What are the best UK universities for Philosophy? Choosing a University to study Philosophy can be difficult. This is because there are many great schools, each with its own strengths.
Finding the right university according to your goals is essential. It can give you the right network and support to help you achieve your dreams. What’s more, studying at the right university boosts your employability and success rate.
That’s why we ensure our Philosophy Summer School students have the opportunity to participate in our Academic Skills Workshop. So they can receive the tools necessary to prepare for the next steps in their education.
We’ve also done the hard work for you and created a list of the best UK universities for philosophy. Our rankings are based on statistics and student-based feedback, so you can be sure you’re making the right decision for your future.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the best universities in the world. Do you know that the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings has ranked Oxford #1 worldwide from 2017-2022?
What’s more, Oxford contains the largest volume of internationally excellent research in the UK, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
What makes Oxford one of the best UK universities for Philosophy in the UK? The QS World University Rankings for Philosophy 2022 ranks Oxford #6 in the world. In the UK, the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Oxford #1.
Also, do you know that world-renowned philosophers have taught at Oxford? Such prestigious philosophers include John Locke, John Duns Scotus, Elizabeth Anscombe, and Iris Murdoch.
Oxford doesn’t have a standalone Philosophy course for undergraduates. What it offers is a collection of Philosophy joint courses such as:
- Classics
- Mathematics and Philosophy
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Philosophy and Modern Languages
- Philosophy and Theology
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
- Physics and Philosophy
Let’s look at Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE.) PPE is a three-year course based on the belief that studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics together is transformative. Positive impact ripples across society by transforming the students’ intellectual lives.
Where do PPE Oxford graduates go after completing the course? Recent career paths for Philosophy degrees include:
- Banking
- Finance
- Politics
- Accountancy
- Business Management
- Management Consultancy
- Advertising
- Broadcasting
- Journalism
- Law
- Teaching
- Social Work
Are you looking to study Philosophy at the Top University in the world? Why not try your luck at Oxford?
University of Cambridge
Do you know that the University of Cambridge is the 4th-oldest university in the world? Since then, it has had over 121 Nobel Prize winners it’s affiliated with. So what does Cambridge aim to achieve? To contribute to society through excellence in learning, education, and research.
The University of Cambridge is a world-renowned university. With the QS World University Rankings 2023 ranking it #2 worldwide. And the Complete University Guide 2023 declares it #2 in the UK.
Why is the University of Cambridge one of the best universities for Philosophy in the UK? The Complete University Guide 2023 and The Guardian 2021 ranks Cambridge #3 in the UK for Philosophy.
Prominent early twentieth-century philosophers who studied Philosophy at Cambridge include Moore, Russell, Ramsey, and Wittgenstein.
One of the unique aspects of Philosophy at Cambridge is its strong commitment to the analytic tradition, giving emphasis on 3 core characteristics:
- Rigour
- Clarity
- Independent thought
Some of the Philosophy topics you’ll encounter at Cambridge include:
- Metaphysics
- History of Analytic Philosophy
- Political Philosophy
- Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
- Philosophical Logic
- European Philosophy from Kant
Where Do Cambridge Philosophy Graduates Go?
The critical and analytical skills Cambridge Philosophy graduates develop lead them to a broad range of professions, including:
- Business
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Computing
- IT
- Publishing
- Banking and Investment
- Arts and Recreation
- Public Services
Are you searching for an analytical-oriented Philosophy course at one of the most prestigious universities in the world? Then, you’d love to explore Philosophy at the University of Cambridge!
University of St Andrews
Perhaps one of St Andrews’ most remarkable achievements is surpassing the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge for the first time in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
St Andrews did it again a second time. The Guardian University Guide 2023 crowns St Andrews as the Top University in the UK.
How happy are the students at the University of St Andrews? Very happy! According to the National Student Survey 2022, St Andrews is #1 for student academic experience in the UK.
Why is St Andrews one of the UK’s best universities for Philosophy? The Guardian 2021 ranks St Andrews #1 in the UK for Philosophy. In the Complete University Guide 2023, St Andrews is at #5 for Philosophy.
