We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
With the BA Psychology and Philosophy you will explore the inner workings of the mind, and examine some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality, right and wrong.
In psychology you will study the subjects required for BPS qualification, including cognition, neuroscience, development, personality and social psychology. The final year will then allow you to build upon this knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The vast majority of modules in this year are optional and are regularly revised in order to incorporate the latest developments in psychology. Recent modules have included topics such as self-control, social cognition of non-verbal behaviour and adaptive control of thought. Should you wish to study abroad, you can spend a semester of your second year at a partner institution.
Studying philosophy at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. We will give you an understanding of the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.
The philosophy elements are flexible, allowing you to shape your studies to your interests. In the first year you will take at least two modules, one of which is compulsory. The Reason and Argument module will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In years two and three you will have the opportunity to explore your chosen topics in more depth, with modules such as:
In the second year of your degree you will carry out an original piece of research on a philosophical psychology topic of your choice. You may even have the opportunity to present your work at conferences, and a number of past projects have won awards from the BPS and British Neuroscience Association.
Placements are encouraged as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.
There are opportunities to gain non-credit bearing placement and work experience throughout the programme.
During your second year, you can opt to spend a semester studying at a university abroad. We have links with many European institutions, as well as places further afield including locations in Australia, USA and Canada.
We aim to provide you with the knowledge, skills, support, and opportunities to thrive in a global workplace.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from academic staff who are passionate about teaching and are experts in their field.
Throughout the course you will gain practical experience and learn how to devise and run your own experiments. During the final year you will carry out an original piece of research on a topic of your choice. In the past, these have included:
You may even have the opportunity to present your work at conferences, and a number of past projects have won awards from the British Psychological Society and the British Neuroscience Association.
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences’ facilities support research and learning, including eye-tracking and specialist equipment for electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Additionally, we have various on-site clinics:
Our modules will enable you to become a fully independent learner, able to reflect critically on your progress, strengths, and the goals you wish to achieve. Our methods are designed to teach you the skills you need, both throughout your degree and future career.
During your first year, you’ll learn to present your ideas, orally and in writing, in a clear and effective way. You’ll undertake modules focused on honing your ability to make your own arguments and assess the arguments of others.
During your second year, you’ll develop your skills of research and enquiry, and how to effectively present arguments in public. In your final year, your modules will focus on developing independent research and self-awareness.
Our teaching is shaped by our academics' research and introduces you to a wide range of philosophical traditions, often linked to contemporary debates. You’ll be able to choose from a vast breadth of modules and study philosophy in connection to real-world issues, such as democracy, freedom, religion, and climate change.
We offer considerable variety in the topics that we teach, including:
You can either choose diverse modules to broaden your knowledge, or themed modules to focus your interests, enabling you to make an informed choice as to how to specialise as you progress through your degree.
There are no examinations for any modules offered in the Department of Philosophy. We’ll assess you through a variety of methods aiming to support different learning styles and enabling you to reach your highest potential, including:
