| UCAS code | VL53 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | VL5H |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | VL5J |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Combine the complementary disciplines of Philosophy and Sociology, taking differing perspectives on the human condition
- You’ll learn and apply analytical, philosophical skills to the study of a variety of older and newer sociological questions, as well as many contemporary social processes
- Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics
- The Philosophy student society will give you the chance to make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors
Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy
8th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad
88% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy
8th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad
88% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophical and sociological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Compulsory modules
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules.
Sociology
You must take the 60 credits of core stage 1 modules
Philosophy
a - You must take 3 of the 5 core stage 1 modules listed below
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis | 30 |
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality [See note a above] | 15 |
Optional modules
Philosophy
Choose one 15 credit PHL1xxx option module
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
60 credits of compulsory modules (30 credits of Philosophy and 30 credits of Sociology), 30 credits of optional modules (30 credits Philosophy, 30 credits Sociology).
In the second year you will advance your grasp of philosophical and sociological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
Compulsory modules
Philosophy
b - You must choose 2 modules from the list below
Sociology
c - You must choose at least 30 credits of core modules from the list below
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [See note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research [See note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [See note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [See note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [See note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [See note b above] | 15 |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology [See note c above] | 30 |
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World [See note c above] | 30 |
Optional modules
Philosophy
Choose one 30 credit PHL2xxx option module
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Sociology
Choose up to 30 credits of SOC2xxx option modules.
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
Philosophy or Sociology Dissertation
d - Students must choose one of the two dissertation modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note d above] | 30 |
| SOC3040 | Dissertation [see note d above] | 30 |
Optional modules
If you choose a Philosophy dissertation, you choose a further 30 credits of Philosophy PHL3xxx option modules, and 60 credits of Sociology option modules.
If you choose a Sociology dissertation, you choose a further 30 credits of Sociology SOC3xxx option modules, and 60 credits of Philosophy option modules.
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Course variants
UCAS code: VL5H
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: VL5J
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and encourage you to develop your writing and presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Project work
- One-to-one sessions
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Practical assignments
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
As a Philosophy and Sociology graduate you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills that are good preparation for a number of careers including in the media, public sector, legal profession, business and management.
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on a Philosophy and Sociology degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Teaching and research
- Local or national government
- The Civil Service
- Business and finance
- Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
- Marketing and public relations
- Management and administration
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
