Philosophy
About the Department
Undergraduate Teaching at Stirling
The Scottish System
In keeping with a Scottish tradition, the University of Stirling offers more than one type of undergraduate degree. Philosophy may be studied to Single or Combined Honours level (four years), for the BA in Philosophy (three years), and as a component of a General Degree programme (three years).
The Scottish system is broad-based. For the first four semesters students take a variety of subjects, only committing themselves to a particular programme at the end of their second year of study.
In general, teaching is by a mixture of lectures and seminars. The size of lecture classes is greatest in the first three semesters, with large first-year classes of over 200. In semesters four to eight, classes are significantly smaller.
On all units, students have the opportunity to discuss their ideas in small seminar classes, and to consult tutors on an individual basis about their work. Between 30 and 45 students graduate each year with Single Honours or Combined Honours Degrees in Philosophy.