BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy with Placement Experience

Studying ethics, value and philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people.

We are one of the only universities to offer BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy. You will learn about the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures, with an emphasis on moral philosophy and the theory of value. You will be taught by leading experts and authorities whose research strengths lie in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.

This degree offers you the chance to study a wide variety of topics, from a number of different philosophical traditions. You'll study three compulsory modules in your first year:

• Reason and Argument
• Great Works in Philosophy
• The Meaning of Life.

These modules give you an introduction to moral philosophy and the skills required for all philosophy. You can select three further modules of your choice, with the option to study a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme.

In years two and three you will have the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth, with topics such as environmental and business ethics, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion.

Additionally, in your second or final year you can explore the subjects of Ethics, Value and Philosophy from another cultural perspective at one of our partner universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia. You will be taught in small, interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students.

Professional placement

This four-year degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year of study.

Supported by our dedicated placement team, you'll gain real-world experience and a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Your placement will enable you to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, and also provide opportunities for you to build your network.

We have excellent links with a diverse range of employers from industry, the public sector and the charity sector, meaning that we can help you find placements for a variety of career paths.

Over the years, students in the Department of Philosophy have completed a wide range of placements. Roles have included:

• Education and Engagement Assistant
• HR Intern
• Communications Co-ordinator
• Azure Specialist.

Students have worked at organisations such as the House of Commons, the University of Reading, Microsoft, and Enterprise Mobility.

Recent placements have also enabled students to examine philosophical issues in the workplace – for example, working at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.

If you would prefer to study this course without a placement year, you can choose our three-year BA Ethics, Value and Philosophy course.

Placement support

Our dedicated placement co-ordinator will support you throughout securing a placement, during the placement, and while transitioning back to university life.

From your first year, we will guide you through the career planning process and support you in identifying paid placements suited to your individual career interests. We'll also review your CV and application forms, build your confidence for interviews, tests and assessment centres, and help you prepare for receiving feedback.