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Birkbeck, University of London Philosophy

Study the crucial topics in philosophy and its history on our central London campus

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Philosophy


Why study philosophy at Birkbeck?

Philosophy courses at Birkbeck are designed to stimulate students to think for themselves about crucial topics in philosophy and its history. By study, analysis and criticism of philosophical texts and ideas, students will be equipped to develop and hone their own ideas and argumentative skills.

We are a member of the University of London’s Institute of Philosophy. Our students therefore belong to a large, intercollegiate community of philosophers, and are welcome at a range of seminars, lectures, talks and conferences.

Grow your career

You will gain practical experience through placements, fieldwork, and archival projects to prepare you for a meaningful, real-world career.

Graduates can pursue career paths in education, research, politics and journalism. Possible professions include:

  • higher education lecturer
  • researcher
  • journalist.


Highlights

  • We have a specialist philosophy library at 30 Russell Square, with a main philosophy collection is held in the Birkbeck Library.
  • In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 78.8% of our research outputs were classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Come and meet us

Undergraduate Courses

Find out more about undergraduate courses and our flexible study options that are taught from our campus in central London.

Postgraduate courses

Our postgraduate courses offer you the chance to focus both your intellectual interests and career ambitions.

MPhil/PhD courses

Join the vibrant, diverse and intellectually invigorating community of MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck.

Top reasons to choose Birkbeck

Birkbeck is part of the prestigious University of London, our campus is in the city centre, and a number of our courses offer daytime or evening study options. Learn more about us.

"I chose Birkbeck because I absolutely loved what the course had to offer"

William Sarenden, BA Philosophy student, shares why he chose to study at Birkbeck, what his position as Chair of the Birkbeck Students' Union involves, and his hopes for the future.

"The professors at Birkbeck were very helpful"

Student Stephen reflects on his journey from West End finance worker to Global History MA graduate.

Peltz Gallery

Our on-campus gallery showcases work and research by postgraduate Birkbeck students and faculty staff.

Unibuddy

Chat to our students on Unibuddy and find out what it's like to be a Birkbeck student. Unibuddy is a third-party provider, when you sign up you share your data with them on their terms.

Student services

Find out more about the services we provide to you during your time at Birkbeck.