BA (Hons) Continental Philosophy at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Continental Philosophy explores the philosophical traditions that have shaped modern understandings of society, culture, politics, identity and human experience, including phenomenology, existentialism, critical theory, psychoanalysis, post-structuralism and contemporary European thought. It is taught in a School recognised as a leading centre for Continental Philosophy in the English-speaking world, using small discussion-based seminars.

Department: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies | Duration: 3 years | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Introduction to Philosophy and Death, God and the Meaning of Life, with skills modules including Beyond the BA: Skills for the Next Step. Later years include Rationalists and Empiricists, Critical Theory, a Philosophy Capstone Module and Continental Philosophy options.

Career pathways

Graduates have gone on to careers in journalism, publishing, public policy, media, education, public relations, the Civil Service, charities and non-governmental organisations, cultural institutions and business.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years

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