UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. University Department/Centre
/ School of Humanities and the Social Sciences
  1. External Accreditation
/ None
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA (Hons) Philosophy
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time and part- time
  1. UCAS Code
/ V500
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Philosophy
  1. Other external influences
/ N/A
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ July 2015
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To provide an intellectually stimulating and rigorous programme in Philosophy, tailored to the needs of a diverse range of students

  • To systematically develop students’ knowledge and understanding of a variety of foundational areas which constitute the traditional scope of the discipline (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, the nature of mind and language etc.)

  • To explore the conceptual and practical implications of new technologies, media, and societal transformations, in relation to the foundational issues indicated above

  • To provide students with the conceptual tools and reasoning skills that the study of philosophy is known to promote

  • To enhance the employability of students by fostering the development of such distinctive graduate attributes as: intellectual honesty, open-mindedness and avoidance of prejudice, consistency and rigour, attention to detail, clarity of thought and expression, commitment to reason over rhetoric

  • To develop students’ capacities for autonomous, self-initiated and independent intellectual inquiry, and to develop their self-confidence and effectiveness in communicating the results of their inquiries

  • To ensure that students benefit from teaching that is informed by research and scholarship - and hence to encourage teaching and learning based on the various research interests which exist in the Philosophy course team

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
Students will have knowledge and understanding of:
A1. The scope and breadth of philosophy, in light of the traditional distinction between theoretical, practical and technical considerations.
A2. The ideas and arguments of major philosophers, representing a variety of philosophical traditions, encountered in their own writings (where appropriate, in translation).
A3. Some central theories and arguments in the fields of Logic, Metaphysics, Epistemology or Philosophy of Mind.
A4. Some central theories and arguments in the fields of Moral, Political or Social Philosophy.
A5. Some major issues currently at the frontiers of public concern, and philosophical debate.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Formal and informal lectures, seminar discussions, seminar presentations where appropriate, 'workshop' sessions. Individual tutorial support is available in regular tutor office hours, and via the personal tutor system.
Assessment methods
Seminar presentations, coursework essays, longer written presentations [e.g. for student initiated modules and third year dissertations] and examinations.
B.Subject-specific skills
Students will develop the ability to:
B1. Abstract, analyse and construct sound arguments, and identify logical fallacies.
B2. Evaluate a variety of patterns of reasoning, with a view to judging their ‘fit’ with particular circumstances, audiences and contexts.
B3. Recognise methodological errors, rhetorical devices, unexamined conventional wisdom, unnoticed assumptions and vagueness.
B4. Read closely and interpret complex texts, from a variety of cultures and traditions, critically evaluating the arguments explicitly or implicitly contained therein.
B5. Enter imaginatively into (ethically, politically, metaphysically etc.) contrasting world-views, through an understanding of their different starting-points and presuppositions.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Formal and informal lectures, seminar discussions, seminar presentations where appropriate, 'workshop' sessions. Individual tutorial support is available in regular tutor office hours, and via the personal tutor system.
Assessment methods
Seminar presentations, coursework essays, longer written presentations [e.g. for student initiated modules and third year dissertations] and examinations.
C.Thinking Skills
Students will develop:
C1. A range of philosophical skills, logical distinctions and norms of discourse.
C2. A growing ability to recognise and put to use connections between different areas of philosophy, particularly where these different areas concern themselves with the same philosophical issue (e.g. the nature and unity of the self).
C3. An appreciation, in written and oral work, of the historical and cultural sources of some major issues in philosophy, developed through the study of primary texts, and recognising that these texts can be sources of truth as well as (enlightening) error.
C4. An appreciation of how philosophy adumbrates a perspective on their wider interests.
C5. An appreciation of how philosophy continuously responds to issues raised by societal change and technological innovation.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Formal and informal lectures, seminar discussions, seminar presentations where appropriate, 'workshop' sessions. Individual tutorial support is available in regular tutor office hours, and via the personal tutor system.
Assessment methods
Seminar presentations, coursework essays, longer written presentations [e.g. for student initiated modules and third year dissertations] and examinations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Students will develop:
D1. The ability to analyse complex ideas and arguments clearly.
D2. The ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively, in language that is both precise and suited to the occasion.
D3. The ability to see a complex issue from a variety of standpoints, and to work towards an overview.
D4. The ability to evaluate opposing arguments, and to formulate and consider the best arguments for different views.
D5. Some of the skills necessary for cooperative work with others who may not necessarily share their presuppositions, values and commitments
D6. IT skills required for successful study
Teaching and Learning Methods
Formal and informal lectures, seminar discussions, seminar presentations where appropriate, 'workshop' sessions. Individual tutorial support is available in regular tutor office hours, and via the personal tutor system.
Assessment methods
Seminar presentations, coursework essays, longer written presentations [e.g. for student initiated modules and third year dissertations] and examinations.
13.Programme Structures / 14.Awards and Credits
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / PI3991
PI3021
PI3006
PI3004
PI3013
PI3025
P03112 / Philosophy Dissertation (core)
Contemporary Ethical Theory (compulsory)
Modern European Thought (compulsory)
Humanity, Values and the Environment (option)
Philosophy of Language (option)
Philosophy and Popular Culture (option)
Contemporary Anglo-American Political Philosophy (option / 20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 and 100 at Level 6
BA Degree in Philosophy
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 5 and 60 at Level 6
Level 5 / PI2211
PI2214
PI2005
PI2212
PI2001
PO2110 / Metaphysics and Epistemology (compulsory)
Foundations of Ethics (compulsory)
Phenomenology and Existentialism (compulsory)
Philosophy of Mind (option)
Philosophy of Religion (option)
History of Political Ideas (option)
+ level 5 elective equivalent – social science, volunteering or language module / 20
20
20
20
20
20 / Exit Award: Diploma of Higher Education in Philosophy
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5
Level 4 / PI1117
PI1118
PI1119
PI1005
PI1115
PO1101
CJ1004 / Reason and Argument (core)
Knowledge and Freedom (core)
Problems in Contemporary Applied Ethics (compulsory)
The Value of Knowledge: What is Education For? (compulsory)
Science Fiction and Philosophy
Power, Politics and the State
Crime and Morality
+ level 4 elective equivalent – social science, volunteering or language module / 20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / Exit Award: Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at level 4
15.Personal Development Planning
PDP is a structured and supported process undertaken by individuals to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. PDP is introduced in induction week, supported by web- and print-based materials and maintained via the personal tutor and personal advisor systems.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Applicants must have 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above plus a 12 unit profile the equivalent of two subjects at Advanced Level (A2). The minimum level of attainment required for entry to the start of standard courses leading to awards at first degree level is expressed in terms of UCAS Tariff Points.
Please check the course website for the most up-to-date tariff requirements.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • Website
/
  • Student Handbook

18. Curriculum Skills Map

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

Programme Learning Outcomes
Level 6 / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C) or Option (O) / Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
PI3991 / Philosophy Dissertation / Core / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI3021 / Contemporary Ethical Theory / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI3006 / Modern European Thought / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI3004 / Humanity, Values and The Environment / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI3013 / Philosophy of Language / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI3025 / Philosophy and Popular Culture / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PO3112 / Contemporary Anglo-American Political Philosophy / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Programme Learning Outcomes
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C) or Option (O) / Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
Level 5 / PI2211 / Metaphysics and Epistemology / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI2214 / Foundations of Ethics / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI2005 / Phenomenology and Existentialism / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI2212 / Philosophy of Mind / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI2001 / Philosophy of Religion / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PO2110 / History of Political Ideas / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
Programme Learning Outcomes
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C) or Option (O) / Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
LEVEL 4 / PI1117 / Reason and Argument / Core / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI1118 / Knowledge and Freedom / Core / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI1119 / Problems in Contemporary Applied Ethics / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI1005 / The Value of Knowledge / Compulsory / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PI1115 / Science Fiction and Philosophy / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
CJ1004 / Crime and Morality / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PO1101 / Power, Politics and the State / Option / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x