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About Philosophy, BA (Hons) - at Swansea University

“Philosophy” means the love of wisdom: it is the search for truth and understanding, whether about ourselves, society, the world or reality itself. It is a wide-ranging academic discipline, incorporating the study of ethics and morality, politics, human nature, knowledge and the universe.

The BA Philosophy programme at Swansea introduces you to major philosophical theories and debates across different traditions and cultures. It will equip you with the ability to reflect on questions of fundamental importance (“How should we live our lives?”; “What is a just society like?”; “How can we know what exists?”); to think creatively and logically; and to debate issues in a clear and persuasive manner.

An important focus of the Philosophy programme at Swansea is on applying philosophy to practical, contemporary problems. For example, what is the impact of technology on well-being and what it means to be human? How should forms of offensive or hateful speech be regulated? Thus, the study of philosophy is about both understanding the world and working out how to change it for the better.

Why Philosophy at Swansea?

You will study at our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. 

You can also have a semester abroad in Hong Kong, Singapore or the USA, further enhancing your student experience and career prospects.

Philosophy at Swansea is ranked:

• 1st in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2024*)
• 1st in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*)

 *Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

Your Philosophy Experience

We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your degree to your own interests.

Teaching is informed by our world-leading research and you can attend seminars organised through our guest speaker programme.

You will have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need.

Philosophy Employment Opportunities

Philosophy equips students with key intellectual skills that are much sought-after by many employers. These include critical and creative thinking, logical problem solving, open-mindedness and effective information-analysis.

The most common areas of employment for philosophy graduates in the UK are business, human resources (HR), finance and marketing, public relations (PR) and sales. They are also well-equipped for the civil service and teaching.

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Entry requirements

Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.

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Why study at Swansea University

There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.

• Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
• Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
• UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)

Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.

Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.