BA Philosophy(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Year 2

(Award available for year: Diploma of Higher Education)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the year, you will be able to:

1. Accurately explain a wider range of primary philosophical texts and demonstrate a more advanced critical response to interpretations of those texts
2. Provide detailed explanations of ideas and debates from a wider range of philosophical areas of enquiry, concepts, theories and arguments
3. Apply more advanced skills to critically evaluate and identify different forms of philosophical argument
4. Identify connections between different areas of philosophy
5. Coherently develop, articulate and defend your own view on philosophical texts, arguments and ideas through complex arguments

Skills Learning Outcomes

1. Express yourself orally and in written form in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner (Academic and Work Ready skill)
2. Search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant sources to strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research (Academic, Work Ready and Enterprise skill)
3. Identify when, why and how to appropriately acknowledge someone else’s work and ideas (Academic and Work Ready skill)
4. Collaborate with others and build positive relationships which then enables successful collective work (Work Ready and Enterprise skill)
5. Manage your time, prioritise tasks, organise academic and personal commitments effectively to meet deadlines (Academic and Work Ready Skill)
6. Work independently, and on own initiative (Academic and Work Ready skill)
7. Learn proactively and adopt effective learning strategies (Academic and Work Ready skill)
8. Be aware of your own strengths and development needs and seek/accept feedback (Academic and Work Ready skill)
9. Set and achieve goals (Work Ready skill)

Assessment

The compulsory research skills module will support students in attaining all subject LOs (which will then be reinforced in optional modules): understanding of and proficiency in philosophical thought, methodology and independent research (LO3, 5), practical exercises directed at content derived from philosophical research being done in the School (LO1-4). The module involves peer learning and group work, and is assessed by a group portfolio based on the practical exercises and an individual essay on a self-designed question based on module content. All formative and summative activities enable students to develop and demonstrate the philosophical skills that form the basis of independent research and will prepare them for the FYP. It will also support students in their development of work ready and enterprise skills.
With respect to optional modules, as at level 1, assessment is streamlined and again, this is normally in the form of a coursework essay (but with varied forms of unassessed formative exercises allowing students to make progress with the LOs and skills outside an assessment context.) Opportunities for explicit discussion and support will continue to be made available by module leaders in office hours and in routine meetings with academic personal tutors.