Course summary
If you're interested in exploring views, ideas, theories, practices and behaviours, BA (Hons) Philosophy is the course for you. Socrates, one of the most famous philosophers of all times, said "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.": that is a core strength of philosophical studies. In developing your ability to think well, you will be able to spot errors in reasoning, analyse complex issues and arguments, build a strong case and make a point with clarity and precision. Philosophy seeks to understand, and particularly to question, ideas concerning the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. The philosophy discipline focuses on problematic concepts, such as existence, reason and truth, which occur in every sphere of human enquiry, but more specifically on problematic concepts that belong to particular areas of thought and practice, such as politics, economics, religion, science and ethics. In today’s COVID related situation, we regularly see political decision-makers flanked by scientists. The Philosophy of Science is interested in analysing why science seems to be so successful in explaining reality. With scientists playing an ever-increasing role in decision-making processes at all levels we have to ask: are scientists the new priests of society? Throughout the course you will apply this type of analytical and critical thinking to a range of 21st century issues such as: Is humanity headed in the right or wrong direction? What is the best way for a person to attain happiness? Will religion ever become obsolete? What is the future of artificial intelligence? Is there a meaning to life and, if so, what is it? Please see our FAQ sheet on our website for further information on this course. Please note that UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland have changed their names to become UHI North, West and Hebrides. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
HNC Social Science (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two
International applicants
This course is not currently available for Student Route visa sponsorship. International students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK) can study the course from their home country. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, please refer to our website fees page for further information.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BC
Scottish Higher - BBC
UHI does not use Tariff points, and accepts a range of qualifications. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no element below 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 58 average with 51 in each component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | Min 80 or above with min 18 in each section |
Our programmes are taught and examined in English. To make the most of your studies, you must be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English in an academic environment and provide certified proof of your competence before starting your course. Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course. The minimum English language requirements to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands are detailed below:
Further information on English Language Requirements can be found at the following:
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
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £6120 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6120 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6120 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6120 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £6120 | Year 1 |
| EU | £6960 | Year 1 |
| International | £6960 | 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
This course is not available to students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study here.
For full information on fees please see our Undergraduate Tuition Fees page at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/ug/
For course specific fees information please refer to the Fees/funding tab on the university website course page.
You can also find information on additional funding available such as bursaries and scholarships at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/funding-your-studies/bursaries-and-scholarships/
Provider information
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
UHI House
Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH