Philosophy - BA (Hons)

Philosophy trains you to argue persuasively and think deeply. You might be full of curiosity and wonder, anger and confusion, or a desire to make sense of yourself and the world. Philosophy covers all these bases and more. At Nottingham, you’ll be introduced to the essentials of ethics, reasoning and logic while also expanding your sense of what philosophy can do. With our wide range of optional modules, you’ll be able to tailor your degree to the topics which interest you most, while also learning how to apply your knowledge in real world situations, developing your communication, project planning, and presentation skills. ### Extensive module choice The first year introduces you to the essentials of ethics, reasoning and logic while also expanding your sense of what philosophy can do. You're then free to choose from our unusually wide range of optional topics. You can: explore crime and justice, race and gender, politics and theology examine emerging areas like environmental and social philosophy investigate global philosophical traditions - Western, Indian, Chinese and Africana take our distinctive modules on sex, illness, recreation, and mental health You’ll be encouraged to [ask the big questions](https:www.nottingham.ac.ukstudywithusugstudyarticlesexplore-more-articlesartThe-big-questions-philosophy-theology-religion.html "The fundamentals of philosophy and theology") and explore the many ways in thinking about what it is to be human.  ### Looking to your future Philosophy trains you to argue persuasively and think deeply. Philosophy at Nottingham doesn't stop there. We also want you to live good lives and have good jobs. Our unique [Communicating Philosophy module](https:prezi.comviewTMhd2jfoGlKgxs7YKxL8 "Example work in the Communicating Philosophy module") lets you work with professionals such as lawyers and journalists and see how you can apply your new philosophical skills to a range of careers. There's also plenty of opportunities to get practical work experience. Our dedicated Faculty of Arts placement team will assist you with your employability skills development via a range of [placements, internships and volunteering opportunities](https:www.nottingham.ac.ukstudywithusugstudyarticlesexplore-more-articlesartPlacements_and_volunteering.html "Work experience opportunities"). ### Course highlights Beginners welcome - you do not need any prior experience of philosophy to study this course. Gain valuable experience and share your passion for philosophy through our [Philosophy in Schools volunteering project](https:www.nottingham.ac.ukhumanitiesdepartmentsphilosophyschools-and-communityphilosophy-in-schools.aspx "Teaching philosophy project"). Learn a language alongside your main subject - explore the [Language Centre optional modules](https:www.nottingham.ac.uklanguage-centremodules-for-current-studentsmodules-for-current-students.aspx "Opportunities for language study"). available. ### Proven results We’re ranked top 20 in the UK for philosophy (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and Complete University Guide 2026). The average starting salary for philosophy and theology and religious studies undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £28,500 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 202223).