Philosophy - Arts (BA (Hons)) at University College Cork

Studying Philosophy will expose you to the most important philosophical ideas, thinkers and frameworks – ancient and modern, western and eastern – enabling you to address contemporary problems in a globalised context.

In a friendly and supportive environment, you will learn to master complex material and apply it to concrete problems, to develop cogent and clear arguments and present them in professional contexts.

Philosophy at UCC has particular strengths in moral and political philosophy, as well as in philosophy of mind, body and action. Its greatest strength, however, is its commitment to pluralism and interdisciplinarity, which combines these fields with research and teaching in Aesthetics; Comparative Continental European and Asian Philosophy;  Philosophy of Science;  Philosophy of Economics; and Metaphysics and Epistemology.

UCC’s philosophy department has a unique commitment to pluralism (in terms of historical periods studied, methodologies used, and the traditions from many different geographic locations), and to interdisciplinary collaboration with other academic areas.

Apart from standard issues in the western philosophical tradition, Philosophy at UCC has particular strengths in Comparative and East-Asian Philosophy, as well as in Political Philosophy.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad

If you are studying Philosophy through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the USA .

Work placement

If you study Philosophy through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

Critical thinking and clear, analytical writing are the most important skills students of philosophy will acquire. These skills have immediate practical applications in a range of professions, such as law, teaching, journalism, business and management.

Figures from the UK show a growing demand by employers for philosophy graduates. The number of all graduates in full-time and part-time work six months after graduation has risen by 9% between 2002/03 and 2005/06; for philosophy graduates it has gone up by 13%.

Philosophy graduates are most sought after in the fields of finance, health, social work and business.