This course aims to develop your powers of argument, critical thinking and conceptual analysis through the search for answers to “ultimate questions”. People have been studying philosophy for about 3,000 years and its original questions are still being discussed by today’s leading minds. Philosophers believe that the ability to question and to think critically about the world in which we live is an important skill, something that is now increasingly recognised by many of today’s leading employers.
Philosophy at NTU differs from the typical philosophy courses on offer at most other universities as it is not a course in the history of ideas. The course at NTU is organised around some of the philosophical problems faced by today’s decision-makers in their professional lives. In general, philosophy at NTU examines the interface between philosophical ideas and everyday life, and the course has been designed in order to help you think more clearly and more critically about the world in which you live.
At the end of your studies, you should be able to think through complex issues and questions with both clarity and rigour. No intellectual problem should daunt you! No wonder philosophy graduates are in demand by today’s employers, and as a Philosophy graduate from NTU you will be ahead of the pack.
Any questions?
General course enquiries
Email us
Admissions enquiries
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200
Visit the School of Arts and Humanities website
Please note the following information for applicants
What will I study?
Year One
Compulsory
- The Basic Problems of Philosophy
Optional
- Philosophy: Ancient and Modern
Year Two
Compulsory
Optional
- The Philosophy of the Mind
- The Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy and Everyday Life I
- Social and Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of Childhood
- Philosophy and Media
Year Three
Optional
- Dissertation
- Philosophy and Everyday Life II
- Philosophy of Science and Technology
- Wittgenstein and Heidegger
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy and Film
- Humanity and the Natural World
- World Philosophy
- Pragmatics
- Contemporary French Philosophy.
For full details of the modules available and details of what you will be able to study please download our module booklet. 
Degree options and UCAS codes
Philosophy is taken in combination with one or two of the following subjects as part of the BA Joint Honours programme. The number in brackets is the UCAS code for a Joint Honours degree in Philosophy alongside the listed subject.
- Communication and Society (VP59)
- English (VQ53)
- European Studies (VR59)
- Film and TV (PV35)
- French (RV15)
- German (RV25)
- Global Studies (LV95)
- History (VV51)
- International Relations (VL52)
- Italian (RV35)
- Linguistics (VQ51)
- Media (VP53)
- Spanish (RV45).
How will I learn?
Philosophy was founded in dialogue, and philosophy at NTU is taught in a spirit of free and open discussion. Although classes largely consist of lectures and seminars, these usually turn into a lively forum for asking questions and debating ideas. Out staff work very hard to maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Assessment varies according to the intellectual and practical requirements of the module. Typically, modules are assessed by essay and / or class test, but all forms of assessment have been designed to facilitate an appreciation of the way in which philosophy can help us make sense of how we live today.
How do you study?
The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects and a third drawn from a wide range of subjects within the School (including the University Language Programme). This enables greater flexibility in course selection. At the end of Year One, students have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway.
The skills gained through the study of philosophy are highly transferable. You will be well-equipped for any career that centres on the ability to master complex issues and make reasoned decisions.
Philosophy students are in demand in those professions that require clear thinking and sophisticated problem-solving strategies. Philosophy graduates typically find employment in the following areas:
- teaching
- accounting / finance
- social work
- civil service
- law
- media
- journalism
- personnel work
- project management
- the voluntary sector.
Some Philosophy students will go on to strengthen their skills by pursuing postgraduate vocational qualifications or further academic study.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all of our courses are vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
You can apply for this course through the UCAS website.
Find out more about applying for an undergraduate course at NTU.
