Philosophy (Placement Year) BA (Hons)

**Why Lancaster?**<br/>- Our distinctive programme includes both Western and non-Western philosophy, with a strong emphasis on how ideas connect up with practical issues<br/><br/><br/>- Learn from academics who contribute to discussions about public policy and law in the UK and overseas<br/><br/><br/>- Gain practical experience with an internship organised by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, known for its cutting-edge research<br/><br/><br/>- Take part in events organised by our lively Philosophical Society, including debates, essay prizes and visits by guest speakers<br/><br/><br/>- Achieve a degree that prepares you for a wide range of career paths and is well-regarded by employers across the spectrum<br/><br/><br/>Intrigued by fundamental questions such as the nature of right and wrong? Truth and knowledge? Faith and reason? Keen to learn how philosophers from both Western and non-Western traditions have discussed these topics? Philosophical ideas can help us understand and respond to contemporary practical issues, as well as timeless problems of human existence.<br/><br/>**A rich and varied programme**<br/>You’ll study famous thinkers from the Western tradition of philosophy, such as Plato, Kant, Descartes and Nietzsche. You’ll also learn from our experts in non-Western philosophy with their insights into Indian and Islamic traditions. We also place particular emphasis on how philosophy is relevant to daily life.<br/><br/>You may wish to specialise in the more practical side of philosophy, exploring moral and political questions such as obligations to future generations or the basis of ethics. Or you may opt to focus more on the more theoretical side, exploring logic or the relationship between mind and body. You’ll discover connections between abstract and more practical ideas – for example, how the nature of knowledge connects with scientific enquiry, communication and even conspiracy theories.<br/><br/>**Putting your studies into practice**<br/>You can apply for one of the internships offered every year by the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, based in our department. These are research projects in external organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, charities and faith-based organisations. We also offer placement opportunities in a range of organisations, from roles in arts and heritage organisations, to media and marketing agencies.<br/><br/>The University runs short, overseas trips to give you the chance to experience a different culture. In the past these have included Malaysia, India, Ghana, China and the US, visiting the J.F.K Presidential library, the United Nations and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.<br/><br/>**Your Placement Year**<br/>Youll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate. As a full-time employee, you’ll have a detailed job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.<br/><br/>Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews. You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.<br/><br/>The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.