Overview
Philosophy is the exploration of profound ideas and questions. Do I really have free will? What things can I truly know? What are our responsibilities for the natural environment? What would a world look like without racial injustice?
These questions lie at the heart of philosophy. If you want to pursue them in a thoughtful and critical way, then this is the course for you.
Our Philosophy BA will introduce you to the great philosophers. You’ll use their ideas to deepen your understanding of the human mind, morality, art, science and logic. Through your studies, you will come to a clearer picture of how society should function, and of how you as an individual should live.
You’ll also gain the transferable career skills that ensure philosophy graduates are highly regarded by employers (Times Higher Education, October 2024).
From Plato to the philosophy of video games
At the start of your degree, you’ll be introduced to a wide range of key philosophical questions. You can then focus on those areas that interest you most. We have modules on everything from Plato to the philosophy of video games, from Karl Marx to the nature of the time. You can explore such issues as:
- AI and technology
- social justice and the distribution of wealth
- political protest
- the relation between mind and matter
- gender and sexuality
- action and freedom
- the climate crisis
Along the way, you’ll benefit from the expert insights of your professors. Our cutting-edge research will keep you on the frontline of academic thinking.
Our students love our teaching. They voted us 'Outstanding Programme' at the RATE Awards 2025 (Stirling Students' Union Recognising and Advancing Teaching Excellence awards). You can join a vibrant community of curious minds with the Stirling Philosophical Society.
Gain critical career skills
You will develop a strong set of critical, imaginative and informed reasoning skills highly valued by employers.
- Analyse and evaluate complex texts and arguments.
- Understand and explain difficult ideas.
- Solve deep and complicated problems.
- Develop and present your own perspective with careful and rigorous reasoning.
You can study Philosophy as a single honours degree or combine it with another subject to broaden your career options.
Project work with employers
In your final year, you can write a dissertation with one-to-one supervision with your chosen professor. Alternatively, you can pursue a Philosophy-In-Practice Professional Project. On this project you will work both with a professor and with an employer from a range of public, private sector and charity institutions. Your work will give you the practical experience, knowledge and confidence you need for your career.
Top reasons to study with us
Prizes or awards
A two-year Scholarship of £3500/year is awarded to a 3rd-year-student who meets the following criteria for the scholarship: born in Scotland; a first-generation University student; and doing single honours Philosophy. The Department administers and awards the Scholarship.
The Abune Scholarship has been kindly funded by John (Jock) Scott, a graduate of the Philosophy Department. Apart from funding the Scholarship since 2014, Jock also contributes to career development sessions for Philosophy students. He is a member of the University of Stirling Business School’s Advisory Boards, an Honorary Professor in the School and a contributing lecturer to several of their courses.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
ABBB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
Philosophy
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
See a detailed overview of what you'll study on this course.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Teaching in Philosophy modules is mainly through seminars, which are held each week to discuss a set topic - and lectures, which are usually given twice a week. Throughout your studies, you’ll have many opportunities for one-to-one discussions with tutors.
Assessment
Assessment in most modules is divided between essays written during the semester, and an examination at the end of the semester. You’ll also write a dissertation on an approved subject of your choice in your final year.
Study abroad
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Simon Hope, Course Director
Fees and funding
| Scottish students | ||
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This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change. Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf. |
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| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | ||
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This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information. | ||
| International students (including EU) | ||
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Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000–£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students. |
Fee information
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods—including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
University of Stirling students with a Philosophy degree have gone on to a diverse range of careers. Our graduates work in organisations such as:
- HM Government
- Scottish Enterprise
- Justice Publishing
- Wincanton
