The University of Sheffield
Department of Philosophy

Image: students discussing and in library

Philosophy for undergraduates

At Sheffield you'll learn from some of the most respected philosophers in the world.  In the most recent national research ratings we were rated in the top 3 philosophy departments in the country, and 100% of our work was rated of "international quality" or higher.  This means that whatever areas of philosophy you are most interested in, you will be taught by experts.

And this is a learning community – lecturers and tutors don't keep themselves to themselves here. You'll belong to a friendly, open department where undergraduates, postgraduates and staff work together to find inspiration and make sense of philosophical issues.

Our passion and commitment shows. In the 2011 National Student Survey, an impressive 93 per cent of our students said they were happy with their course.

Our degrees

Image: student writingOur philosophy degrees are unusually flexible. It means you design your degree based on what interests you. You can choose in one broad area of philosophy, or mix things up a bit. You'll study traditional areas as well as the latest philosophical thinking.

Undergraduate philosophy degrees | Modules | Philosophy brochure

We also offer an extensive range of dual-honours degrees with philosophy.  Approximately half of your modules will be in philosophy, and half in another subject.  Philosophy is particularly well suited to being combined in a dual degree, especially given the wide range of modules and flexibility of choice we offer.

Undergraduate dual degrees with philosophy | Philosophy Modules

And it's not just about lectures and seminars. You'll learn in all sorts of ways, from team and individual research projects to student-led discussions. You'll even have the chance to discuss philosophy in stunning natural surroundings – we organise a yearly staff-student reading weekend in the Peak District.

How you'll progress through each year

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Change lives

You'll belong to a community that cares. Through award-winning volunteering projects like Philosophy in the City, our philosophy students are using their skills to make a difference in Sheffield. Whatever your interests, at Sheffield there are lots of ways to get involved – and build an impressive CV while you're at it.

Volunteering and a stand-out CV

Make yourself at home

Your personal tutor is a regular point of contact to help you settle in and get the most out of your course and university life. Beyond your course, you'll find plenty of opportunities to mingle and get to know your new community. The student philosophical society brings together undergraduates and postgraduates for discussions and social events. Or come along to our research seminars and hear visiting philosophers from around the world discuss the latest thinking.

And of course as a Sheffield student you'll be at the heart of a much bigger community. You'll join the 2011 University of the Year, mixing with people from all over the world. And you'll belong to a friendly city that has everything – culture, creativity, a buzzing social scene and stunning landscapes. It's a city where you can set up home.

Student life in Sheffield

Image: student in classroomYour future's wide open

As a philosophy student you'll develop a powerful set of intellectual and social skills. You'll be an imaginative and precise thinker. An excellent problem solver. A good speaker and listener. Our courses get you sharing ideas and working in teams, too. So you'll be a strong team player and a passionate leader.

These skills and qualities are highly prized by employers across all sectors. Our graduates find career opportunities in teaching, law, social work, computing, journalism, accountancy, business and many other fields. Many also stay with us to study philosophy at postgraduate level.

Explore your options with the Careers Service

Careers support

To help you make the right choices, we run a Careers for Philosophers day each year, where you can speak to potential employers and recent graduates. And right from day one you'll have the expert support of our award-winning University Careers Service.

Come and see us

Want to know more? Come and meet us on one of our open days.

Chat to our staff, have a look round the department and see some of the University's stand-out facilities – including our 24-hour library and the best students' union in the country.