BA (Hons) Philosophy Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BA (Hons) Philosophy at OBU is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. Oxford Brookes is a public university founded in 1865, currently, with a Bronze award for…
About this course
Philosophy, BA (Hons), degree course from the School of Education, Humanities and Languages at Oxford Brookes University From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Philosophy is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at OBU, based in Oxford Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Historical, philosophical and religious studies graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £29,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Philosophy & Religion, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 14 modules
- Being Human: Love, Sex and DeathCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll gain core analytical skills, key to studying Humanities at university, as you explore human bodies and emotions through time. You'll understand the ideas, practices and experiences that we have around bodies and feelings. You'll also explore how bodies and emotions are shaped by: politics, religion, science, medicine, literary and artistic fashion. You'll analyse texts, images and artefacts to understand the core role of human emotions and bodies in our world.
- Cultural MomentsCompulsory
Module details
How do genres - styles or categories of literature - grow from major events in history and culture? In this module, you'll explore how drama and literary studies relate to genre. You'll get to grips with genres as categories that have evolved historically to become key influences on culture, taste and fashion. You'll investigate real life cases of key movements across a range of disciplines. You'll also consider how art responds to life and life to art.
- Language, Vision and RepresentationCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll learn about basic theories of meaning-making. You'll begin to undertake a critical analysis of systems of representation - which could be spoken or written language, and virtual or physical texts. You'll come to understand how meaning is made, but also challenged, through acts of interpretation which often we're not conscious of making. You'll also be encouraged to reflect on your own role in producing 'meanings'.
- Nation and IdentityCompulsory
Module details
What is a nation? Do nations develop through shared language or the history of a people? Are they about laws and governance, or habits and customs? In this module, you'll get to grips with core themes from Humanities subjects, including: Philosophy, Religious Studies, History, English Literature, English Language. You'll develop a strong understanding of the concepts of a nation (including elements such as borders and national identity) and its challenges.
- Research ProjectCompulsory
Module details
This module gives you the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You'll gain the key skills you need to succeed as a university student, as you create, manage and complete your own research project. You'll have one-to-one guidance from an expert academic supervisor in your chosen subject area who will support you to shape your research from your initial ideas through to your completed project.
- The Reflective LearnerCompulsory
Module details
Do you dream of studying a Humanities subject at university? In this module, you'll gain the core skills and strategies you need to succeed as a university student. You'll build up knowledge of each of the subjects within our Foundation in Humanities course and learn how to turn critical reading into clear and successful undergraduate assignments. You'll also learn effective study strategies, including: learning from lecture content, taking part in seminars, working and studying in groups.
- Creating CriminologyOptional
Module details
In this module you'll work together on group projects to plan and develop a Criminology newsletter. As well as developing practical skills, such as how to research Criminology topics, we'll also explore the pitfalls and benefits of researching Criminology in popular culture. This module also focuses on your future through sessions on networking and careers brainstorming, career development opportunities whilst studying and guest talks from Criminology alumni.
- Customs, Icons and SymbolsOptional
Module details
Explore the study and understanding of Culture and Society by looking at relevant Customs, Icons and Symbols with a particular emphasis on communicative practice of reading and written language in contexts.
- Development StudiesOptional
Module details
This is your opportunity to explore some of the key issues (e.g. urbanisation, poverty and social exclusion, environmental concerns and gender issues) within the field of Development Studies. You'll also look at the factors causing poverty in countries defined as less developed. Exploring the fundamentals of how sociology, human geography and economics interact in the process of development. You'll study key topics that will teach you to draw on your own knowledge and experience where possible t
- French Beginners 2Optional
Module details
As someone with a beginner's knowledge of French, you'll develop stronger skills in French speaking and writing, translating and interpreting. You'll be able to express yourself effectively in French, and gain a critical sensitivity to the intercultural differences between France and other countries.
- Global IssuesOptional
Module details
What is 'global politics'? What do we mean by 'international relations'? and how do our personal values affect our understanding of politics and historical events? In this module you'll explore the global challenges we face, and how they are understood by different groups. You'll examine issues like power structures and global conflict and come to understand how these issues impact societies and the environment we live in.
- Modern British ArtOptional
Module details
In this module, you'll dive into art and artists through the century - from the Camden Town Group, to Modernists like Barbara Hepworth and Pop Artists like Peter Blake. You'll examine paintings, sculptures and films as you discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. You'll also investigate the ways they promoted their work, like: exhibitions, manifestos, books, little magazines. You'll enjoy on-site visits, where you'll examine works of art firsthand. You'll also atte
- Origins of the Climate Crisis: A Global History of the EnvironmentOptional
Module details
You will engage with the ways in which the environment and the climate have changed over the past six centuries. Looking at: sustainability, climate change, conservation. Which are pressing issues with a rich and compelling history. You will investigate environmental changes and how they were contested and experienced at communal, national and international levels. You'll think about the political, economic, social and cultural contexts of resource management, energy use and food production. Inc
- Political PhilosophyOptional
Module details
How is political opinion, authority and democracy shaped and influenced? In this module, you'll explore foundational issues in political philosophy through exploring the main political ideologies. You'll start your journey with Liberalism as the default position in the West since the English, American and French Revolutions. Your focus then shifts to the ideologies that arose in response to Liberalism, including: Conservatism, Communism, Fascism, Communitarianism, Anarchism and Feminism. You'll
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study philosophy offered by the School of Education, Humanities and Languages. A course like this typically begins with foundational modules in introduction to philosophy, ethics, and logic, building your grasp of core problems around knowledge, mind and reality. In your second year, you'll usually move to history of philosophy, philosophy of mind, religion, or political philosophy, examining consciousness, justice, liberty and the thinkers who shaped the field. By year 3, you can pursue specialist options such as ethics and applied ethics, philosophy of science, religion and theology, political philosophy, or logic, alongside an advanced seminar engaging with current research. You'll complete the course with a dissertation, a sustained independent philosophical argument of your own.
Who it's for
This part-time degree suits those seeking flexible philosophical study alongside other commitments. It's designed for students wanting to develop critical thinking and analytical skills across core philosophical areas, with the option to specialise in areas of personal interest through elective modules and an independent project.
Careers & job market
Across Philosophy and Religion courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,500–£30,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,500–£36,000 after five years. These figures reflect broader labour-market outcomes and are not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is delivered part-time at Oxford Brookes University, a public university in Oxford. The course is taught in English. Oxford Brookes is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree will be nationally recognised. The university holds a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code V50F). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at OBU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Philosophy & Religion graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £29,000 | £23,000 – £38,500 | 315 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £9,000 – £34,500 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £31,000 | £17,500 – £40,000 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 315. Cohort 2021-22.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in philosophy & religion · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Philosophy & Religion nationally
National figures for Philosophy & Religion graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Philosophy & Religion courses at the same study level.
Compared with 497 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Philosophy & Religion graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Philosophy & Religion graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Schools & universities
- Think tanks
- Charities & NGOs
- Civil service
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Philosophy & Religion graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £29,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Oxford Brookes University
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Oxford Campus
900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Philosophy & Religion right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to OBU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by OBU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check OBU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with OBU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at OBU
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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