phd philosophy birkbeck

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Entry requirements

MA, PG Dip, PG Cert : At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, not necessarily in philosophy.

MRes : At least a high upper second-class honours degree (2:1) in philosophy or equivalent, or an MA in philosophy at Merit level or above, and a sample of written work prior to interview, in addition to a research proposal of up to 1000 words.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

Course content.

The MA Philosophy is open to those with a first degree in philosophy wishing to progress to more advanced levels of study and also to those without undergraduate training in philosophy. If you did not study philosophy as an undergraduate, you take a special route through the course.

MRes Philosophy : Our MRes offers research-based training in philosophy at post-Master's level and serves as a foundation for starting an individual PhD project. This course gives you the opportunity to interact with renowned philosophers covering broad areas of the discipline and to undertake your own research in an internationally excellent, research-intensive team. This MRes is ideal for self-motivated, committed students who already have a good philosophy qualification and wish to progress to pure research in some area of the subject.

The course will give you a firm philosophical grounding and mastery of complex, specialised areas of philosophical study, enabling you to engage critically and reflectively with current philosophical debates. You will also be equipped with the essential research skills you need to proceed to PhD research. You will complete a substantial supervised research project in a shorter time than that required for a PhD.

Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy : Our Postgraduate Diploma is ideal if you want to develop your philosophical interests without undertaking a full Master's course. On this course, you will take all of the same taught elements as you would for our MA Philosophy, but you are not required to undertake an independent research project (dissertation). You can decide to progress to the MA Philosophy at any point during the Postgraduate Diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy : Our Postgraduate Certificate is ideal if you want to develop a grounding in philosophy, but are not yet ready to commit to an MA. It is very well suited to people with busy schedules. You will have the option of transferring onto the MA Philosophy, if you choose to do so, before the end of the year.

Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
As a philosophy student, you will be part of the thriving philosophical community in the University of London and eligible to attend the extensive range of seminars and conferences put on by the Institute of Philosophy .
We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library , which has an extensive range of books and online resources.
Our uniquely flexible MA may be studied in the evening or in the day, over one or two years, and with or without prior philosophical study.
If you are taking the MRes part time, you may be eligible for a Bonnart Trust Master’s Studentship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.

Graduates can pursue career paths in management, politics, recruitment and journalism. Possible professions include:

further/higher education lecturer
secondary school teacher
Civil Service fast-streamer
local government officer
marketing executive
recruitment consultant.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

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Looking for short courses or certificates of higher education (modular enrolment)? Visit our short course page to browse or search.

Birkbeck Perspectives

Birkbeck experts and students share their opinions on a diverse range of thought-provoking topics., “studying for a phd at birkbeck is one of the best decisions i have ever made in my life”.

Zambia-born K asoka Kasoka, who describes himself as a very proud ‘Birkbeckian’ alma mater, reflects on his time working on a PhD in Law at Birkbeck and his achievements since graduating in 2018.

Kasoka Kasoka at graduation

Tell us about your education before Birkbeck

I am from Lusaka and Zambian. In 2007 I moved to the UK where I enrolled to study for a Bachelor`s degree through the University of London International Programmes. I obtained a Bachelor`s degree in Law in 2011. Upon the completion of my degree I was admitted to study at Maastricht University in the Netherlands where I studied for a Masters degree in Forensics, Criminology and Law. I obtained my Master`s degree in 2013.

Why did you choose Birkbeck?

Firstly, I decided to enrol here because of Birkbeck`s massive ranking as one of the best research universities in the World. And yes, it is! Secondly, I applied to study here because I was attracted to the College`s interdisciplinary research study approach. As a result, my research as a doctoral student cut across; law, human rights, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, history, bioethics, and public health. Engaging in an interdisciplinary research project afforded me a rare opportunity to become an interdisciplinary thinker, be open-minded, and embrace new ideas.

Thirdly, true to its name as a research-intensive university, Birkbeck comprises of academics and researchers who are renowned experts in their fields. Thus, my great former PhD supervisors, Professor Matthew Weait and Dr Eddie Bruce-Jones, are very respected researchers and authorities in their various fields. They are exceedingly knowledgeable and down to earth. And finally, but not exhaustively, I decided to study here due to the supportive student and staff community at Birkbeck. I indeed received a lot of support during my study from fellow PhD students, academic and research staff, and administrative staff members.

