BA (Hons) Philosophy, Ethics and Sustainability at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Philosophy, Ethics and Sustainability is a Philosophy-led, interdisciplinary three-year degree at the Colchester Campus focused on understanding environmental crises and the ethical questions they raise, such as climate justice and animal ethics. It combines philosophy with sustainability science and community engagement modules.

Department: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies | Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes Introduction to Philosophy, Death, God and the Meaning of Life and Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges. Year 2 includes Ethics, Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action and Addressing Global Sustainability Challenges; the final year includes the Philosophy Capstone Module and Climate Change and Pollution.

Career pathways

Law, public relations, journalism and the media, the Civil Service, charity work, banking and the NHS.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-levels: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma, or 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70). A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications with UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs depends on subject and units taken. Applicants who miss the requirements, have a non-traditional background or are mature students are still encouraged to apply and are reviewed individually. Contextual offers (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups) are available: 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 an accepted equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with study abroad year)

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities