Ethics, Philosophy and Society

• an opportunity to study the philosophical ideas behind ethical issues and their relation to society
•  supportive tutors delivering a forward- looking programme in a friendly environment
•  a valuable path towards employment, career development and further education.

'Enjoyable and Rewarding ... the analytical and argumentative skills I developed gave me an excellent grounding for my current career' Tom Northcote, former student and Procurement Specialist with the Department of Health.

'Support provided by the lecturers was astounding' Steve Hollyman, former student, currently studying for an MA in creative writing at the University of Manchester.

"A fun and lively course and I was put at ease by friendly lecturers... I have secured a job where I am using logical and structured reasoning on a day to day basis, proving what a versatile course Philosophy is." Emma Bushe, West Midlands Police Department.

You will study the issues that underlie our relations with others. For example, what basis can be found, if any, for our ethical beliefs. You will look at the different accounts of society that arise from such ways of understanding our ethical life and have an opportunity to examine the idea of identity that underlies the way we think of both individuals and communities, the idea of freedom, and other concepts that shape our lives. This course will appeal in particular to students who want to dig deep beneath the usual answers
and opinions.

Students interested in ethics or in ideas about society, social psychology, politics or culture should be particularly attracted by the single honours degree in Ethics, Philosophy and Society.

You will study key ideas within ethics, from Plato and Aristotle, to Kant, Nietzsche, existentialism and recent French thought. In addition, you will also examine important concepts, problems and trends in social and political thought that will enrich your understanding of the social world around you and of your place within it. All this will be placed in the context of a deep appreciation of key, more general philosophical themes.

Most modules are taught through lectures (which introduce key ideas and methods) and small group seminars (intensive discussion). The assessment of modules is normally by written work, such as essays; there are very few examinations.

You will develop a range of skills in critical and creative thinking, communication, problem analysis and solution, planning and collaboration. You will be a confident and skilled thinker and communicator. All these are skills highly prized by employers and have led our students to careers in business, law, teaching, management, and the Civil Service, among others.

• BA(Hons) Ethics Awards Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 153.3KB)

For more information about Ethics, Philosophy and Society (V591) please contact: