1.2 Researching the Right Philosophy Degree for You
In the UK, students interested in pursuing an undergraduate PhilosophyThe study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. degree have a range of options. Some universities offer single honours degrees focused solely on Philosophy, while others offer joint honours degrees so that students can study Philosophy and another discipline. In this section, we will look at the options available.
Single Honours Courses
Single honours courses in Philosophy offer an in-depth exploration of the subject. They typically include a wide range of modules that cover the core topics, which are known as “branches” in Philosophy.
The topics generally covered include:
- Epistemology: The investigation of knowledge and belief.
- Ethics: The examination of moral principles and how they apply to human conduct.
- Logic: The analysis of reasoning and arguments.
- Metaphysics: The exploration of the nature of reality and existence.
- Philosophy of Mind: The evaluation of the nature of consciousness and mental states.
- Political Philosophy: The study of concepts such as justice, power, and the state.
Most single honours Philosophy degrees in the UK cover the four core branches as a foundation, which are Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, and Logic. After the four core branches, students often get to choose elective or advanced courses to specialise in areas of interest, for example, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Political Philosophy, or specific philosophers.
In Philosophy, philosophers are often known as “thinkers”, and groups of philosophical thinkers who share similar views on a topic are known as “schools of thought”.Note
The range of schools of thought and specific thinkers varies depending on the particular university course. For example, more traditional programs such as the Universities of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have an emphasis on classical Philosophy, covering some of the most well-known thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Kant. By contrast, on more contemporary-focused programs such as the Universities of Sussex and Warwick, there is a focus on more modern and interdisciplinary topics such as Existentialism, Feminism, or the Philosophy of Technology.
When deciding the right Philosophy degree for you, check each university’s specific syllabus to determine which topics, schools of thought, and thinkers are included in each course.Note