Philosophy courses
Studying a philosophy course at The Open University means doing philosophy. In practice, that means understanding philosophical issues and arguments, taking account of opposing points of view, communicating complex ideas clearly and precisely, while developing your own views. Choose from our fascinating range of philosophy courses below.
Philosophy
Degrees
- Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
- Internationally respected, universally understood.
- An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
- Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
- Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Philosophy
Diplomas
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
- Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Philosophy
Certificates
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first third of an honours degree.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Shows that you can study successfully at university level.
- Count it towards further qualifications such as a DipHE or honours degree.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Why study Philosophy with The Open University?
Philosophy seeks to address fundamental questions about ourselves and the world we inhabit, through rational inquiry and argument. Central concerns of philosophy include ethics, politics, the human mind, art, religion and science.
The benefits of studying philosophy with us are:
- Flexibility to combine your study of philosophy with politics, economics, psychology religious studies, and many arts and humanities subjects.
- A range of qualifications which enable you to study philosophy alongside other, complementary disciplines, deepening your understanding.
- Highly regarded study materials that address challenging questions in an engaging and accessible way.
- Opportunities to hone your skills in communication, analysis and critical thinking, while engaging with controversial questions and contrasting views.
- Teaching that is directly informed by our internationally recognised research.
Careers in Philosophy
The discipline of philosophy is highly regarded by employers as they appreciate graduates’ communication skills, clear thinking about abstract and practical matters, and the skills vital to effective decision-making.
Our range of courses in philosophy can help you start or progress your career as a:
- Journalist
- Advertising Account Manager
- Social Worker
- Business Manager
Looking for something other than a qualification?
The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.
All Philosophy courses
Browse all the Philosophy courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.
See our full list of Philosophy courses
Email us
From exploring the right course for you to helping you register, our advisers can help.
Call us
As part of the OU’s response to Coronavirus, we have temporarily removed this option.
Please use the ‘Email us’ option to contact us.
Write to us at:
Student Recruitment
The Open University
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
