Philosophy with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Birkbeck’s BA Philosophy gives you the chance to explore ancient answers and new perspectives on our place in the world. Join us as we explore questions such as: what makes something good or just? Is the human mind just a lump of grey matter? Why are democracies preferable to autocracies? Do we have free will? Does God exist? Who decides what counts as beautiful?

Why choose this course?

• This philosophy degree is taught by some of the country’s leading researchers who are also passionate about teaching this subject.
• We provide a welcoming and supportive academic learning environment, driven by a focus on collaboration, discussion and debate.
• Studying in the heart of London means you can also take advantage of the philosophical stimulation and community brought by leading societies such as the Aristotelian Society, the Royal Institute of Philosophy, the London Aesthetics Forum and the London Mind Group.

What you will learn

On this course you will acquire central philosophical abilities through dedicated modules on logic or critical thinking. You will also gain a firm foundation in:

• ethics
• political philosophy
• history of philosophy
• metaphysics
• epistemology.

You will then be able to choose option modules that best suit your passions and interests, and you can elect to pursue a dissertation project with the support of a supervisor in your final year.

How you will learn

This course is taught through lectures followed by small-group discussion seminars. If you decide to undertake a dissertation you will also engage in multiple one-to-one tutorials with your supervisor.

You can study this course full- or part-time. You can also choose your own timetable for the core/compulsory modules selecting whether to study them in the daytime or the evening. Find out more about choosing your own timetable. Some option modules may also be available to study in the daytime, as well as the evening.

Please note that Foundation Year classes are available in the evening only until you progress on to the main degree.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.