BA Philosophy
About this course
BA (Hons) in Philosophy, a philosophy degree focused on the investigation of fundamental questions concerning reality, knowledge, and morality. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Metaphysics, Ethics and Political Philosophy, Meaning, Formal Methods, and Set Texts. Students progress to explore a broad selection of subjects in the second year, including Knowledge, Language and the World, History of Analytic Philosophy, Ethics, and Greek and Roman Philosophy. The final year allows further specialisation with advanced study in Philosophy of Mind, Kant, Philosophy of Science, Philosophical Logic, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy in the Long Middle Ages.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level . We don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to Philosophy. We recommend these subjects for a strong application: Mathematics Religious Studies Philosophy English (language or literature) History Languages (ancient or modern)
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 7 UCAS decisions for BA Philosophy (V500) at the University of Cambridge for 2027 entry so far: 7 interview invitations. The published offer is A*AA at A level.
What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 66%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 65%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 53%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 20%
- London: 55%
- South East: 15%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Metaphysics
- Ethics and Political Philosophy
- Meaning
- Formal Methods, a half paper on philosophical methods
- Set Texts, such as Plato’s Meno, Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy and J S Mill’s On Liberty and The Subjection of Women
- Knowledge, Language and the World
- a general paper
- History of Analytic Philosophy
- Ethics
- Greek and Roman Philosophy
- Early Modern Philosophy
- Epistemology and Metaphysics of Science (from History and Philosophy of Science)
- Political Philosophy
- Introduction to Experimental Psychology (from Natural Sciences, involving practical work)
- Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
- Jurisprudence
- Philosophy of Mind
- Kant
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophical Logic
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy in the Long Middle Ages
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Philosophy at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £40,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £73,500. The £40,000 median after five years is £7,500 more than the UK median for Philosophy.
What do graduates of BA Philosophy at University of Cambridge do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Philosophy at University of Cambridge?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Philosophy at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 187 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Philosophy at University of Cambridge?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.