Philosophy and Anthropology (BA Hons)
The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Anthropology programme offers a unique opportunity to explore two disciplines that delve into the most fundamental questions about humanity and society. By combining philosophy and anthropology, this joint honours degree allows students to develop a deep understanding of cultural identities, societal analysis, and the ideas shaping humanity’s journey through history and into the modern world.
Philosophy:
Unlike other subjects, philosophy focuses not on what to think but on how to think. It encourages exploration of profound questions: Who are we? What is our place in the world? How should we live?. Through the study of ethics, critical thinking, and the works of historical philosophers, students will engage with debates from both analytic and continental traditions. The course also introduces Eastern philosophy, offering diverse perspectives on some of life’s most enduring questions.
Students will examine the history of Western philosophy, gaining insights into key thinkers and their ideas. From ancient to modern philosophical debates, the programme equips students with structured thinking, methodical argumentation, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to counterarguments.
Anthropology:
Anthropology focuses on the richness of human diversity and the ways societies evolve and interact. It examines how people live, think, and express themselves across cultures, offering a comprehensive view of humanity’s place in the world. Students will explore themes like cultural identities, the impact of globalisation, and pressing contemporary challenges through rigorous societal analysis.
This joint programme connects the philosophical exploration of big ideas with anthropology’s practical approach to studying real-world human experiences. It is perfect for students who want to combine theoretical depth with cross-cultural understanding.
This joint honours programme is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to choose from a wide range of modules that reflect their interests. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop critical academic skills, such as analytical reasoning, clear communication, and the ability to engage with complex debates.
Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to address contemporary issues, applying their skills to careers in education, research, policy-making, and beyond.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- English
Tuition Fees 25/26
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Philosophy and Anthropology programme is designed to engage students in dynamic learning environments that combine rigorous academic exploration with practical skills. Through small classes and interdisciplinary connections, we aim to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of philosophical and anthropological perspectives.
In the first year, you will explore the fundamentals of philosophy and anthropology, engaging with topics like ethics, knowledge and reality, and cultural identities. This year introduces you to historical philosophers and lays a foundation in critical thinking, preparing you for deeper academic inquiry. The study of societal analysis begins, examining human behaviour and cultural systems
In year 1, students will take 60 credits each year from the two joint honours subjects.
Philosophy - Optional Modules
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits )
Anthropology - Compulsory Modules
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Anthropology - Optional Modules
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits )
The second year focuses on expanding your understanding of complex topics such as freedom, agency, and responsibility, while delving into contemporary issues in societal analysis and cultural identities. You will also engage in interdisciplinary connections, blending analytic and continental traditions with insights from Eastern philosophy.
In year 2, students will take 60 credits each year from the two joint honours subjects.
*This degree follows a Year A - Year B system, where second- and third-year students are taught together. As a result, the year you complete will depend on a two-year cycle.
Philosophy - Year A Optional Modules*
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Philosophy - Year B Optional Modules*
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Anthropology - Optional Modules
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the final year, you will refine your skills in critical thinking and address advanced topics like metaphysics, environmental philosophy, and cultural diversity in a globalised world. Your dissertation allows you to specialise in an area of interest, combining philosophical theory and anthropological research to create a unique and impactful academic contribution. This year prepares you for professional or academic pathways, equipping you with analytical and applied skills for real-world challenges.
In year 3, students will take a 40 credit dissertation and then 40 credits from each of the joint honours subjects.
*This degree follows a Year A - Year B system, where second- and third-year students are taught together. As a result, the year you complete will depend on a two-year cycle.
(40 credits)
Philosophy - Year A Optional Modules*
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Philosophy - Year B Optional Modules*
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Anthropology - Optional Modules
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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96 – 112 UCAS points.
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The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words.
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The Faculty has estimated on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Academia, Business, Advocacy and government relations jobs, Analyst jobs, Committee work, Education, Environmental work, Ethics advisors and other advisory work, Fundraising, Law, Media and journalism, NGOs and charities, Politics and Civil Service