Frequently asked questions – Undergraduate studies
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other questions please don't hesitate to email us at philosophy-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.
Philosophy courses
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
What undergraduate courses does the Department offer?
At the University of Nottingham, philosophy can be studied either alone (single honours) or in combination with other disciplines (joint honours), including theology, music, classical civilisation, English studies, German, French, economics, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
What can I do with my degree?
Philosophical skills are highly transferable. A philosophy graduate is likely to be well-equipped for any career that centres on the ability to master complex issues and separate clearly the essential factors from irrelevancies, and make a reasoned decision on the outcome.
Philosophy is a tough and rigourous intellectual discipline, and philosophical skills play an integral role in business and the professions. Research in the United States has shown that in the two most common tests for admission to graduate training programmes for the professions, philosophy students performed substantially better than all others except mathematicians; better even than those who had studied economics, business or other vocational courses.
With its close involvement with logic, philosophy can also provide a natural foundation for work in computing. The major banks and the civil service test logic and reasoning powers in their entrance examinations. More generally, the whole range of careers typically followed by arts graduates is open to philosophy graduates, such as: administration; teaching; accounting and finance; social work; law; performing arts, TV or radio; journalism; medicine; and personnel work.
After finishing their BA/BSc degree course, many of our students take their studies further. The department currently offers an MA course in Philosophy with pathways in aesthetics, ethics and political philosophy, mind and language, and metaphysics. Find out more about postgraduate opportunities in the Department of Philosophy.
How does the University support my studies?
The
Student Services Centre can provide you with information and support throughout your student life. We’re approachable, knowledgeable and most of all we’re here to help. Come and see us if you know what you need or if there’s something you need to know.
The Student Services Centre is the home for Academic Support, the Disability Policy Advisory Unit, Financial Support, the majority of the Registry's front line services and Student Fees. We also provide a front-line service for Graduation.
How much does it cost?
Applying for a course
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
How do I apply?
All applicants for full-time admission need to go through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Part-time students apply directly to the Department of Philosophy.
Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before their deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision. Check the UCAS key dates for undergraduate admission.
Do you interview applicants?
Offers to school leavers are normally made without an interview, but successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days early in the new year.
What do you base your decision on?
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this. We are also looking for motivation and commitment to the subject, when we assess your personal statement.
Do I need to have studied specific subjects?
Each of our courses has specific entry requirements. Some of our joint honours courses require A-levels in specific subjects, and minimum grades in specific GCSE subjects.
Do you accept A or AS levels in subjects like art, music or theatre studies?
For entry to single honours Philosophy, we are happy to accept subjects like art, music or theatre studies, providing you combine them with two A levels in academic subjects, such as maths, history, or English. For entry to one of our joint honours programmes, you should also consult our partner department. If in doubt, please contact us for further advice.
Do you accept other qualifications as an alternative to A levels?
Yes, we accept a range of alternative qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate and the normal Scottish, Irish and USA qualifications. Please contact the Department if you need further details about whether other particular qualification are accepted and what level of offer is normally made.
Do you accept two AS levels as an alternative to an A level?
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department of Philosophy for details.
What is your standard offer?
For typical A/AS Level offers please look at our admissions information webpage.
Will your decision be based on my performance in AS levels I have already taken?
We look at your AS level performance, but it is only one of a range of indicators which we consider.
Deferred entry, part-time study, and other circumstances
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
Is it possible to change my application to a different course?
Yes, provided that any partner departments involved agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Is it possible to change course after I have received an offer?
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever possible, but it may be difficult to transfer to a course in very heavy demand, such as English Studies or Music. If you wish to change your course you should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for entry in the next September, can I subsequently defer entry?
Yes, subject to the agreement of the Department(s) concerned. The Department is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for deferred entry, will that count for or against me?
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
If I have applied for deferred entry, can I subsequently bring entry forward to the next September?
This would require the agreement of the Admissions Office. Much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Do you accept Access candidates?
Yes, we welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Can I study part-time?
Do you welcome applications from mature students?
Yes, experience shows us that mature students make a great contribution to the Department. Read more on mature students in the Department.
Can I get exemptions if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances: please contact the Department for further information and advice.
Can I transfer to Nottingham from another University?
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. We take all transfers from other universities through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can: we will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.