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Essex University's BA in Philosophy, Ethics and Sustainability equips students to comprehend contemporary environmental crises and contribute meaningfully to their solutions. Through philosophical study, you'll develop analytical tools to examine ecological issues and reimagine humanity's connection with nature, while engaging with ethical considerations like climate justice and animal rights.
This program features cross-disciplinary offerings such as Life Sciences' "Addressing Global Sustainability Challenges," helping students grasp scientific aspects of environmental problems and collaborate effectively with researchers. Additional Interdisciplinary Studies modules like "Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action" and "Community Engagement: Group Projects or Global Challenges" provide practical preparation for environmental problem-solving.
The curriculum delivers a philosophically grounded, multidisciplinary perspective on sustainability, examining fundamental human questions while critically assessing contemporary social, political, and economic dilemmas. Our department maintains vibrant research collaborations across fields including Political Science, Law, Sociology, and Psychoanalysis.
Our philosophy program ranks 7th in the UK for research impact (REF2021) and 9th for student satisfaction (NSS 2023). Students may opt for a four-year pathway incorporating international study.
International Study Opportunities extend learning beyond campus, with options for semester or year-long study at partner institutions. The four-year degree's third year can be spent abroad or on an international placement, maintaining the three-year curriculum's structure while offering global exposure that enhances employability through demonstrated adaptability.
Full-year abroad students pay just 15% of standard Essex tuition fees, with no additional charges at host universities. Alternatively, a professional placement year allows practical application of academic knowledge while exploring career options, with departmental support for securing positions. Placement participants pay only 20% of regular tuition fees.
A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in one essay based subject.
BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. 
Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. 
IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. 
QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided
T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
IELTS- 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component TOEFL IBT- 76 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing