Philosophy with Foundation Year (Full-time) (BA Hons, Foundation)
The Philosophy with Foundation Year, BA is designed for students seeking to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for university-level study while exploring life’s most profound and thought-provoking questions. The Foundation Year provides an accessible introduction to core concepts in philosophy and academic skills, preparing you for success in the degree programme.
Through this course, you will explore the history of philosophy alongside contemporary issues, building your capacity for critical thinking and effective communication. The programme focuses on philosophical reasoning, encouraging you to grapple with enduring questions about the nature of reality, human freedom, and ethical responsibility. Areas such as ethics, metaphysics, and existentialism are central, alongside practical explorations of political and applied philosophy, connecting theory to the challenges of the modern world.
A distinctive feature of this course is its blend of traditional and modern perspectives. You will engage with philosophical texts that range from classical works to innovative ideas, fostering an appreciation for historical and contemporary philosophy. This approach promotes intellectual curiosity and helps you develop a nuanced understanding of diverse viewpoints.
Small group learning ensures a supportive and collaborative environment where you can refine your ideas, receive tailored guidance from academic staff, and participate in meaningful discussions. The course also offers the opportunity to study abroad, broadening your horizons and enriching your understanding of global perspectives on philosophy.
Throughout the programme, you will cultivate essential career skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Graduates have pursued careers in education, law, public policy, media, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to challenge assumptions, tackle complex problems, or prepare for a meaningful career, the Philosophy with Foundation Year, BA is an ideal starting point.
By the end of your studies, you will have developed a strong foundation in philosophical reasoning, the tools to address intricate problems, and the confidence to articulate your insights clearly. This course is more than an academic journey—it is an opportunity to grow intellectually, explore the big questions, and prepare for a future of thoughtful engagement with the world.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
The Philosophy with Foundation Year, BA, is designed to support your academic growth, building your philosophical knowledge alongside essential study skills. Our approach encourages critical engagement with ideas, fosters collaborative learning, and equips you to explore the fundamental questions of philosophy while preparing you for further study and professional development.
You will focus on developing the academic skills necessary for success in university-level study. You will be introduced to key concepts in philosophy, with modules including ‘Being Human’. You will also strengthen your research, writing, and analytical skills, which are essential throughout your degree.
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
This year introduces you to fundamental philosophical ideas and concepts. You will study areas such as ethics, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy, starting with ancient thinkers. The focus will be on building a solid foundation in philosophical reasoning and critical analysis, preparing you for more advanced study.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits )
You will deepen your understanding of philosophy and applied philosophy, examining how philosophical theories relate to real-world issues. You will also study more across wide ranging modules, exploring complex ideas and developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Seminars and small-group discussions will foster independent thought and collaborative learning.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 Credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The final year of the degree allows you to specialise in areas of particular interest. You will undertake an independent Project that reflects a specific field of interest.
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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GCSEs or relevant professional experience.
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;Admissions Advice and Support  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visa and funding requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â€¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, seen and unseen exams, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, wikis, commentaries and film evaluations.
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The Faculty has estimated on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
Students are expected to submit two hard copies of their final project, the estimated cost for binding these is £20.
Optional Field trip:
Faculty works to ensure that there are a range of fieldwork and field trip options available both locally and internationally. Thus students can opt to take either more expensive or less expensive placements. The Faculty subsidises these but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. Below are the upper end of expected costs based on where students have currently done placements.- Fieldwork (depending on where student decides to do fieldwork): c. £500 – £1,500
- Individual trips: c. £5 – £50
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Philosophy is, in commercial jargon, the ultimate transferable work skill
- Administrative work
- Advocacy and government relations jobs
- Analyst jobs
- Committee work
- Education
- Environmental work
- Ethics advisors and other advisory work
- Fundraising
- Law
- Media and journalism
- NGOs and charities
- Politics and Civil Service