Course details
A Levels AAB Other entry requirementsUCAS code V500
Duration 3 years
Fees and additional costs Home/EU students International students
Related subjects Philosophy
Any questions?
Admissions Secretary
Department of Philosophy
Telephone +44 114 222 0599
Email phi-ugadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Website sheffield.ac.uk/philosophy/undergraduate
Department of Philosophy
96% overall student satisfaction
National Student Survey 2019
3rd in the Russell Group for student satisfaction
National Student Survey 2019
Course description
On this degree you'll explore a range of fascinating and fundamental topics and issues, from politics to mathematics, and from the nature of the mind to the value of art. You'll also study a range of thinkers and culturally important texts.
Thinking philosophically requires a distinctive combination of imagination and exact reasoning. You'll develop these skills by studying a wide variety of modules. Philosophy at Sheffield is highly flexible. There are no compulsory modules.
In the first year you'll combine modules from across two groups: one which focuses on metaphysics, knowledge and logic, and the other on ethics, politics and religion. In your second and third years you'll continue to design your own pathway, choosing from a wide range of modules that enable you to tailor your degree to your own interests. We'll provide advice on the best way to structure your options.
Over the three years, you can develop your understanding of key areas including ethics, philosophy of mind, theory of knowledge, political philosophy, metaphysics and logic, as well as feminism, philosophy of education, and major figures in the history of philosophy. There are also individual project and work placement modules that allow you to pursue highly personal supervised study in areas of your choosing.
Financial help from the University - bursaries
If you're a UK student, you could be entitled to a University bursary. A bursary is the same as a grant - you don't have to pay it back.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | AAB |
| A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB + B in a relevant EPQ |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 |
| BTEC | DDD in a relevant subject |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3 D3 M2 |
| Scottish Highers | AAAAB |
| Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA |
| Access to HE | Entry requirements for mature students |
| Other qualifications |
Other UK qualifications
Other EU/international qualifications |
Other requirements
|
|
| If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department | |
Modules - what you study and when
Our students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
You can find out more by:
- Viewing course information on Department of Philosophy website
- Contacting the department using the details in the 'More' section
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.
In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Modules in philosophy focus on central philosophical issues and thinkers, and are taught through lectures, discussion seminars and online learning, as well as individual essay tutorials in the third year. Assessment is normally through a combination of coursework essays and exams, with long essay options available instead of exams. These figures give an indication of how you'll learn and be assessed. They're a combined average of all the years of the course. The learning and assessment percentages could vary depending on the modules you choose.
| Learning | |
| Scheduled teaching | 21% |
| Independent study | 79% |
| Placement | 0% |
|
Assessment |
|
| Exams/tests | 57% |
| Coursework | 43% |
| Practical | 0% |
Department of Philosophy
We pride ourselves on the diversity of our modules and the high quality of our teaching. Our staff are among the best in the world at what they do. They're active researchers so your lectures and seminars are informed, relevant and exciting. We'll teach you how to think carefully, analytically and creatively.
Our staff and students use philosophy to engage with real world issues. You will be able to use what you learn to make a difference in the community, through projects like Philosophy in the City, an innovative and award-winning programme that enables students to teach philosophy in schools, homeless shelters and centres for the elderly. Out students run a thriving Philosophy Society and the only UK undergraduate philosophy journal. Our Centre for Engaged Philosophy pursues research into questions of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics, all topics that are covered in our teaching. Philosophy changes our perspective on the world, and equips and motivates us to make a difference.
What our graduates do
Studying philosophy will develop your ability to analyse and state a case clearly, evaluate arguments and be precise in your thinking. These skills will put you in a strong position when it comes to finding employment or going on to further study.
Our graduates work in teaching, law, social work, computing, the civil service, journalism, paid charity work, business, insurance and accountancy. Many also go on to study philosophy at postgraduate level.
Student profile
"Sheffield's fantastic because the lecturers are really friendly and they're all really approachable, and there are loads of different ways to get involved apart from your lectures."
Emma Shephard
Philosophy
You can incorporate work experience and/or study abroad in your degree. With our third year Work Place Learning module, you can spend time with an organisation from the Sheffield voluntary or private sector gaining skills and experience relevant to philosophy in an applied setting. Through the University's Degree with Employment Experience scheme you can incorporate a placement year into your degree.
You can study abroad for a semester or a full year as part of your three-year degree, Or you can study abroad for an additional year between your second-year in Sheffield and your final year of study, leading to a BA 'with international experience'. We have partnerships with many countries including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Spain, Italy and Germany.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply:
How to apply >When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
ucas.com >Contact us
Admissions Secretary
Department of Philosophy
Telephone
+44 114 222 0599
Email
phi-ugadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
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Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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