BA Philosophy
About this course
BA (Hons) Philosophy, a philosophy degree focusing on core theoretical concepts and critical analysis. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes options for either a short dissertation or a long dissertation in the final year. The first year covers foundational modules such as Power and Consent, Philosophical Analysis, Knowledge and Perception, and Logic. The second year introduces broader social and political themes through modules including Philosophy and Society, alongside a wide range of optional topics such as Aesthetics, Applied Ethics, and Philosophy of Mind. The final year allows further specialisation through optional modules like AI and Human Values, Buddhism as Philosophy, and The Nature of Time, alongside independent research projects.
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: AAB/A*BB/A*AC IB: 35 points BTEC: DDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus A at A Level Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AA at A level Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus A at A level
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BA Philosophy (V500) at the University of York for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 41 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 75 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 1%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 22%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 33%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Power and Consent
- Philosophical Analysis
- Knowledge and Perception
- Beginning Philosophical Research
- Logic
- Ethics
- Metaphysics and Humans
- Philosophy and Society
- Aesthetics
- Applied Ethics
- Being and Reason: Spinoza's Metaphysics
- Ethical Theory
- Love, Law and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
- Philosophy of Religions
- Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
- Religious Ethics
- Logic and Paradox
- Knowledge and the Social Sciences
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Language
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Perception
- Philosophy of Science
- The Limits of Reason: Kant's Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
- Short Dissertation
- Long Dissertation
- AI and Human Values
- Buddhism as Philosophy
- Causation and Laws
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making and Democracy
- Consciousness
- Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
- Experimental Philosophy: The Philosophy of Psychology
- Foundations of Mathematics
- German Idealism: Moral, Legal & Political Philosophy
- Happiness, Utility and Wellbeing
- Nine Art Works, Nine Philosophical Problems
- Philosophy of Christianity
- Philosophy of Physics
- Property and Self-ownership
- Rational Animals: Aristotle on Nature and Value
- The Nature of Time
- Theories of Social Justice: Rawls and Beyond
- Topics in Feminist Philosophy
- World and Mind
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Philosophy at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £45,500. The £33,000 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Philosophy.
What do graduates of BA Philosophy at University of York do next?
80% 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 York?
96% 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 York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
Does BA Philosophy at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Philosophy at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.