Philosophy, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

“Philosophy” means 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 introduces you to major philosophical theories and debates across different traditions and cultures. It will equip you with the ability to reflect on questions of fundamental importance (“How should we live our lives?”; “What is a just society 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 Philosophy programme at Swansea is on applying philosophy to practical, contemporary problems. For example, what is the impact of technology on well-being and what it means to be human? How should forms of offensive or hateful speech be regulated? Thus, the study of philosophy is about both understanding the world and working out how to change it for the better.

Why Philosophy at Swansea?

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

You can also have a semester abroad in Hong Kong, Singapore or the USA, further enhancing your student experience and career prospects.

Philosophy at Swansea is ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2024*)
  • 1st in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*)

 *Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your Philosophy Experience

We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your degree to your own interests.

Teaching is informed by our world-leading research and you can attend seminars organised through our guest speaker programme.

You will have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need.

Philosophy Employment Opportunities

Philosophy equips students with key intellectual skills that are much sought-after by many employers. These include critical and creative thinking, logical problem solving, open-mindedness and effective information-analysis.

The most common areas of employment for philosophy graduates in the UK are business, human resources (HR), finance and marketing, public relations (PR) and sales. They are also well-equipped for the civil service and teaching.

Modules

Key modules include:

Ethics and Moral Philosophy: What makes an action morally wrong or right? Are animals our moral equals? Is morality relative to different cultures? Are abortion or euthanasia morally permissible? Should we be able to genetically-engineer our children?

Metaphysics: Does time exist? How do objects persist through change? What is the nature of “truth”? Is the mind distinct from the body?

Political Philosophy: What is a “just” society like? How should resources and opportunities be distributed in society? To what extent is government justified in interfering with our lives? Do we have duties to future generations?

Epistemology: How can we be certain that our beliefs are true? Is our knowledge of reality shaped by our language? Is truth relative to different cultures? Can we know the world as it is in itself?

Philosophy of Mind: What is the nature of consciousness? How can our thoughts control our physical actions? Could a machine ever be self-conscious and/or sentient? What makes you “you”? How can we know what other people’s minds are like?

Existentialism: What does it mean to live an “authentic” life? Are we radically free and, if so, how should we live our lives? Is our experience of the world shaped by the body we have? How do and should we relate to other people?

Philosophy, BA (Hons)

Philosophy with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

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