Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

BA (Hons) Philosophy with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) Philosophy with Study Abroad	Programme code	UFA4HPSHPS28
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2019/0
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	Programme start date	09/2012
NQF Level	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This programme allows you to study philosophy in depth, in its many different facets. You will have the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge (how do we know what we know?); science (does science provide us with a special kind of knowledge?); reality (does the world out there really exist?); ethics (how should we act?); art and beauty (who decides what counts as beautiful?); the mind-body relationship (how can the brain produce the mind?); the meaning of life (why is there something rather than nothing?); and more. From the beginning you will be encouraged to develop your own views on all these topics and to assess other philosophers’ views. Studying philosophy will teach you to think rigorously, to defend your views in a clear and consistent way, to understand the why- and what-for of different points of view and ultimately to develop a sharp, analytical and open mind.

You will spend the 3rd year of study in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is normally based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Philosophy through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves.
2. To develop students' competence in the specific skills required in Philosophy, and in core academic and personal and key skills.
3. To engender a sense of belonging to a community of enquiry, encourage intellectual development and prepare students, where appropriate, for possible postgraduate study.
4. To offer a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
5. To provide a programme of study which introduces progressive intellectual challenges and consolidates previous experiences at each new level.
6. To provide a supportive learning environment with full access to welfare, pastoral and careers support.
7. To offer students the opportunity to develop their skills and capabilities (including linguistic skills, where appropriate) through the pursuit of study in another University in a different geographical and cultural setting.

The programme aims:

4. Programme Structure

This Single Honours degree programme is studied in four 'stages'. Each 'stage' is divided into two 'terms' and is equivalent to one year of full-time study. The programme is University-based throughout. The programme is divided into units of study called 'modules'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The 'level' of a module indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and skills during the programme. Overall the programme consists of 360 credits, with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students must take at least 90 credits of level 3 modules. Under the University's rules on modularity the degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules as part of the degree programme. Students may take up to 30 credits a year outside their main degree subject after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subject.

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%. The University regulations allow students to progress to the next stage (or in the final year to proceed to the award of an honours degree) once at least 90 credits have been passed in a stage and provided that a credit weighted average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage. Therefore up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage conditional on a stage average of at least 40%.

Assessment at Stage 1 is formative and does not contribute towards the overall mark for the degree programme, although an overall pass is necessary for progression to Stage 2.

Assessment Conventions which can be found at:
https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The full list of modules is available (with module descriptions) for Philosophy at
https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/taught/mods_by_cat.php

The Philosophy degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The third year is spent studying abroad at a partner institution.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.

Stage 1

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophy theory and concepts. You will also be introduced to important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL1002A	Knowledge and Reality 1	15	No
PHL1002B	Knowledge and Reality 2	15	No
PHL1005A	Evidence and Argument 1	15	No
PHL1006	Introduction to Philosophical Analysis	15	No
PHL1007	Philosophical Reading 1	15	No
PHL1008	Philosophical Reading 2	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL S1 BA Philosophy SH opt 2019-0
PHL1003	Philosophical Readings 5	15	No
PHL1004	Philosophical Problems 1	15	No
PHL1007	Philosophical Reading 1	15	No
PHL1008	Philosophical Reading 2	15	No
PHL1009	Philosophies of Art	15	No
PHL1013	Philosophy of Morality	15	No
PHL1112	Philosophy of Film	15	No
PHL1010	Introduction to Asian Philosophy	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 1	120

Stage 2

At least 60 credits taken from the available "core" modules listed below.

Up to 60 credits of module choices from available PHL2*** coded option modules. You may take up to 30 credits of these options from outside of the department."