What were your relationships like with staff and other students?

I loved the critical approach to study and work culture at Birkbeck. I found my fellow PhD students to be really smart, friendly and supportive – this was endearing. As if this was not enough, both academic and non-academic staff were very approachable, attentive and supportive. I had a lot of academic staff who were not my PhD supervisors avail me with research insights and suggested various research material to read – as a goodwill gesture. This was priceless in my doctoral study journey!

Inevitably, I was sad to leave Birkbeck when my studies came to a conclusion, to leave behind such a great community. Nonetheless, I am still happy that I have stayed in touch and maintained the various friendships and networks I had the privilege of forming while studying at Birkbeck. Indeed, “once a Birkbeckian forever a Birkbeckian”!

It was a great honour to forge invaluable friendships and networks with students and staff members from diverse backgrounds. I consider Birkbeck to be one of the most diverse universities in the UK.

Did you use any of Birkbeck’s additional support and activities?

I had the opportunity to intuitively avail myself to various societies and student clubs at the University, including various PhD students` social groups. Birkbeck has a lot of societies and social groups with various activities. So, I was always happy to retire from my studies to unpack my mind by joining fellow students for some good fun. I especially enjoyed playing football! As they say “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy”!

Can you tell us more about your research project?

The purpose of my research was to investigate and analyse the appropriateness of individual autonomy in the context of informed consent HIV testing requirements in Zambia, and sub-Saharan African countries by extension.

Tell us about your experience of living in the UK.

I really loved living in London. London is no doubt one of the greatest cities to live in. What I liked most about the city is the diversity of its population. Thus, I was privileged to meet many people from every part of the world who brought with them various rich cultures, including great cuisines! With such a profoundly rich experience I agreed with Robert Endleman (1963) who observed that human beings in terms of cultures “are vastly various and yet laughably alike”! I also loved English pub food! And the museums, wow! – museums were often my favourite place of respite whenever I needed to briefly divorce myself from the usual business of life and time-machine myself into the past to admire and converse with ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Persians, Africans, Americans, Europeans and Indians who had no internet! And behold, the British Museum is only about three minutes-walk from Birkbeck! London is also pregnant with breath-taking gothic cathedrals and other non-church buildings.

(I need to mention that there are much more things for one to see and enjoy in London than what I can enumerate – there is almost everything for everyone to see, smell, taste, hear, touch and enjoy. That`s the magic of London!)

However, living in London comes with its own downsides: especially the high costs of accommodation and transport. Food is surprisingly affordable!

Life after Birkbeck

Kasoka Kasoka at a United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) Session

It was sad saying goodbye to my community of friends and networks when my studies concluded. After completing my studies at Birkbeck, I was offered a scholarship by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland to study on an intensive postgraduate international human rights course at the Institute for Human Rights, Åbo Akademi University. Upon the completion of the course in Finland, I was an Intern at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Later I worked as a Legal Intern at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva. The experiences and illuminations I gained from these intergovernmental organisations are invaluable! I am a strong believer, follower and advocate that,

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Currently, I am writing a research paper for journal publication, as I keenly continue to follow my career goals, and seek to contribute, no matter how tiny, to improving the wellbeing of our common humanity, without prejudice or discrimination. Indeed, as it has been said before as human beings, we are all as weak as the weakest link (other human being whose rights are not respected, protected and promoted) living among us in our society. My study at Birkbeck (through its critical review approach) and experience at the United Nations has made me see this reality clearer than never before.

What advice would you give other people thinking of studying at Birkbeck?

I highly recommend Birkbeck, University of London! You will study at a university that is known for research excellence with renowned academics; you will study in a supportive environment, with quality teaching; at the end of your studies you will graduate with a prestigious University of London qualification, and not forgetting you will become a Birbeckian; and at the end of your studies you will not look at the world the same way!

As for me, studying for a PhD at Birkbeck is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life, and I am a very proud Birbeckian alma mater.

One thought on “ “Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!” ”

Hello, I hope you are well and safe. I am a prospective student of Birkbeck and I applied for PhD and I am waiting for my application decision.

Would you please tell me that: it is very hard to complete PhD at Birkbeck?

How many days I need to attend the class?

is there any option to improve my English at brikbeck? Is there any flexibility if I struggle with PhD? Thanking you.

Kind regards, Saymum Ahamed

Curriculum Vitae

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Course Overview

On Birkbeck’s BA Philosophy you will explore ancient answers and new perspectives on our place in the world. What makes something good or just? Is the human mind just a lump of grey matter? Why are democracies preferable to autocracies? Do we have free will? Does God exist? Who decides what counts as beautiful?

This philosophy degree is taught by some of the country’s leading researchers with a passion for teaching. We provide a welcoming and supportive academic learning environment, and our teaching is driven by a focus on collaboration, discussion and debate, which is also why many of our modules are team-taught. Unlike many other philosophy degrees, you will therefore have the opportunity to work with more than one of our lecturers on a module, bringing multiple perspectives to the classroom.

Our location in the heart of London means you can also take advantage of leading societies such as the Aristotelian Society, the Royal Institute of Philosophy, the London Aesthetics Forum and the London Mind Group, ensuring you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to philosophical stimulation and community.

Our BA Philosophy provides you with a thorough grounding in the central areas of philosophy, while giving you highly transferable skills such as:

independent judgement
critical thought
the ability to analyse complex ideas and arguments.

From the first year you will gain a firm foundation in ethics, political philosophy, history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and acquire central philosophical abilities through dedicated philosophical skills modules in logic or critical thinking. You are then free to choose option modules that best suit your passions and interests and can elect to pursue a dissertation project together with a supervisor in your final year.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Philosophy (BA (Hons)).

Key information and modules

Philosophy ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

Central London

Philosophy BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024, philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024, philosophy ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, philosophy ba (hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

Applications open in October 2024

Philosophy with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting October 2025

Philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

Find another course:

Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square. The main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library, which has an extensive range of books and online resources.
We are a member of the University of London’s Institute of Philosophy . Our students therefore belong to a large, intercollegiate community of philosophers, and are welcome at a range of seminars, lectures, talks and conferences.

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience as presented in your application, and on interview.

For part-time courses, standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

UCAS tariff points

3 years full-time: 96-128 points (e.g. A-levels CCC-ABB)
4 years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

Foundation year degrees

Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.

Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.

Alternative entry routes

We accept an Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in humanities or social science units.

Holders of Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Philosophy may be considered for entry into the second year. Each case will be considered on its own merits by the department.

English language requirements

If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Philosophy BA (Hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Full-time home students: £9,250 per year Full-time international students: £17,620 per year

Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

To be confirmed

Philosophy BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Part-time home students: £6,935 per year Part-time international students : £13,215 per year

Philosophy with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26

Philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26.

Part-time home students, Year 1&2: £4,625 per year Part-time international students , Year 1&2: £8,810 per year Part-time home students, Year 3+: £6,935 per year Part-time international students , Year 3+: £12,615 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Tuition fee and maintenance loans

Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don’t have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.

Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to assist with covering living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.

Find out more about tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time and part-time students at Birkbeck.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

Methods of teaching on this course

Lectures followed by seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. Undergraduate dissertations involve multiple one-to-one tutorials with faculty, which can be arranged for any mutually convenient time.

Teaching hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

Indicative class size

Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

Independent learning

On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

Study skills and additional support

Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

Methods of assessment on this course

Modules run over the course of an academic year.

Level 4 modules are assessed by a combination of coursework (either short writing assignments or logic exercises) and a short-answer examination.
Level 5 modules are assessed by a combination of essay (2000 words) and a take-home, short-answer examination.
Level 6 modules are assessed entirely by essay (3000 words).

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in education, research, politics and journalism. Possible professions include:

higher education lecturer
civil service fast streamer
local government officer
newspaper journalist.

See the British Philosophical Association for more information on careers for Philosophy graduates.

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses.

Full-time (UCAS entry)

If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck, you have to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, go to the UCAS website and click on ‘Sign in’. You will have to register, giving UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website . We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (4 or 6 year), you apply directly to Birkbeck by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification .

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September.

When to apply

You are strongly advised to apply now , to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

Help and advice with your application

Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Related courses

Politics, Philosophy and History (BA (Hons))

Course structure

Course structure listing, course structure and modules for philosophy ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

You must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

Year 1: four compulsory modules (including either Critical Thinking or Logic), or three compulsory modules and a Level 4 option module in another subject area instead of a skills module
Year 2: four Level 5 option modules, one of which may be in another subject area
Year 3: four Level 6 option modules, one of which may be in another subject area and one a dissertation

Compulsory modules

Critical Thinking (Level 4)
Knowledge and Reality
Logic (Level 4)
Morality, Society and Politics
Philosophy as the Art of Living: Ancient and Modern Views

Indicative Level 5 option modules

Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (Level 5)
Contemporary Epistemology (Level 5)
Free Will and Moral Responsibility (Level 5)
Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science (Level 5)
Philosophy of Science (Level 5)
Philosophy, Art and Literature (Level 5)
Philosophy, Business and Society (Level 5)
Political Philosophy (Level 5)
The Ethics of Life and Death: Humans, Animals and the Environment (Level 5)
Topics in Early Modern Philosophy (Level 5)

Indicative Level 6 option modules

Dissertation BA Philosophy
Ethical Traditions (Level 6)
Evolution, Science and Morality (Level 6)
Language and Metaphysics (Level 6)
Metaphysical Traditions, Ancient and Modern (Level 6)
Special Topics in Philosophy II (Level 6)
Special Topics in Philosophy I (Level 6)
The Biology of Evil (Level 6)
The Idea of Freedom (Level 6)
The Philosophy of Nietzsche (Level 6)
Themes in Twentieth-Century French and German Philosophy (Level 6)
Theories of Value: Aesthetics and Ethics (Level 6)
Women in Philosophy (Level 6)

Option modules available may vary from year to year. There may also be opportunities to take subjects in different years to those indicated.

Course structure and modules for Philosophy BA (Hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Year 1: three compulsory modules
Year 2: one compulsory skills module (either Critical Thinking or Logic), or a Level 4 option module in another subject area, and two Level 5 option modules
Year 3: two Level 5 option modules and one Level 6, which may be in another subject area
Year 4: three Level 6 option modules, one of which may be in another subject area and one a dissertation

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules, course structure and modules for philosophy ba (hons): 3 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, course structure and modules for philosophy ba (hons): 4 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025, course structure and modules for philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

For the Foundation Year, you take three core modules and an option module to a total of 120 credits.

If you successfully complete the year, you will automatically advance on to the three-year, full-time, evening study BA Philosophy .

Foundation Year core modules

Breaking Boundaries of Knowledge
Crossing Borders
Fundamentals of Study

Foundation Year option modules

Contemporary Global Issues: Approaches in Social Science, History and Philosophy
French 3 (Level 4)
French 4 (Level 4)
German 3 (Level 4)
German 4 (Level 4)
Italian 3 (Level 4)
Italian 4 (Level 4)
Japanese 3 (Level 4)
Japanese 4 (Level 4)
Spanish 3 (Level 4)
Spanish 4 (Level 4)

Course structure and modules for Philosophy with Foundation Year BA (Hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Our part-time Foundation Year degrees allow you to spread out your Foundation Year studies over two years. As the 'Foundation Year' is made up of 120 credits, as a part-time student you can take 60 credits in each of your first and second years before starting the main four-year BA Philosophy. This means that you can take six years to complete the part-time degree with Foundation Year.

You take two core modules in Foundation Year 1 and a core and option module in Foundation Year 2.

If you successfully complete these modules, you will automatically advance on to the four-year, part-time, evening study BA Philosophy .

Foundation Year 1 core modules

Foundation year 2 core module, foundation year 2 option modules, course structure and modules for philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 4 years full-time, on campus, starting october 2025, course structure and modules for philosophy with foundation year ba (hons): 6 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2025.

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Philosophy PG Dip

Birkbeck, university of london, different course options.

Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

Postgraduate Diploma

Subject areas

Course type.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Our Postgraduate Diploma is ideal if you want to develop your philosophical interests without undertaking a full master's course. On this course, you will take all of the same taught elements as you would for our MA Philosophy, but you are not required to undertake an independent research project (dissertation). You can decide to progress to the MA Philosophy at any point during the Postgraduate Diploma.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY