Department of Religions and Philosophies & School of History, Religions and Philosophies

BA World Philosophies and...

Key information

Duration
3 years
Start of programme
September
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
Russell Square, College Buildings
Fees

Home student fees: £9,250
Overseas student fees: £21,990

Please note that fees go up each year. 
See undergraduate fees for further details.

Entry requirements

AAB-ABB

For joint degrees, the offer is based on the subject with the higher entry requirements

Contextual: ABB-BBB

See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements.

Course overview

Philosophy has been a significant activity in every society for several thousand years.

It is a basic aspect of all human cultures to ask “big questions” about the fundamental nature of reality, about what it is to be human, what constitutes a good life, beauty, justice, knowledge, and how to confront and resolve ethical quandaries.

The BA World Philosophies combined degree is one of the only programmes in the world to provide the opportunity to ask these questions and examine answers from a global, cross-cultural, and decolonial perspective. This degree offers rigorous training in the epistemological standpoints, moral philosophical approaches, metaphysical systems, and socio-political thought of a range of Global North and Global South traditions in dialogue with each other. Because of this, the BA World Philosophies programme at SOAS is truly unique and state-of-the-art.

In addition to the ability to think critically and rigorously, studying philosophical traditions from Asia, Africa, the Middle East in dialogue with Continental European and Anglophone traditions enables you to take a broad and comprehensive view of the world and to think more deeply, sensitively, and insightfully about humanity, (in)justice, ethics, and real-world problems.

Why study BA World Philosophies combined degree at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • BA World Philosophies scored above sector in the following categories: teaching quality, learning opportunities, academic support, student voice (NSS 2023)
  • Our average 20/21 Graduate Outcome Departmental score is 82.85% (HESA)
  • We eliminated racialised awarding gaps at undergraduate level 

Degree combinations

May be combined with

++ 3 or 4-year degree with option of one year abroad

Key information set data

Structure

BA World Philosophies and… introduces students to core philosophical themes, concepts, problems and approaches drawn from European, Anglophone, and non-European philosophical traditions with an accompanying flexibility built in to enable regional or thematic specialism or language capability.

Taken as a joint honours degree, it enables students to combine study of the core and compulsory components of World Philosophies with a number of other subject areas offered in the School.

Modules to the equivalent of 60 credits must be taken in each year. In years 1 to 3, modules to the equivalent of 30-45 credits are compulsory, with students choosing modules for the remaining credits from a list of defined options.

  • Year 1: provides an essential foundation in World Philosophies, and introduces core topics in Philosophy.
  • Year 2: builds on the foundations established in the first year, enabling students to grapple with questions of interpretation, hermeneutics, phenomenology, and dialogue between and within philosophical traditions. Core components of philosophical methods and concepts are also taught and students are encouraged to develop a regional or thematic specialism, choosing from a range of options that address philosophical themes or offer training in specific philosophical traditions.
  • The Third and final year is characterised by a focus on epistemology and critique, independent research, and the consolidation of a chosen regional or thematic specialism. All students may undertake a supervised Independent Study Project which is intended to consolidate and extend a student’s understanding and knowledge applied to prominent themes or debates in the field of World Philosophies

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Year 1

Term 1

Students will select the following two compulsory modules plus two second subject modules of 15 credits

Compulsory modules

Year 1

Students will select any two modules of 15 credits from core curriculum

plus two second subject modules of 15 credits core curriculum

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Students will select the following two compuslory modules plus one module from the Traditions of Philosophy list 1 of 15 credits and two second subject modules of 60 credits

 

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Students will take the following compulsory module plus modules from the Traditions of Philosophy list 2 equivalent to 30 credits and two second subject modules of 60 credits

Module Credits
The Margins of Philosophy 30

Teaching and learning

The BA World Philosophies and ... is examined through written and oral examinations and coursework. In addition, the Independent Study Project (ISP) in year 3 facilitates supervised student research in a prominent topic or debate in the field of World Philosophies.

Contact hours

Most courses involve a 50- 100-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2023/24 entrants per academic year

ProgrammeFull-time
Home studentsOverseas students
BA, BSc, LLB£9,250£21,160
BA/BSc Language year abroad£1,385£10,580

Please note that fees go up each year. See undergraduate fees for further details.

 

Employment

Graduates from the Department of Religions and Philosophies develop the skills to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, and comprehensive manner. A degree in philosophy is highly regarded by employers of many kinds. Philosophy teaches the student how to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational and comprehensive manner. Students of philosophy learn solid argumentation skills and critical analysis: they learn how to learn, how to think, and how to communicate their ideas effectively and persuasively. Graduates develop into well-rounded, mature, thoughtful and articulate employees. The skills of vision, creativity and analytical power being developed through the study of philosophy are key proficiencies which are valuable in many careers and are transferable to a wide range of sectors and roles

Find out about our Careers Service.