What will you learn from St Andrews’ MA Philosophy course? You’ll explore the following topics:
- Truth vs Falsehood
- Reality vs Appearance
- Freedom: is it real or an illusion
- Ideal society: what structure does it have?
- Climate change
- Social media ethics
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioethics
Where do St Andrews Philosophy graduates go after completing the course? Common career paths include:
- Teaching
- Law
- Publishing
- Advertising
- Journalism
- Banking
- Retail area management
- Management consultancy
- Local government
- Non-profit organisations (e.g. Charityworks, Oxfam)
- Civil service
- Film and television production
Are you looking for the best student academic experience? Then you’d love to check out the University of St Andrews!
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London School of Economics and Politics (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Politics is among the best social science universities worldwide. Do you know that the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 ranks LSE #3 for Social Sciences & Management?
In addition, LSE has been a consistent Top University in London according to the Complete University Guide 2023.
How does LSE excel in careers and employability? In the latest academic data, 92.8% of LSE graduates were employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. What’s the median salary of an LSE graduate? €35,000
Why is the London School of Economics and Politics one of the best UK universities for Philosophy? The Complete University Guide 2023 ranks LSE #2 in the UK for Philosophy.
There are 4 Philosophy courses available at LSE:
- BSc Philosophy and Economics
- BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- BSc Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
- BSc Politics and Philosophy
Let’s take a closer look at BSc Philosophy and Economics. Discover Uni reports that 90% of LSE Philosophy and Economics graduates proceed to work or study further within 15 months after graduation.
What will you learn from LSE’s Philosophy and Economics? You’ll encounter the following topics along the course:
- Ethics
- Metaphysics
- Epistemology
- Philosophy of Science
- Political Philosophy
- International financial crises
- The economic crisis of 2008
- Gender pay gap
- Formal modelling of economic relationships
Are you looking to study Philosophy at the best university in London? Then, consider applying to the London School of Economics and Politics.
Durham University
Do you want to join a family and community that will help you achieve the extraordinary? Durham University is #6 in the UK, according to The Guardian University Guide 2023. And it’s a World Top 100 according to the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Is Durham a good university for employability? Definitely! According to Graduate Outcomes Data, 89% of Durham UK & EU undergraduate leavers were employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation during 2017-18.
What’s more, you’re sure to feel inspired to study in the lovely city of Durham. After all, Durham is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Northeast England.
Durham University is among the best for Philosophy in the UK. It offers several Philosophy courses for undergraduate students, including:
- Philosophy BA
- Philosophy and Politics BA
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Philosophy and Psychology
- Philosophy and Theology
- Music and Philosophy
- English Literature and Philosophy
Let’s examine Philosophy BA in particular. Discover Uni reports that 90% of Durham Philosophy graduates are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation.
Those employed receive average entry-level salaries of £26,500.
What are some of the topics you’ll learn from Durham’s Philosophy course? Core modules include the following:
- Ethics
- Values
- Knowledge
- Reality
- Philosophical Traditions
- Reading Philosophy
As you advance through the course, you’ll have the opportunity to choose which topics interest you most. Here are some of the elective topics:
- Moral Theory
- Philosophy of Science
- Applied Ethics
- History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
- Twentieth-Century European Philosophy
- Biomedical Ethics Past and Present
- Political and Social Philosophy
Do you want to study in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and acquire critical skills high-quality employers seek? Then, check out what Durham University can do for you!
University College London (UCL)
The University College London is known as London’s Global University. Inspiring disruptive thinking since 1826, it’s the first university in England to have welcomed women and students of any religion to university education.
UCL invites ambitious thinkers into its fold. They aspire to teach you how to think rather than what to think. With this in mind, they’ve produced over 30 Nobel Prize laureates.
Do you know that UCL is one of the best universities in the world? The QS World University Rankings 2023 puts UCL at #8 globally. And the Research Excellence Framework 2021 rates UCL #2 in the UK for Research Power.
