Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (Including Year Abroad) (VV5P)

This University of Essex course enables students to study philosophy, with a special focus on issues regarding religion and ethics, including momentous issues like the meaning of life, the relationship between faith and reason, arguments for and against the existence of God and the moral status of abortion and euthanasia. Study both classic texts and on-going debates in these fields, across a range of philosophical traditions. Students will be equipped to engage with these discussions in an informed and critical way. Education extends beyond the university campus. Essex supports students in expanding their education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of their partner universities. The four-year version of the degree allows students to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course. Studying abroad allows students to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden their degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that they are mature, adaptable, and organized.

Essex is involved in many exciting and interdisciplinary research projects, and has active links with other areas including political science, law, sociology, psychoanalysis, and art history. Their School of Philosophy and Art History has been ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for research excellence.

The world of work is changing. Employers want graduates who can think laterally, logically and creatively about practical problems and are effective communicators. At Essex, they are serious about providing students with a teaching environment in which they develop the skills they need to flourish in the discipline, and to be prepared for the jobs they aspire to in the future.

Philosophy graduates are therefore well-suited to a wide range of occupations, including law, PR, journalism and the media, the Civil Service, charity work, banking, and the NHS. Recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies.