Philosophers search for knowledge and truth, exploring the fundamental nature of reality and some of the most important questions about the world around us such as what is the self? What is a just society? Is free will an illusion? And, does God exist?
The Philosophy degree at Lincoln offers students the opportunity to study these questions and others through the lens of cutting-edge contemporary philosophical research, as well as the writings of the great philosophers, such as Plato, Descartes, Nietzsche, Marx, and Wittgenstein.
The course makes high intellectual demands of students and aims to develop the ability to think clearly, construct and defend arguments, and be willing to explore a range of approaches to different topics.
How You Study
The Philosophy programme at the University of Lincoln prides itself on offering a high level of philosophical training in both the 'analytical' and 'continental' traditions that have dominated the discipline since the early twentieth century, allowing students to find out what best responds to their own aims and interests.
The programme is designed to give students the tools to think seriously and independently about major philosophical questions. Students can develop valuable skills in reasoning, analysis, creative problem solving, and communication, which are relevant for a wide range of careers.
Over the duration of the programme, students are expected to develop an understanding of all the major fields in contemporary philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, epistemology, logic, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of science. Students are also introduced to major figures in the history of philosophy, such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel, and Wittgenstein. Studying original texts from great minds both past and present can help students learn to form, develop, and defend their own answers.
Students will explore these areas using the philosophical method of logical analysis and reasoned argument, and from the outset will be encouraged to develop their own views, and to critically assess the views of others.
As Philosophy will be a new subject for many students, the first year of the degree offers a chance to study a wide range of modules, with increasing specialisation in years two and three.
The course is mainly delivered through a series of lectures and seminars. Each module usually consists of a lecture in which the topic is introduced for the first time, key concepts and ideas are examined and explained. Lectures also introduce the reading required for seminars.
Seminars are used to support lectures and are an opportunity for students to meet with a tutor in smaller groups and discuss the philosophical topic under consideration in greater depth. Occasionally workshops are used to work through a particular issue, question, or topic.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Modules
First Year
Academic Skills for Philosophy (Core)
God, Evil, and the Meaning of life (Core)
Great Thinkers in Philosophy from Classical to Modern Times (Core)
Introduction to Moral Philosophy (Core)
Introduction to Philosophical Logic (Core)
Mind and Reality (Core)
Philosophical Texts (Core)
Philosophy Through Film (Core)
What is Knowledge? (Core)
Second Year
Aesthetics (Core)
Dissertations and Beyond (Core)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (Core)
Language, Logic, and Reality (Core)
Minds and Machines (Core)
Philosophy of Science (Core)
Topics in Epistemology (Core)
Animal Ethics (Option)†
Moral Philosophy (Option)†
Study Period Abroad: History (Option)†
Third Year
Contemporary Problems in Philosophy (Core)
Philosophical Project (Core)
Ancient Philosophy (Option)†
Ethics and The Meaning of Life (Option)†
History Work Placement (Option)†
Metaethics (Option)†
Newton's Revolution (Option)†
Nietzsche, Nihilism, and the Death of God (Option)†
Philosophical Issues in Biology (Option)†
Philosophy of Evil (Option)†
Philosophy of Love, Sex, and Perversion (Option)†
The Philosophy and History of Colour (Option)†
Time, Space, and Ontology (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
This course uses a variety of assessment methods including essays, podcasts, student-led presentations, and in-class exams.
The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
Students will be expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and living costs if studying abroad.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Facilities
The philosophy at Lincoln sits within the College of Arts and students have access to specialist facilities to help them to develop their skills and knowledge.
The Great Central Warehouse Library provides access to more than 200,000 journals and 600,000 print and electronic books, as well as databases and specialist collections. Students can also access the library at Lincoln Cathedral – a center for philosophical thinking since the time of the eminent 13th Century theologian, Bishop Robert Grosseteste.
Features
Lincoln is home to the Lincoln Philosophy Salon, which holds monthly talks in a local pub from world-leading professional philosophers. This is a thriving organisation with a membership of around 600 people, which provides a great opportunity for students to interact socially with staff and to discuss cutting-edge ideas with some of the most important living philosophers working today.
In addition, the Undergraduate Philosophy Society, which is run by students, organises talks and social events for students interested in Philosophy. We also hold an Annual Philosophy Lecture, bringing a philosopher of international standing to Lincoln to give a talk on a topic of their choosing.
Study Abroad
Students within the School of History and Heritage have the opportunity to spend a term studying at one of the University’s partner institutions in North America or Europe. Students will be expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and living costs. Places are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria.
Career Opportunities
The range of fundamental skills involved in the study of Philosophy, such as critical thinking and the ability to analyse and communicate complex ideas clearly and logically, can equip graduates for a wide range of careers.
The strong research focus in our advanced Philosophy modules, and the fact that students can research and write an independent dissertation during the third year, aim to develop highly transferable research skills.
