Undergraduate Philosophy
Explore theories of knowledge and reflect on key ethical concepts. Examine issues related to the philosophy of art, culture, science and technology.
What you'll learn
On our degree you'll:
- specialise in modern European philosophy from Descartes onwards. This includes German, French and Italian philosophy
- apply the philosophy you learn to topics you’re interested in, making it relevant to your world
- read and understand the work of historical philosophers
- come to understand the history of European philosophy
- engage with major issues of philosophical debate and research
About the programme
You’ll explore key debates in the history of philosophy and focus on contemporary European philosophy.
From Ancient Philosophy, to the Enlightenment and beyond. You’ll develop a portfolio of skills and acquire knowledge relevant to today’s world.
A unique aspect of the BA in Philosophy are the project you’ll undertake each year. You’ll be able to direct your studies by applying the concepts you learn to topics of your own interest such as social media, mental health, or gaming.
You’re also able to choose up to one third of your modules each year from other disciplines across the University. Studying across disciplines better prepares you for the ever-changing world of work, and to respond to the challenges society faces.
You can study Undergraduate Philosophy at Newcastle University in one of two ways.
- on our Philosophy BA Honours (V500) programme, or
- alongside one or two other subjects on the Combined Honours BA Honours (Y001) degree.
Explore key philosophical issues and debates
You’ll explore diverse topics such as the nature of:
- existence – what it is to ‘be’
- beauty and aesthetics
- time, space, and other metaphysical concepts
- identity, and contemporary concepts of race and gender
- God, gods, and belief
- meaning, truth and interpretation
Engage with the changing world
You'll engage in the philosophical study of particular areas of human practice and inquiry. This includes:
- contemporary cultures
- literature and the arts
- applied ethics and justice
- social science
- politics
- religion
"The module content at Newcastle boasts an impressive variety: from Plato to Hegel, from Hume to de Beauvoir.
I knew this would mean I’d encounter all kinds of philosophy which I wouldn't have come across otherwise"
Field trip opportunities
Philosophy runs an annual field trip module in which we explore philosophical ideas in relation to a specific context and place.
In 2024, we went to the Mosel Valley in Germany and studied philosophies of value in relation to artisan foods.
In 2025, we went to Paris and studied philosophies of revolution, focusing on Marx’s reading of the Revolution of 1848, and contemporary philosophers’ accounts of the protest events of May 1968.
Programme structure
The degree is made up of three types of modules:
- compulsory modules
- project modules
- optional modules
Compulsory modules are courses that everyone on the degree will study. These begin at the start of European Philosophy with the pre-Socratics and Plato. By the time you get to Stage 3, you’ll find yourself encountering more contemporary philosophers.
The project modules are a unique aspect of our degree. At each stage, you’ll complete an individual project based on a topic of your choice. You’ll then apply the philosophy you have learned from the degree to your chosen topic.
You can choose optional modules from Philosophy or from other subject areas in the University.
How you’ll learn
Learning on the Philosophy degree is an active process. It focuses on your own reading and inspired by lectures and discussion in seminars and tutorials.
The majority of teaching in Philosophy at Newcastle University is done in person. You'll have weekly lectures on notable philosophers and key debates from an expert in the field. You'll also have weekly seminars where you’ll discuss the lecture content and the week’s reading.
These sessions provide an important opportunity to ask the seminar leader any questions you may have about the week’s material. They allow you to meet other people on your course too. This allows for debating and exchanging different ideas and interpretations. In addition to this, you'll have weekly project meetings. Here you'll discuss your progress on your individual project, and your project leader will offer guidance.
Canvas
Philosophy utilises the online learning platform called Canvas. Through Canvas, you'll receive selected readings and other learning resources. They are useful to prepare you for the weekly lectures and seminars. As a Philosophy student, you'll spend a lot of time reading these materials. Independent reading is an essential part of the learning process.
Apply philosophy to the life you live
Each year you’ll take a project module. These modules allow you to complete an individual project. The project allows you to apply the philosophy you learn to a topic of your choice. You’ll investigate your area of interest and gather a body of knowledge. You’ll then take the philosophy you’ve learned that year to ask important questions about your topic.
You'll open your mind to new ways of thinking and create your own learning path. You'll learn how to question, analyse, and balance many opposing points of view. These skills are essential to a wide range of careers.
Project themes
Previous student projects have focused on topics such as:
- Sport and Transgender Participation
- Psychoanalysis and The Films of David Lynch
- Veganism
- The Philosophy of Designer Furniture
- Money and Cryptocurrency
- Death and Fame in Art
- Racism in the Prison System
- Skateboarding
I choose the ‘object’ of fine art and I’ve really enjoyed researching this topic and applying the philosophy I have learned. It’s developed my understanding of fine art and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding...
How are the project modules taught?
A dedicated project tutor will work with you throughout your degree and guide you through the project research process. You'll be part of a small tutor group, meeting once a week.
Tasks will be phased throughout each year so you’re not overwhelmed. You’ll also work to produce:
- group presentations
- short films
- oral presentations
- reports
- posters
- a written dissertation
How are the project modules assessed?
Stage 1
In stage 1 you'll produce:
- a 3000-word extended essay
- a group presentation
- a 500-word literature review
Stage 2 and 3
In stage 2 and 3 you'll submit:
- a 7000-word dissertation
- an individual presentation
- a 10-minute oral report
The project modules in stage 2 and 3 make up one-third of your degree.