(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy, Ethics and Sustainability (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Philosophy
BA V5L8
13/06/2023
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
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: Demonstrate knowledge of disciplines such as philosophy, ethics, life science.
A2: Demonstrate that they can draw on these disciplines to make sense of the environmental (as well as social, political, and ethical) challenges we are facing today.
A3: Demonstrate understanding of these environmental challenges and how to respond to them sensitively.
A4: Demonstrate the ability to apply the research methods associated with philosophy, ethics, and life science (environmental science) to address complex environmental problems.
A5: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the climate crisis and the role of sustainability in responding to it.
Learning methods
Seminars (involving a diverse range of teaching methods), lectures (with accompanying teaching materials), and dissertation support learning outcomes A1-A4.
Compulsory Sustainability modules support learning outcome A5.
The different ways of engaging with the material, coupled with the relatively small size of the classes, will ensure that all students are able to engage with the course in a manner
appropriate to each of them.
Assessment methods
Assessments are set every year by module leaders. We ensure that every module has a participation and a scaffolding element. Typical assessments are essay plans, essays, presentations, critical reflections, in class reading quizzes, individual supervisions, which all support learning Outcomes A1-A5.
For each assessment adjustments can be made to reflect special circumstances, as
appropriate.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: The ability to assemble information and to evaluate the merits of arguments.
B2: Ability to deal with complex issues both systematically, methodologically, and creatively, make sound evaluations, communicate outcomes clearly.
B3: Ability to plan and conduct independent research with guidance from a supervisor and to present it in a coherent manner.
Learning methods
Intellectual/cognitive skills B1-B3 are obtained through seminars, where there is an
emphasis on group discussion, group work, and critical problem-solving.
All skills are further developed by essay plans, presentations, essays, and other forms of coursework. Skill B3 is fostered in particular through the essay plans and their execution.
The different ways of engaging with the material, coupled with the relatively small size of the classes, will ensure that all students are able to engage with the course in a manner
appropriate to each of them.
Assessment methods
B1-B3 are assessed through assessments that are set and revised (in light of feedback and the latest educational strategy) every year by module leaders. We ensure that every module has a participation and a scaffolding element. Typical assessments are essay plans, essays, presentations, critical reflections, and in class reading quizzes. All Students have weekly access to individual supervisions.
For each assessment adjustments can be made to reflect special circumstances, as
appropriate.
C: Practical skills
C1: The ability to identify, select and retrieve a range of primary source material, and/or relevant theoretical and methodological materials.
C2: The ability to design, use and reflect on various research/study techniques.
C3: Ability to compose bibliographies, using relevant reference systems according to established conventions.
C4: Ability to plan, manage, and complete a work of independent study.
C101: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
Skills C1-C4 are developed through seminar discussion and group work, research for essays, presentations and other written work, and through feedback and discussions with module tutors.
The different ways of engaging with the material, coupled with the relatively small size of the classes, will ensure that all students are able to engage with the course in a manner
appropriate to each of them.
Assessment methods
Skills C1-C4 are assessed through essays and other coursework, as well as the
dissertation.
For each assessment adjustments can be made to reflect special circumstances.
D: Key skills
D1: An ability in presenting ideas, problems, arguments, and evidence, in a clear, concise and accessible manner, to others both orally and in
writing.
D2: Ability to collect and present (and visualise) information using information technology (such as Word and Power Point).
D3: Ability to make sense of graphs etc. used by environmental scientists to communicate their findings.
D4: Ability to identify relevant questions and challenges and apply relevant research methodologies and techniques address them systematically and creatively.
D5: Ability to reflect on their own contributions to group work and to respond constructively to the comments of others.
D6: Ability to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their own performance, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.
Learning methods
Key skills D1- D6 are acquired through seminars and individual supervisions where students debate methodologies and challenges, as well as through the essays and dissertation.
Skill D2 can also be obtained through the University’s Academic Skills Online course at
https://moodle.essex.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=5143
The different ways of developing skills, coupled with the relatively small size of the classes, will ensure that all students are able to engage with the course in a manner
appropriate to each of them.
Assessment methods
Key skills D1-D6 are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed
coursework. The BA capstone research project is an overall assessment of all skills, namely communication, research management, problem solving skills and improving learning and performance.
For each assessment adjustments can be made to reflect special circumstances.