Frequently asked questions

Although students of philosophy study the works of the great thinkers of the past, they do this with a view to learning how to philosophise for themselves. Doing philosophy helps us understand the world better, to be more rational, to eliminate prejudice and bigotry, and to get clearer about the big questions of life. It encourages fair-mindedness, tolerance, healthy constructive scepticism and an enhanced ability to understand opposing points of view – even when we think that they are incorrect or incoherent. Above all, philosophers are concerned with reasoning and argument and with developing skills in these areas.

Philosophy mixes well with other subjects, not least because philosophical problems border on, and overlap with, the problems of other disciplines. Those with a background in mathematics or the physical sciences may develop a keen interest in logic or the philosophy of science. Students from the social sciences or psychology may find much that is familiar in political philosophy or the philosophy of the mind. Those interested in literature and the humanities will feel very much at home with aesthetics and moral philosophy.

The University of Nottingham is one of the most popular universities in the country. It is a campus-based university in pleasant surroundings, in a city that provides a wealth of facilities and activities. The Department, offering a wide range of single- and joint honours courses, is committed to the highest possible levels of provision for students and was rated 'Excellent' in the last Teaching Quality Assessors review. You will find our courses stimulating and you will enjoy yourself too – as our current students will tell you on open days!

We are always keen to welcome prospective students onto our beautiful campus, be it on one of our open days, a campus tour day, or any other day of the week. If you’re considering applying to The University of Nottingham, you should try to attend one of the University-wide open days:

• Undergraduate open days
• Postgraduate open days

The University runs tours of University Park Campus on some Wednesdays throughout the year. For further information or to book a place on a campus tour day, please contact the Enquiry Centre on +44 (0)115 951 5559.

All first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Nottingham are guaranteed a room in University-arranged accommodation for their first year of study (subject to meeting the criteria of the Accommodation Guarantee). There's a wide range of different accommodation to choose from with catered halls and self-catered student villages, or the private sector. Visit the Accommodation site for more details.

Once you have been issued with a University Card, you can start using the services of the University libraries:  

• borrow from the University's libraries
• access other libraries stock under national access and borrowing schemes
• make inter-library loans

If you're visiting the Department for a day and wish to use the library, please ask at the entrance desk to gain access. Prospective students with a firm acceptance who are preparing for a course can be given a 3 month visitors pass which allows them to use the library for reference only. If you're in between UG/PG studies, please contact your nearest library for information on access to resources.

University Childcare services are available for children aged six weeks to 12 years and include two day care facilities, a holiday playscheme and a toy library.

 

t: +44 (0)115 951 5222
e: childcareservices@nottingham.ac.uk
w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/child-care

 

The University is able to offer some support to partners and children of students.  Please read our guidance on Bringing your Family to Nottingham  and the information provided below for an overview of the support, advice and guidance we can provide.

The University's International Office provides you with a strong network of support, from your first enquiry through to graduation. It offers specialist knowledge and expertise from across the globe. The International Office can help with a variety of issues including:

• Finance and fees
• Scholarships and funding
• Immigration and visas
• Health insurance
• Welcome at the start of term
• Employment
• Practical information

The International Office also organises an airport pickup service and Welcome Week for International students before classes start in September. A variety of trips and events are run throughout the year.

No problem. Simply contact us and we're happy to help with any further queries you may have:

 

Department of Philosophy
University of Nottingham
University Park
Trent Building
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

 

t: +44 (0)115 951 5646
f: +44 (0)115 951 5840
e: philosophy-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk