Philosophy with a Foundation Year (BA)
- Subject area: Philosophy
- UCAS code: V501
- Next intake: September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Explore how humanities help us understand culture, identity, creativity and the grand challenges shaping our world, while considering great philosophical questions and learning to how to construct arguments to address complex societal problems.
Follow your interests
Choose from modules from across a range of philosophical traditions, trace connections to other disciplines, and engage with new areas of philosophical research.
Think for yourself
Critically and creatively engage with difficult problems in an independent and open-minded way.
Shape the future
Apply philosophical research to develop policies or strategies aimed at solving real-world social problems.
Study at the frontiers of inquiry
Analyse contemporary research with staff who are leading researchers in their field.
Communicate effectively
Develop skills and experience in shaping and presenting your ideas and arguments, and in reaching agreement on difficult questions.
Our Philosophy with a Foundation Year programme provides a supportive and intellectually engaging route into undergraduate study. The programme offers a structured and supportive transition into university-level learning, providing additional academic preparation before undergraduate study,
You’ll explore some of the big questions at the heart of the humanities: who we are, how cultures and identities are formed, and how stories shape human experience. You’ll also consider how the humanities help us understand and respond to contemporary ethical, environmental and technological change.
You’ll be introduced to a range of perspectives from history, literature, philosophy, media, cultural analysis, language and related disciplines. You’ll learn about the latest humanities approaches to digital culture, AI and global change – all while developing key academic skills to help you develop in your target degree subject.
How should you live your life and relate to others? How should we organise society? Who and what should you believe? What is the nature of beauty? How do your mind, brain, body and environment shape your thoughts and feelings? How should characteristics like gender and race be taken into account in theoretical inquiry and social decision-making?
As a Philosophy student you’ll explore important and complex issues like these. Our priority lies in developing your skills as a philosopher in your own right: you’ll be doing philosophy, not merely learning about philosophy. We’ll support you to engage critically and creatively with difficult problems in an open-minded and collaborative way, including on sensitive and controversial topics.
You’ll develop a solid grounding in central areas of philosophy, such as ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind, but also study areas such as aesthetics, feminist philosophy, and phenomenology.
Your foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
Subject area: Philosophy
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
CCD-CDD
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
27-26 overall or 554-544 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
MMM-MMP in a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee 1 | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/ preliminary year | £5,760 | None |
| Year one | £9,790 | None |
| Year two | £9,790 | None |
| Year three | £9,790 | None |
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Learn more about our tuition fees
Fees for overseas status
This course does not currently accept students from outside the UK/EU.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
You will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
You’ll study for a minimum of 4 years, including your integrated foundation year.
In each year of the programme, you’ll study 120 credits from a blend of core and optional modules.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2026/2027 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2026.
Foundation/ preliminary year
The foundation year is designed to build confidence, academic capability and subject-specific understanding through expert teaching, tailored support and an inclusive learning environment.
You’ll study 6 core modules of 20 credits each, carefully designed to prepare you for your chosen Philosophy programme.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Project | CH0008 | 20 credits |
| Skills for Knowledge, Independence, Lifelong Learning | CH0009 | 10 credits |
| Global Humanities: Culture, Identity and Place | CH0010 | 20 credits |
| Reading the World: Texts, Images and Interpretation | CH0011 | 20 credits |
| Humane Futures: Ethics, Technology and the Human World | CH0012 | 20 credits |
| Making Meaning: Creativity and Communication | CH0013 | 20 credits |
Year one
On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress into one of our undergraduate Philosophy programmes.
Your options include:
- Philosophy (BA)
- Philosophy and Linguistics (BA)
- Philosophy, Politics and International Relations (BA)
In year 1, you’ll be introduced to the key areas of philosophy that feature throughout the degree and gain a solid grounding in the core skills needed to help you thrive studying Philosophy at university level.
The exact blend of core and optional modules will depend on which programme you choose. You can see examples on our Philosophy subject pages.
Year two
In year 2, you’ll study a blend of core and optional modules. Optional modules enable you to specialise in the skills and themes which most interest you and support your career aspirations.
Year three
In year 3 you’ll continue to build on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained and will explore topics that best suit your future career aspirations through a range of optional modules alongside your core modules.
You may also choose to study a dissertation. This involves designing, conducting and writing up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Throughout the degree, our aim is to support you to become an independent, creative, and critical thinker.
First year teaching provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions to help you develop key skills and gain confidence. By the final year you’ll learn through guided independent reading and smaller interactive workshops and seminars, discussing new research with internationally recognised academics who are currently working in that area. You’ll have access to all course materials through our electronic learning environment.
In this supportive environment you’ll develop your abilities to closely analyse texts and arguments, collaboratively work through problems, construct your own arguments, and present your ideas clearly to others.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and reflection. These assessments include critical analyses of texts, essays, group discussion assessments, and reflective assessment of your own skills. In the final year, you will take part in a large collaborative project that involves writing and presenting for a professional audience. Optional modules can offer a wider variety of assessments, including writing for a public audience, or commenting on an artwork or a media piece.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in moral, social, or political philosophy.
- Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in epistemology, philosophy of language, or philosophy of mind.
- Critically analyse theories and arguments from contemporary philosophical work, including intersections of different areas of philosophy or interdisciplinary research.
- Apply philosophical research by drafting policy or strategy documents, or action recommendations, in response to a real-world ethical or social problem of contemporary societal concern.
Intellectual Skills:
- Explain complex and specialised philosophical claims and arguments.
- Construct arguments that support claims in response to philosophical questions.
- Apply standard techniques of philosophical analysis to critically evaluate philosophical claims and arguments.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Communicate complex information and arguments in different formats appropriate to different purposes.
- Contribute in a collaborative manner to discussions and team projects.
- Articulate and evaluate your own philosophical and professional skills.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Respond to problems creatively, critically and independently.
- Implement task instructions and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines.
- Deliver and act on constructive feedback.
Careers
Career prospects
Graduates from our Philosophy (BA) degree possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers.
These include the ability to independently analyse complex problems and identify workable and innovative solutions, to work effectively with others on large projects, to communicate effectively with different audiences, and to use reflection and feedback to further develop your skills. You’ll also acquire a broad knowledge base enabling you to understand and respond to a range of contemporary ethical or social problems. During your degree, you will have gained experience of professional research, policy and strategy roles by working on a large collaborative policy project. This project showcases to employers how your philosophical skills and your philosophical knowledge can be of enormous value in the workplace.
University services and schemes are also available to you, providing additional ways to increase your professional skills and confidence. The Cardiff Award provides a framework through which to develop your employability further, and Student Futures is on hand to provide career advice and support in gaining placements specific to your degree. You can also take advantage of programmes like Languages For All and Welsh For All to improve your language skills, while support from the Enterprise and Start Up team to bring your ideas to life.
Due to the depth and breadth of their skills and knowledge, our graduates can be found in a variety of sectors, including the civil service, local government, charitable organisations, small businesses, consultancy firms, and schools and colleges. They work in journalism, law, teaching, finance, marketing, human resources, public relations, and many other professions.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