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL S2 BA Philosophy SH comp 2019-0 at least 60 credits
PHL2010A	Philosophy of Mind 1	15	No
PHL2011A	The Philosophy of Nature 1	15	No
PHL2012	Social Philosophy	15	No
PHL2015	Body and Mind	15	No
PHL2016	Metaphysics	15	No
PHL2018	Philosophy of Language	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL S2 BA Philosophy SH opt 2019-0 [Up to 60 credits]
PHL2001	Phenomenology	15	No
PHL2002	Existentialism	15	No
PHL2021	Symbolic Logic	15	No
PHL2022	Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology	15	No
PHL2024A	Philosophical Readings 3	15	No
PHL2025A	Philosophical Readings 4	15	No
PHL2026	Philosophy of Science	15	No
PHL2027	Feminist Philosophy	15	No
PHL2035	Critical Bioethics	15	No
PHL2038	The Self	15	No
PHL2045	Aesthetics	15	No
PHL2046	The Holocaust and Society	15	No
PHL2051	The Human Condition: Classic Readings in Anthropology	15	No
PHL2052	Epistemology	15	No
PHL2053	History of Philosophy	15	No
PHL2054	Philosophy of Psychiatry	15	No
PHL2060	Philosophy of Emotion	15	No
PHL2061	Philosophy of Law	15	No
PHL2096	Cyborg Studies	15	No
PHL2100	Knowledge and History: Theories of Scientific Change	15	No
PHL2105	Contemporary Capitalism, Critique and Resistance	15	No
PHL2108	Fundamental Ontology	15	No
PHL2109	Philosophy with Children	15	No
PHL2111	The Deep Past, History and Humanity	15	No
PHL2112	Practical Ethics	15	No
PHL2055	Ecology, Environment and Conservation	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 2	120

Stage 3

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is normally based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
SSI3999	Year Abroad	120	No

Total Credits for Stage 3	120

Stage 4

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.

30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL3040	Philosophy Dissertation	30	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL SF BA Philosophy SH opt 2019-0 [90 credits]
PHL3002	Existentialism	15	No
PHL3014	Symbolic Logic	15	No
PHL3018	Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology	15	No
PHL3024A	Philosophical Readings 3	15	No
PHL3025A	Philosophical Readings 4	15	No
PHL3026	Philosophy of Science	15	No
PHL3035	Critical Bioethics	15	No
PHL3038	The Self	15	No
PHL3041	Feminist Philosophy	15	No
PHL3045	Aesthetics	15	No
PHL3051	The Human Condition: Classic Readings in Anthropology	15	No
PHL3052	Epistemology	15	No
PHL3053	History of Philosophy	15	No
PHL3054	Philosophy of Psychiatry	15	No
PHL3060	Philosophy of Emotion	15	No
PHL3061	Philosophy of Law	15	No
PHL3096	Cyborg Studies	15	No
PHL3100	Knowledge and History: Theories of Scientific Change	15	No
PHL3108	Fundamental Ontology	15	No
PHL3111	The Deep Past, History and Humanity	15	No
PHL3113	Practical Ethics	15	No
PHL3056	The Nature of Normativity	15	No
PHL3112	Ecology, Environment and Conservation	15	No
POL3247	Politics of Biology	15	No
PHL3013	Virtues and Vices	15	No
PHL3042	Philosophical Anthropology	15	No
PHL3075	Philosophical Readings 6	15	No
PHL3110	Philosophy of Emotion	30	No
PHL3114	Aristotle's Ethics	15	No
PHL3115	Introduction to Critical Theory	15	No
POL2050	Political Philosophy	15	No
POL2059	Political Thought of Modernity	15	No
THE3185	Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology	30	No
SPA3001	Debates, Issues and Practices	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 4	120

