Top 10 Universities in the UK to Study Philosophy

Philosophy teaches us how to think and react to the world around us, asking questions of the universe and our place in it. Students will be taught by internationally recognised experts who will engage with your ideas, thoughts and beliefs.

International students who wish to study a philosophy degree in the UK will be introduced to the principles of ethics, logic and reasoning, developing critical and analytical thinking, and go on to enjoy diverse careers in teaching, journalism, politics and law.

Do you want to apply to study philosophy? Learn more about the top ten UK universities for philosophy (2024 Guardian University Guide) below and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London or Manchester today to get your application started.

Top 10 UK Universities for Philosophy 

Below is a list of the top-ranking universities to study a philosophy course in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.

1. University of Oxford

The faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oxford offers a range of joint courses in philosophy which can be combined with Classics, Modern Languages and Computer Science. There are over 50 full-time permanent members of the Faculty of Philosophy, each with a college Fellowship.

Prospects for University of Oxford graduates remain some of the best in the UK, and five years after graduation Oxford graduates' salaries average almost £43,000. 

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Computer Science and Philosophy
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 must be in HL Mathematics).
• International fee: £48,620

2. University of St Andrews

Philosophy at the University St Andrews is currently ranked 12th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) and the best in Scotland (Guardian University Guide 2024). A busy undergraduate Philosophy Society organises talks, debates, parties and other social events to keep minds sharp away from study.

The MA in Philosophy at St Andrews is a four-year degree that prepares students for many careers. Former student Youngju said of the department: “The size of the Department makes for a friendly and focused environment, and our lecturers and tutors are always ready to help students.”

• Suggested course: MA (Hons) Philosophy
• Entry requirements: A-level: AAB. IB diploma: 36 (HL 6,6,5).
• International fee: £30,160

3. University of Cambridge

The BA (Hons) philosophy incorporates first-year modules such as Ethics and Political Philosophy and Formal Philosophy, whilst in years 2 and 3, students focus on what interests them, choosing three subjects from the following:

• History of Analytic Philosophy
• Ethics
• Greek and Roman Philosophy (from Classics)
• Early Modern Philosophy
• Epistemology and Metaphysics of Science
• Political Philosophy
• Experimental Philosophy (from Natural Sciences, involving practical work)

The University of Cambridge is the second-oldest in the English-speaking world and is regarded as one of the world's top five universities.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Philosophy
• Entry requirements: A level: A*AA. IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
• International fee: £25,734

4. London School of Economics and Political Science

The Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method programme at LSE, founded by Professor Sir Karl Popper, offers a unique blend of philosophy intertwined with scientific inquiry and social relevance. Students engage with top researchers and explore profound philosophical questions across various disciplines, such as ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy. 

The curriculum emphasises rigorous argumentation, formal logic, and essay writing skills. In addition to foundational courses, students can select from various options, including language specialisms, promoting deep thinking and critical engagement with complex ideas.

• Suggested course: BSc Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
• Entry requirements: IB Diploma - 38 points overall, with 766 at higher level. A-level - AAA.
• International fee: £27,192

5. University of Lincoln

The bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Lincoln explores the profound questions of reality, justice, and existence, drawing from contemporary research and historical philosophical texts. Through analytical and continental traditions, students explore varied topics such as ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy. 

The programme highlights critical thinking and argumentation, encouraging independent thought and detailed analysis. With a wide range of modules spanning major philosophical fields and historical figures, students develop valuable reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for diverse career paths.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Philosophy
• Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
• International fee: £15,900

6. Bangor University

The BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion at Bangor University covers human life's fundamental inquiries: humanity's essence, moral quandaries, and the existence of God. It amalgamates modules exploring ethics, analytical and continental philosophy, and Eastern and Western religions. Students can pursue their interests with tailored course selections, supported by experts in fields like religious extremism, applied ethics, and world religions. 

Interactive lectures and seminars promote debates on significant philosophical and ethical issues, supplemented by personalised tutorials. The curriculum prepares students for success through independent research projects, ensuring academic and personal growth.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
• Entry requirements: Offers are tariff-based, and 96 - 120 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification*, e.g., A Levels:  General Studies and Key Skills are not normally accepted.
• International fee: £17,000

7. University of Aberdeen

Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen explores fundamental questions concerning human life and intellectual activity, such as the nature of knowledge, truth, and the existence of God. Across four years, students engage in compulsory and elective courses, covering topics like ethics, metaphysics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of medicine. 

With an emphasis on developing critical thinking and argumentation skills, coupled with support from the careers and employability service, students are prepared for future career success, equipped with a well-rounded philosophical education and practical skills.

• Suggested course: MA Philosophy
• Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate - 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL. A-level: BBC.
• International fee: £20,800

8. Durham University

Ranked among the top 40 philosophy departments in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), Durham University has an international reputation for quality in the Arts and Humanities. When studying philosophy at Durham, you will learn how to analyse different kinds of evidence, how to detect the strength of arguments presented by experts, and how to work collaboratively to solve difficult problems.

Durham University is ranked 78th worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2024) and 5th in the UK overall.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Philosophy
• Entry requirements: IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.

9. University of Southampton

Philosophy at the University of Southampton addresses topics such as “global poverty, ideology and propaganda, the nature of fictional characters and how we should understand disagreements about what is true in a fiction.” Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aim to provide understanding of the main areas of philosophy and of the concepts, arguments and positions of major philosophers in the Western tradition.

At Southampton, you’ll be taught by lecturers who are leading experts in their field, and they’ll help you to become an expert in your subject, too.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Philosophy
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: Pass, with 32 points overall and 16 points at Higher Level. 
• International fee: £22,300

10. University College London

UCL’s  Philosophy degree course offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum. In the first year, students delve into foundational topics like political philosophy, moral philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and logic. The subsequent years offer flexibility with a broad range of optional modules spanning metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind and language, moral and political philosophy, aesthetics, and historical figures like Aristotle and Kant. 

The programme ensures a balanced coverage of core philosophical areas while allowing students to tailor their studies through various elective modules across departments.

• Suggested course: MA Philosophy
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 38; a total of 18 points in three higher-level subjects, with no higher-level score below 5.
• International fee: £28,100

Study Philosophy in the UK

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FAQ

What qualifications do I need to study Philosophy in the UK?

Students generally require A-levels, IB diplomas, or equivalent qualifications to study philosophy in the UK. While specific requirements may vary depending on the university or college, it is common for applicants to need a strong academic background, with relevant subjects such as English Literature, History, Religious Studies, or a foreign language being beneficial. 

How many years is a bachelor's degree in philosophy in the UK?

A bachelor's degree in Philosophy in the UK typically lasts three years for full-time undergraduate programmes. Some universities may offer variations, such as four-year integrated master's programmes or part-time options with different durations.

How much do philosophers get paid in the UK?

According to several sources, salaries for professionals in philosophy-related occupations can range from around £20,000 to £40,000 annually. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and job roles.

Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for Philosophy?

Some major universities known for their strong philosophy courses with high acceptance rates include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of St Andrews, University College London (UCL), and the University of Edinburgh.