Why is UCL one of the best UK universities for Philosophy? Because THE World University Rankings 2022 by subject: arts and humanities ranks UCL Top #5 worldwide. UCL offers a number of Philosophy courses, including:
- Philosophy BA
- German and Philosophy BA
- French and Philosophy BA
- Spanish and Philosophy BA
Let’s take a peek at Philosophy BA. It’s a 3-year course, with the following as your core modules for your first year:
- Political Philosophy
- Moral Philosophy
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics
- Introductory logic
For your 2nd and 3rd years, you’ll have the freedom to choose from a range of optional modules, such as:
- Aesthetics
- Meaning and Interpretation
- Protecting Dignity
- Marxism
- Metaethics
- Equality
Discover Uni states that 80% of UCL Philosophy graduates work or study further within 15 months after graduation. Those employed receive average entry-level salaries of £29,500.
Are you looking to study in London to learn how to think for yourself? Then UCL is one of your best options!
University of Bristol
The 3 main themes of the Bristol experience are:
- Global Citizenship
- Innovation & Enterprise
- Sustainable Futures
It’s no surprise that Bristol is the #1 Best Business Incubator worldwide, according to UBI Global 2019. Bristol also excels when it comes to employability.
According to The Graduate Market in 2022 by High Fliers Research, Bristol is #3 for the Most Targeted by Top UK Employers. In addition, the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) reports that Bristol graduates are among the Top 10 highest earning in the UK.
What makes Bristol one of the top Philosophy universities in the UK? The Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Bristol #10 in the UK for Philosophy. Here are some of the Philosophy courses Bristol offers:
- BA Philosophy
- BA English and Philosophy
- BSc Mathematics and Philosophy
- BA Philosophy and French
- BA Philosophy and Italian
- BA Philosophy and Russian
- BA Philosophy and Theology
- BSc Physics and Philosophy
- BSc Sociology and Philosophy
Let’s take a closer look at BA Philosophy. The 3-year Philosophy course at Bristol gives particular emphasis to 3 significant skills:
- Textual analysis
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Critical thinking
In addition, you’ll learn the following topics:
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics
- Moral Philosophy
- Political Philosophy
- Critical Thinking
- Logic
- Value Theory
- Knowledge
- Reality
Are you searching for a UK Top University that’s dedicated to helping you achieve your business or employability goals? Check out the University of Bristol!
King’s College London
King’s College London is right smack at the heart of London. Its ambition? To make the world a better place. How? Through its world-leading research and education. Do you know that King’s is #6 in the UK for world-leading research, according to REF 2021?
In addition, King’s is #22 in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide 2023. And #37 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Why is King’s one of the best universities for Philosophy? Because the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks King’s #6 for Philosophy.
Here are some of the Philosophy courses offered at King’s College London:
- Philosophy BA
- Physics & Philosophy MSci
- Physics & Philosophy BSc
- Mathematics & Philosophy BSc
- Philosophy, Politics & Economics BA/BSc
- Politics, Philosophy & Law LLB
- Religion, Philosophy & Ethics BA
- Philosophy & Modern Languages (French, German, Portuguese or Spanish) with a year abroad BA
Let’s examine Philosophy BA more closely. Discover Uni reports that 95% of King’s Philosophy graduates were employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. Furthermore, those employed received an average entry-level salary of £24,000.
King’s main teaching emphasis is the small-group approach. To ensure you develop and hone the necessary skills with substantial feedback and discussion. Addition special features include:
- Option to study abroad
- Option for internships
Where do King’s Philosophy graduates go after completing the course? Recent graduates were enrolled in the following positions:
- Banker
- Trainee teacher
- Trainee journalist
- Analyst consultant
- Film production assistant
- Barrister
- Police constable
Do you want to study at the heart of London at a prestigious university that caters to small-group teaching? Then, try exploring King’s College London!
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the world. What is its vision? To lead with values, research, teaching, and innovation to make the world a better place.
Do you know that the Complete University Guide 2023 ranks Edinburgh at #12 in the UK? In the world, the QS World University Rankings places Edinburgh at #15.
Why is the University of Edinburgh one of the best universities for Philosophy in the UK? The Complete University Guide 2023 puts Edinburgh at #7 for Philosophy. Prominent figures who have studied Philosophy in Edinburgh include Adam Smith and David Hume.
In addition, Edinburgh’s Philosophy has been rated #4 in the UK according to Times Higher Education for its world-leading research using the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Edinburgh also offers its students a Personal Tutor to help them every step of the way.
What are the Philosophy courses offered at Edinburgh?
- Philosophy and English Language (MA)
- Philosophy and English Literature (MA)
- Philosophy and Scottish Literature (MA)
- Philosophy and Linguistics (MA)
- Philosophy and Greek (MA)
- Philosophy and Economics (MA)
- Philosophy and Mathematics (MA)
- Philosophy and Politics (MA)
- Philosophy and Psychology (MA)
Let’s take a closer look at MA Philosophy. Some of the topics you’ll learn in this course include:
- Introduction to the History of Philosophy
- Logic
- Morality and Ethics
- The Nature of Argument
- Mind, Matter and Language
- Knowledge and Reality
You can choose from a broad range of optional courses during your 3rd and 4th years, including:
- Late Modern Philosophy
- Philosophy of Religion
- Feminism
- Political Philosophy
- Aesthetics
Where do Edinburgh Philosophy graduates go after completing the course? 80% are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation. Those employed receive an average entry-level salary of £28,000.
Previous Edinburgh Philosophy graduates went into a variety of careers, including:
- Education
- Finance
- Commerce
- Computing
- Journalism
- Law
Are you looking to study in Scotland’s beautiful capital city with a personal tutor to help you along the way? Why not explore the University of Edinburgh?
University of Southampton
The University of Southampton aims to inspire the remarkable. The core values it upholds include excellence, inclusivity, and diversity.
Do you know that Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group? The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 ranks Southampton #12 in the UK.
In the world? The QS World University Rankings 2023 declares Southampton #78.
Southampton also has impressive employability rates. The latest Higher Education Statistics Agency Graduate Outcomes data reports that 96% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in further study after completing their course.
What makes Southampton one of the best UK universities for Philosophy? The Guardian 2021 states that Southampton is #6 in the UK for Philosophy. It offers several Philosophy courses, including:
- Philosophy BA
- Economics and Philosophy BA
- Film and Philosophy BA
- Philosophy and English BA
- Philosophy and Mathematics BA
- Philosophy and Music BA
Let’s examine Philosophy BA. Discover Uni reports that 90% of Philosophy Southampton graduates are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months after graduation.
Those employed receive average entry-level salaries of £22,500. Plus, an impressive 94% of the students agreed they were satisfied with the course.
Here are some of the topics you’ll study:
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of Mind
- Ethics
- Metaphysics
- Global Poverty
- Sex and Gender
- Artificial Intelligence
Where do Southampton Philosophy graduates go after graduation? They go into a variety of careers, including:
- Project Manager
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Data Analyst
- Journalism
- Publishing
- IT
- Investment Analyst
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
- Tax Consultant
- Teacher
Are you looking to study Philosophy at a university with high employability and student satisfaction ratings? Then, check out the University of Southampton.
What Can I Do With a Philosophy Degree UK?
Studying Philosophy helps you develop a competitive set of transferable skills. Among the many career paths you can choose, here are some:
- Secondary Education Teacher
- Marketing Associate
- Business Analyst
- Business Sales Executive
- Human Resources Officer
- Sales Account Manager
- Solicitor
- Policy Officer
- Recruitment Consultant
- Health Service Manager
Do you want to know more about roles and salaries? Then, check out the article “What Can You Do With A Philosophy Degree?”
There you have it! Which among the best UK universities for Philosophy caught your eye? Remember, it’s all about your future goals. So choose the one that aligns with your needs most!
