Pathways and the International Programme
Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 Modules
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Studying with the International Programme
Small differences that make a big difference to your grades
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University of London Diploma and BA Degree in Philosophy
level 4, level 5 and level 6 modules

In 2012, the University of London International Programme introduced new Regulations, in order to bring the Degree in Philosophy into line with degrees offered in other subjects. Although these changes were inevitable, this has led to some confusion over the total amount of study required to complete the BA Degree and Diploma.

The number of modules for the BA is increased from 10 to 12, while the number of modules for the Diploma has been doubled from 4 to 8. To compensate for this, Level 4 and Level 5 papers now consist in two questions in two hours, while Level 6 papers (apart from the dissertation) require you to answer three questions in three hours.

It is a question of swings and roundabouts. You take more modules, but some of the modules require less study to complete. However, if you are aiming to do more than the minimum requirement then it is best to assume that you will be doing more work than previously, because you will be taking more subjects.

Unless you are one of the very few students who actually enjoys taking examinations, however, reduction in the length of examinations for Level 4 and Level 5 is welcome news, and might encourage you to take more examinations in a given year than you would have done otherwise.

Another welcome change has been to make Introduction to Philosophy part of the BA Degree. Previously, it was only offered for the Diploma. This course, based on Reading Philosophy by members of the Birkbeck College faculty J. Hornsby, C. Janaway and S. Guttenplan aims to develop your skills of close reading and arguing with a text. This is also the only module where the only required reading is just one book.

Course structure

BA Philosophy
  Twelve courses (four at Level 4, four at Level 5 and four at Level 6)

Diploma in Higher Education in Philosophy
  Eight courses (four at Level 4 and four at Level 5)

Certificate in Higher Education in Philosophy
  Four courses (all at Level 4)

Level 4

Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics: historical perspectives
Epistemology
Logic

Level 5

Greek philosophy: Plato and the Pre-Socratics
Modern philosophy: Descartes, Locke, Berkeley and Hume
Ethics: contemporary perspectives
Metaphysics
Methodology: Induction, reason and science

Level 6

Modern philosophy: Spinoza, Leibniz and Kant
Greek philosophy: Aristotle
Continental philosophy: Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
Aesthetics
Philosophy of language
Philosophy of mind
Political philosophy
Philosophy of religion
Dissertation (7500 words)