Undergraduate Philosophy Degrees
Philosophy is the careful, critical, and reasoned engagement with fundamental questions of human existence. Philosophy addresses questions that human beings have always asked, though they may not have final answers. It asks about the limits of human knowledge, the nature of existence, values and morality.
Intrigued by fundamental questions such as the nature of right and wrong? Truth and knowledge? Faith and reason? Keen to learn how philosophers from both Western and non-Western traditions have discussed these topics? Philosophical ideas can help us understand and respond to contemporary practical issues, as well as timeless problems of human existence.
A rich and varied programme
At Lancaster, we offer a diverse and flexible curriculum. You’ll study famous thinkers from the Western tradition of philosophy, such as Plato, Kant, Descartes and Nietzsche. You can also learn from our experts in non-Western philosophy with their insights into Indian, Chinese and Islamic traditions.
You may wish to specialise in the more practical side of philosophy, exploring moral and political questions such as obligations to future generations or the basis of ethics. Or you may opt to focus more on the more theoretical side, exploring logic or the relationship between mind and body. You’ll discover connections between abstract and more practical ideas – for example, how the nature of knowledge connects with scientific enquiry, communication and even conspiracy theories.
Putting your studies into practice
You can apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations. We also offer placement opportunities in a range of organisations, from roles in arts and heritage organisations, to media and marketing agencies.
The University runs short, overseas trips to give you the chance to experience a different culture. In the past these have included Malaysia, India, Ghana, China and the US, visiting the J.F.K Presidential library, the United Nations and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Philosophy courses
Philosophy combines well with other academic disciplines. As well as our Philosophy degree, we offer a wide range of joint degrees combining Philosophy with other disciplines – see the list of Joint Honours degrees below.
Philosophy courses
We also offer several joint degrees combining Philosophy with other disciplines. Click view more courses for the complete list.
Philosophy Single Honours accordion
Philosophy Joint Honours accordion
English Literature and Philosophy BA Hons: QV35
English Literature and Philosophy (Placement Year) BA Hons: QV34
French Studies and Philosophy BA Hons: RV15
German Studies and Philosophy BA Hons: RV25
Linguistics and Philosophy BA Hons: QV15
Linguistics and Philosophy (Placement Year) BA Hons: QV16
Global Religions and Philosophy BA Hons: V651
Global Religions and Philosophy (Placement Year) BA Hons: V652
Global Religions and Philosophy (Study Abroad) BA Hons: V653
History and Philosophy BA Hons: VVC5
History and Philosophy (Placement Year) BA Hons: VVC6
History and Philosophy (Study Abroad) BA Hons: VVC7
History, Philosophy and Politics BA Hons: V0L0
History, Philosophy and Politics (Placement Year) BA Hons: V0L1
Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA Hons: L0V0
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Placement Year) BA Hons: L0V1
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Study Abroad) BA Hons: L0V2
Politics, Religion and Values BA Hons: LV28
Politics, Religion and Values (Placement Year) BA Hons: LV29
Philosophy at Lancaster University
Meet the Philosophy team
Our Philosophy team bring together a rich and diverse set of knowledge, experience and interests.
Costanza Porro
As Political Philosophy Lecturer, I specialize in political, moral, legal, and feminist philosophy. My primary focus is the concept of equality, and I have written on why we should treat each other as equals and what it means to do so, focusing on the status of those punished for criminal offenses. I am passionate about feminist philosophy; in particular, I am interested in how our nature as vulnerable beings reliant on care and our need to provide care for others shapes our views on justice, rights, and equality. My current research delves into the role of care in a society of equals.
Philippe Major
I am lecturer in Philosophy. I work on the history of Chinese philosophy, with a focus on Confucianism in the 20th century. I am also interested in Zen Buddhism, ancient Chinese philosophy, and Continental philosophy. My work explores topics such as authority, modernity, epistemic hegemony, and the exclusion of non-western thought from the philosophy curriculum. I am currently working on a project that looks at patterns of resistance to the hegemony of Euro-American philosophical knowledge production in modern Confucian philosophy.
Leonie Smith
Leonie Smith is Lecturer in Metaphysics and Epistemology at Lancaster University and Director of the Undergraduate Philosophy Programme. Prior to this, she held a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship at the University of Manchester, and was Lecturer in Philosophy at Cardiff University. Her research is on personhood and agency, and on the epistemic, ontological and material harms experienced by people marginalised by socioeconomic status. Leonie runs the 'Class in the Classroom' project, and also works with the Philosophy in Prison charity, co-designing and delivering programmes in the UK.
Our Alumni
Our alumni share their experiences, tips and advice, including how their degrees led them to their current jobs. They have taken up a wide range of careers, ranging from Media Relations Officer in Her Majesty’s Revenue to Customs and Government Affairs Manager at Vodafone.
Our Alumni