This programme combines Philosophy with a Minor pathway in Game Design Studies – a new and distinctive provision in the study of interactive audiovisual media. The principles and theories of game design offer a unique dimension to the study of philosophy, and questions of meaning and perspective.

Programme in detail

Your first year will be spent developing your foundational knowledge through a series of required modules, through which you will also acquire the skills to read and write about philosophy, and to undertake critical analysis. During Years 2 and 3, you will take 75% of your modules from a broad range of Philosophy options, covering subjects from metaphysics and philosophy of the future, to Chinese and Indian philosophy.

Your Minor pathway will introduce you to the study of video games, which includes topics such as the history and development of gaming cultures, the complex nature of interactive media, and the critical issues that accompany engagement with virtual worlds, multicursal narratives, and dynamic musical content. Digital games represent one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment media: consequently, there is a growing need for many jobs that are not only in the games industry, but in surrounding industries as well. This programme develops a wide range of skills that prepare students for employment at various entry points in the job market, including content creation, publishing, journalism, and marketing.

Graduates in Philosophy obtain work in fields such as advertising, the arts, broadcasting, commerce, the civil service, computing, journalism, marketing, politics, law, management, and teaching. You have the opportunity during your degree for a placement with an appropriate partner where you can apply your academic learning to practical contexts and develop a range of skills attractive to future employers.