Philosophy: The University of Manchester

Course description

Within their Philosophy courses they aim to teach you about other people's ideas and to develop your own. Learning about the major debates in the history of philosophy until the present day is essential background for developing your own responses to the problems in philosophy. However, what is more important is that you have engaged critically with the problems and some of the main attempts to solve those problems. One of the key things you have to learn is how to back up your claims with coherent persuasive arguments.

They aim for students to develop the incredibly useful skills of deep analytical critical thinking, reasoned argument and clear systematic expression of ideas. You will learn that there is more than one point of view on every question. This is a structured, yet flexible programme, informed by current research, that aims to give you in-depth knowledge of some central areas of Western analytical philosophy; and enable you to develop the ability to evaluate, and think through for yourself, philosophical arguments and positions. The distinctive feature of Manchester's Philosophy programme is its analytical spine. Having covered some central areas of analytical philosophy at Level 1 (including logic, epistemology and the philosophy of the mind), you are then well equipped to cover more specialist course units at Levels 2 and 3. Options include course units in ethics, metaphysics, the philosophy of language and the history of philosophy.

Career opportunities

The intellectual and analytical skills you acquire equip you for a wide range of careers. Many graduates have gone on to work in journalism, the law, government, publishing, social work, local government, and management and financial consultancy.

Entry requirements

• A level: AAB. Two A/S Levels of equivalent grade accepted in place of one A Level. If one or more A Levels which have less than 60% theoretical content are offered as part of the three A Levels, offer may be above the standard level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum grade B in English Language and grade C in Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall, with 6,6,5 at Higher Level and no lower than 5 in any subject.