Philosophy BA Hons
School of Humanities
Institution Code H36
UCAS Code
Course Code HEHMSPHI
Start date
No start dates available.
More about the course
Academic philosophy examines our background conceptual frames and assumptions. Our thoughts, words and deeds make sense only because they fit into a larger conceptual frame. But are these hidden assumptions all plausible? Do they fit together? Can we, for example, believe everything that natural science tells us about ourselves, and continue to hold people responsible for their actions?
Typical philosophical questions are: How should we live? How should we treat others? Is there a fixed human nature, and if so, what is it? Are we mere machines? Do we have freewill? What is knowledge? Are there any facts we can never know? What is truth?
Our philosophy teaching was rated 'excellent' and was awarded the top grade of 24 out of 24 in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency Review. Further evidence of excellence is available on the philosophy pages of the University web-site.
If you wish to specialise in more than one subject area, then a Joint or Combined Honours degree could be for you. This type of degree is designed to give you a breadth of choice over a wide range of subject areas.
Work placement
You can choose to study for a year in North America or Europe through the SOCRATES-ERASMUS exchange programme during the second or third year of the degree. In some cases, you may be able to graduate with a degree from your partner university as well as from Hertfordshire. You may be eligible for a grant if you meet certain conditions.
Careers
Our graduates have an excellent record of gaining employment in media, publishing, teaching and information management where their skills in analysis, communication and evaluation are highly valued. Many of our graduates go on to higher levels of study engaging in research in their chosen fields. Whatever your future career plans, what is important to your potential employers is the range of intellectual, transferable, personal skills and experience you have gained and can demonstrate. We ensure our programmes are relevant to the world of work through active links with regional employers across a range of industries and professions.
Teaching methods
The precise method of teaching varies according to each module. Most are taught via weekly lectures and weekly seminars. You may be asked to work with fellow students and produce some group work together. Sometimes you will have to present the findings of your research to your fellow students in the seminars. You will be expected to contribute to on-line discussions and to download and read lecture notes from StudyNet, our virtual learning environment.
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.