the forefront of philosophical discussion and debate. Our world leading research as part of Mental Health Humanities at Birmingham is pushing the boundaries of cross disciplinary dialogue in the universities dynamic mental health research agenda. Top 10 for undergraduate Philosophy in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 1st Department of Philosophy came top in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education) 95% of students in work or further study within 15 months of the course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022)
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V500
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT