BA and Diploma in Philosophy

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Is this programme for me?

BA

For thousands of years, people have asked fundamental questions about the world, their place in it, and their relations to each other. These questions, and attempts to answer them, define the subject matter of philosophy. With our prestigious BA degree in Philosophy, you can participate in the exciting and fundamental enterprise that is philosophy: the asking and answering of the deep questions that have so centrally figured in human thought.

Studying Philosophy is more than an fulfilling intellectual challenge. It will greatly improve your powers of reasoning and argument, your ability to organise your thought and your understanding of people. While not itself a vocational subject, it is well known that the study of philosophy is an excellent preparation for success in law, administration, and business.

Diploma

An ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full degree programme or don't satisfy the entrance requirements for the degree. Once you pass the Diploma you will be invited to transfer your registration to the BA.

An overview of the programme from Professor Samuel Guttenplan, Programme Director

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Download Frequently Asked Questions [pdf: 2pgs, 89KB] about BA and Diploma in Philosophy.

Academic Inspiration Session

'Everyday choices & moral philosophy'

Dr Miranda Fricker speaks about moral philosophy and it's application in every day life. [video, 5.04 mins].

Note: this and other videos about our programmes are also available from our YouTube Channel [external link]

Programme aims

Our students:

Kelly Richardson
BA Philosophy, UK

“I chose to study philosophy as I have always been interested in the ‘big questions’ about life and wanted to learn how to formulate answers to these in a logical and critical way.”

to enable you to gain an outstanding facility in critically examining complex questions and a trained mind with which to embark upon a myriad of career opportunities
to provide a thorough grounding in the central areas of philosophy. You will study a range of philosophical works from classical times to the present day. Subjects include the meaning of existence and reality; knowledge and belief; mind, thought, reason and logic; truth and meaning; and the ethical and aesthetic values of goodness and beauty
to help you acquire a broad range of skills including the ability to analyse complex ideas and the capacity for original thought.

Programme structure

The BA consists of 10 courses, the Diploma consists of 4 courses.

New individual course available

You can now take 'Introduction to philosophy' [pdf: 2pgs, 59KB] as an individualcourse. This provides an excellent opportunity to see for yourself what the study of philosophy involves. If you obtain a mark of 50 or above, you can apply for the Diploma in Philosophy and will be credited with a pass in this course.

Prestige and career progression

Student Handbook

If you have additional questions about studying philosophy, please see the Student Handbook (Programme Section) for further advice.

The programme has been developed by Birkbeck, one of the highest ranking Philosophy departments in the UK. Through their writing and editorial work, academics in the department are significant contributors to the worldwide philosophical community. The BA degree will prepare you for many careers including the public services, teaching and research, journalism, media and business.

Flexible study at a reasonable cost

You have 3-8 years to complete the BA degree and 1-5 years to complete the Diploma. For the BA, the total fee payable to the University is £3,220; the total fee for the Diploma is £1,416. Please note that these figures do not reflect any annual fee increase and assume completion in the minimum study period permitted.

Study materials

The study materials that we send you include:

Studying for a Degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Student handbook
Subject guides
Past exam papers and Examiners' reports
Regulations

Note: You need to provide your own textbooks - so before you register for the programme we do advise you to consider the facilities available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely to be.

Study support

You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution (either full or part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this provides.

Summary of key dates

Application deadline	17 September (non-EU) 17 October (EU) in the year before you intend to sit your first examinations
Registration deadline	30 November
Despatch of study materials	Shortly after your registration form is received
Start studying	As soon as you receive your study materials
Examinations take place	May