(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy with Business Management (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA VV23
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit
T-levels: Distinction
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Josiah Saunders
Associate Professor
Durham University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To provide a wide-range and flexible philosophy curriculum, embracing both analytic (or Anglo-American) and Continental (Modern European) philosophical thought and a detailed forcus on business management.
- To provide studies with a qualification that will enhance their ability to work in the area of business management by developing the capability to analyse and decide how to deal with complicated organisational situations.
- To encourage studies to identify the relevance of philosophy to other forms of enquiry (e.g.social, political, cultural, aesthetic), its interconnections with other disciplines, and its applicability to issues in public and moral life.
- To develop students' capacities for independent thought and critical reflection.
- To provide students with the skills necessary for subsequent research or further study.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of philosophical texts from a variety of traditions and a variety of historical and social contexts.
A2: Knowledge of significant figures in the history of philosophy, and of some central theories, arguments and issues connected with them.
A3: Knowledge of techniques of philosophical reasoning and conceptions of philosophical method, embracing diverse traditions and approaches.
A4: Knowledge of major issues currently being debated by philosophers.
A5: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the core principles of business management, strategic-thinking and decision-making and a knowledge of the external environment within which organizations operate, including the political, social, economic and technological contexts at both national and international levels.
Learning methods
A1-A5 are acquired through: teaching in lecture and class format; lecturers conveying module content in a general manner while allowing for, and encouraging, questions from students; classes generally focusing on specific textual, argumentative or practical examples, where emphasis is placed on student discussion.
The use of books and journal articles to convey module content.
The use of books, journal articles and internet resources to write coursework and prepare for examinations.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A5 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework includes essays, essay plans, essay drafts, abstracts, peer reviews of draft student essays, reading summaries, reading analyses, in-class reading quizzes, logic exercises, take-home exams, individual and group oral presentations, and a final-year 5,000-word dissertation.
Coursework is prepared during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written or oral feedback for the student.
Examinations include essay-based questions and (in the case pf PY114) logic exercises. Revision classes are provided.
Coursework tests the ability to research a topic using, for example, library and internet resources, expound specified texts and enter into detailed argumentation with them.
Unseen exams test the ability to rehearse and assess arguments in relation to specific questions posed within a limited time frame.
Philosophy modules include examinations in the first year only.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Capacity to follow complex arguments, and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B2: Ability to gather and evaluate large amounts of information and data.
B3: Capacity to summarise complex and demanding texts, and to assess critically their strengths and weaknesses.
B4: Capacity to argue coherently and persuasively.
Learning methods
Skills B1-B4 are obtained and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above.
Students are expected to read background material for lectures and classes, and to participate fully in class discussions.
Assessment methods
Outcomes B1-B4 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework and examinations are as described above under A (Knowledge and Understanding).
C: Practical skills
C1: Ability to write essays, expressing oneself clearly, effectively and to the point.
C2: Ability to abstract and synthesise relevant information from a range of sources, using books, journal articles, library and internet resources.
C3: Ability to use a range of methods (library and internet resources) to perform bibliographical searches.
C101: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
Skills C1-C3 are gained by participation in class discussion, discussion with the lecturer during class and office hours, independent research for essays and exam preparation.
C101 is acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad.
Assessment methods
Outcomes C1-C3 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework and examinations are as described above under A (Knowledge and Understanding).
C101 is assessed throughout the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to communicate effectively.
D2: Use of relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D3: Ability to identify the problem to be solved; to articulate critically the assumptions underlying or connected with the problem; to compare and contrast differing and often contradictory solutions to the problem; and to provide
argument and evidence in defence of one's solution to the problem in the areas of philosophy.
D4: Ability to 'read' an argument in seminar
discussion; ability to respond effectively;
ability to work in a variety of group
contexts
D5: Ability to read closely and carefully; to organize one's reading and thinking in relation to specific topics; to learn from feedback from the lecturer in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; and to work to deadline
Learning methods
Skills D1, D2, and D4 to D6 are acquired and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above, and in class discussions.
Students are encouraged to use the University key skills on-line package, word processing packages, library searches and internet philosophy resources.
Assessment methods
Outcomes D1, D2, and D4 to D6 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework and examinations are as described above under A (Knowledge and Understanding)