What Are the Different Types of Philosophy Degree Requirements?

Lee Johnson

The different types of philosophy degree requirements are academic requirements, module-specific requirements, mental requirements, entrance test requirements, and coursework requirements. Not all of these different types of requirements will be relevant to all universities, but any combination of them may be. Most universities look at specific academic requirements and mental requirements when considering applicants. Entrance tests are only issued at some universities, usually those with a reputation for producing the highest-quality students. Module-specific requirements are related to the core modules that have to be completed by all students in the degree program and the options they choose.

Skills in logic and abstract thinking are often important when getting a philosophy degree.

The most basic type of philosophy degree requirements are academic requirements. These requirements relate to the student’s academic history and the grades he or she achieved in subjects studied at high school, in independent courses, or in other higher learning courses. Most courses request a certain number of A grades and B grades, but some will be satisfied with lower grades. Any subjects are suitable for these general academic requirements because they merely show the student’s ability to excel in study.

Mental requirements are the most unique of all the philosophy degree requirements. Some universities only accept students who show that they can think logically and debate abstract concepts. These skills are exceptionally important to philosophy because large portions of the program will be spent debating abstract concepts and forming logical arguments about them. Courses do not require a mastery of logic, but a good general understanding is beneficial. This will be assessed within the course’s interview or in an entrance test.

Different core modules make up the philosophy degree requirements for most universities. Students studying for a philosophy degree have to complete certain modules to achieve their qualification. Most courses require students to complete one module on logic, one on ethics or social and political philosophy, one historical philosophy module, and one metaphysical and epistemological module. Different universities can have different core modules, but these are common module requirements. Students have to also complete some additional modules on other areas of philosophy that can be chosen more freely.

Coursework requirements are central to most philosophy degrees. The exact coursework word count requirements can vary from course to course, but most degrees require about 30 hours worth of coursework to be completed. These pieces of work are completed on different subjects, depending on the modules chosen by the student. Students are also often required to complete a thesis on one specific subject to receive their qualification. Almost all philosophy degree requirements include some coursework and a thesis.

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