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. Demonstrate a familiarity with philosophical ideas about various topics such as the nature of reality and value, the possibility and nature of knowledge, the relation between mind and body, the structure of the natural world and the place of man in it, and moral issues. 2. Familiarity with the history of modern philosophy, with basic concepts in epistemology and metaphysics, the philosophies of mind and nature, and moral philosophy. 3. Awareness of different philosophical traditions and methods. 4. The ability to analyse and criticise concepts and substantial works in ethics. 5. Awareness of major issues that are currently debated in philosophy. 6. An ability for logical and conceptual analysis and reasoning about abstract matters. 7. Understanding (at increasing depth, according to level) of issues (increasingly complex according to level) arising from the subject matter of the elective modules taken	The skills are mainly developed through lectures, seminars, and formatively and summatively assessed essay work (on different topics and in different areas of philosophy: Knowledge and Reality, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Nature, and Ethics), practical exercises (Evidence and Argument, Introduction to Philosophical Analysis) and special close reading seminars (Philosophical Reading 1-4) which are designed to improve not only the philosophical knowledge but also analytic skills and depth of understanding.	The assessment of these skills is through a combination of term-time essays, ILOs 1-7 oral presentations, ILOs 1-7 and examinations ILOs 1-7 (and, where applicable, Research Methods Project and Dissertation work). ILOs 1-7 The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
8. Demonstrate articulacy in identifying underlying issues in all kinds of debate. 9. Precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems. 10. Sensitivity in interpretaton of texts drawn from a variety of ages and/or traditions. 11. Clarity and rigour in the critical assessment of arguments presented in such texts. 12. Ability to use and criticise specialised philosophical terminology. 13. Ability to abstract, analyse and construct sound arguments and to identify logical fallacies. 14. Ability to recognise methodological errors, rhetorical devices, unexamined conventional wisdom, unnoticed assumptions, vagueness and superficiality. 15. Ability to move between generalisation and appropriately detailed discussion, inventing or discovering examples to support or challenge a position, and distinguishing relevant and irrelevant considerations. 16. Ability to consider unfamiliar ideas and ways of thinking, and to examine critically pre-suppositions and methods within the discipline itself. 17. Ability to conduct arguments about matters of the highest moment without recourse to insult or susceptibility to take offence. 18. Willingness to evaluate opposing arguments, to formulate and consider the best arguments for different views and to identify the weakest elements of the most persuasive view. 19. Honesty in recognising the force of the conclusions warranted by a careful assessment of pertinent arguments. 20. Ability to cross traditional subject boundaries, examining the limitations and virtues of other disciplines and practices, and recognising philosophical doctrines in unfamiliar places. 21. Where stage 3 is to be spent at a non-English speaking university, work at an advanced level, both orally and in writing, in a foreign language	Skills are developed throughout the Philosophy degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and level 3 optional modules selected by the student	Skills are assessed through course essays, assessed oral presentations and examinations at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation at stage 3. Skill 21 is developed through accredited language tuition at stages 1 and 2 and in the year abroad, and assessed in all work done in year abroad

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
22. listen attentively to complex presentations; 23. read carefully a variety of technical and non-technical material; 24. use libraries effectively; 25. reflect clearly and critically on oral and written sources, employing powers of imagination as well as analysis 26. remember relevant material and bring it to mind when the moment of its relevance arises; 27. marshal a complex body of information 28. construct cogent arguments in the evaluation of this material; 29. present, in both oral and written forms, a clear and well-structured assessment of relevant considerations 30. motivate oneself 31. work autonomously; 32. manage one's own work to time limits; 33. be flexible and adaptable in facing new situations; 34. think creatively, self-critically and independently. 35. advance linguistic competence independently	All skills are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in many modules at all levels in both sides of the programme, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme. They are further developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one or small-group tutorials giving feedback on written work, discussion in seminars, written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules at all levels. Skills 34 is also promoted through the student Self-Appraisal system in the mid-semester break. Skills 30-32 are particularly developed through assessed essays and the dissertation. Skill 35 is developed through language tuition at stages 1 and 2 where one module (normally for 30 credits) in each of the first and second years is normally replaced with language modules appropriate to the host university, and in the year abroad.	Skills are assessed through formatively assessed seminar presentations, written work at all levels and in all modules, examination in many modules, and the dissertation. Skill 14 is assessed by oral and written work on the Exeter-based language modules, and through the modules taken during year abroad. The educational aims of the programme and the projected outcomes are all in accordance with the QAA philosophy benchmarks statements (18, 23-27).

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Philosophy with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

V501

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits	480	ECTS credits	240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Philosophy

23. Dates

Origin Date	01/10/2007	Date of last revision	29/08/2018