Philosophy BA (Hons)
Course code V500
What is special about this course?
If you're interested in exploring views, ideas, theories, practices and behaviours, BA (Hons) Philosophy is the course for you. Socrates, one of the most famous philosophers of all times, said "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.": that is a core strength of philosophical studies. In developing your ability to think well, you will be able to spot errors in reasoning, analyse complex issues and arguments, build a strong case and make a point with clarity and precision.
Philosophy seeks to understand, and particularly to question, ideas concerning the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. The philosophy discipline focuses on problematic concepts, such as existence, reason and truth, which occur in every sphere of human enquiry, but more specifically on problematic concepts that belong to particular areas of thought and practice, such as politics, economics, religion, science and ethics.
Following the Covid crisis and its aftermath, we've become more accustomed to seeing political decision-makers flanked by scientists. The Philosophy of Science is interested in analysing why science seems to be so successful in explaining reality. With scientists playing an ever-increasing role in decision-making processes at all levels, we have to ask: are scientists the new priests of society?
Throughout the course you will apply this type of analytical and critical thinking to a range of 21st century issues such as: Is humanity headed in the right or wrong direction? What is the best way for a person to attain happiness? Will religion ever become obsolete? What is the future of artificial intelligence? Is there a meaning to life and, if so, what is it?
Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.
Special features
- Join regular meetings of the philosophy reading group, where you will discuss or present papers with fellow students and staff
- You will be encouraged to participate in organisations that actively focus on issues in society and to put your views and beliefs into action
- Tailored modules and curriculum which improve your experience and ability to successfully undertake the course
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two of these must be from the list of relevant subjects
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry to year two:
- HNC Social Science (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
You will study the following core modules:
Semester 1
- Thinking and writing for study, work, and life
Semester 2
- Problems in philosophy
Other modules may include:
Semester 1
- Ideas and ideologies in Politics
Semester 2
- Logic
In addition to these philosophy modules, you will also be able to choose two modules from our range of humanity subjects.
Year 2 - DipHE
Modules at this level may include:
Semester 1
- Knowledge: a philosophical analysis
Semester 2
- Moral philosophy
- Anthropology of religion
In addition to these philosophy modules, you will also be able to choose two modules from our range of humanity subjects.
Year 3 - BA
Modules at this level might include:
Semester 1
- Philosophy of Religion
Semester 2
- Philosophy of Science
- Continental philosophy
Semesters 1 and 2
- Research project
In addition to these philosophy modules, you will also be able to choose an option module from our range of humanity subjects.
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
The core module is:
Semesters 1 and 2
- Dissertation
Other modules at this level might include:
Semester 1
- Scottish tradition in philosophy
Semester 2
- Neurons, brains, and minds: a philosophical investigation
- Existential philosophy and literature
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- You will learn through a combination of scheduled video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors. There is normally a weekly two-hour timetabled video conference lecture for each module.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time: 8 years @ 20 hours per week
- Part-time (unstructured): variable
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC - you may choose to study at Dingwall or Paisley, subject to availability
- Inverness
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world
- Students based near to one of the listed campuses should apply to, and be enrolled and supported by, their local campus
- All other students should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, Highland Theological College (HTC)
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of the UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,420 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,070 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK studying online from their home country, or living in the UK but assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
This includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK and EEA and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,960 | £7,080 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,160 | £1,180 |
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Philosophy graduates are found working for almost every type of employer in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, from arts-based areas like publishing, the media, journalism, advertising and teaching, through to computing and IT.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- local government and the Civil Service
- advertising, marketing and public relations agencies
- management consultancies
- secondary schools, further education colleges and higher education institutions
- law firms
- publishing companies
- charities
- banking and insurance companies
- accountancy firms
- recruitment agencies
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from BA (Hons) Philosophy to the following UHI postgraduate courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Philosophy BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.