BA (Hons) Continental Philosophy

What is BA Continental Philosophy?

Our BA Continental Philosophy explores some of the most influential philosophical traditions that have shaped modern understandings of society, culture, politics, identity, and human experience. You will engage with the ideas of major thinkers and movements that have transformed the humanities and social sciences, while developing the analytical and critical skills needed to understand an increasingly complex world.

Continental philosophy examines questions about meaning, existence, power, language, subjectivity, ethics, and social change. At Essex, you will study influential traditions including phenomenology, existentialism, critical theory, psychoanalysis, post-structuralism, and contemporary European thought. You will explore how philosophical ideas continue to influence debates surrounding politics, culture, technology, gender, race, and social justice.

Essex has an international reputation as one of the leading centres for Continental Philosophy in the English-speaking world. Taught by internationally recognised academics within the School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies, you will study in a vibrant research environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, debate, and independent thinking.

Why this course

• Study at a leading centre for Continental Philosophy: Join a department internationally recognised for its expertise in European philosophical traditions and contemporary critical thought.
• Explore influential thinkers and movements: Engage with phenomenology, existentialism, psychoanalysis, critical theory, post-structuralism, and contemporary philosophy.
• Examine contemporary social and political issues: Investigate questions surrounding identity, power, justice, culture, technology, and social change.
• Develop highly transferable skills: Build advanced abilities in critical thinking, analysis, communication, interpretation, and independent research.
• Learn through discussion and debate: Small seminars encourage close engagement with texts, collaborative learning, and the development of your own philosophical perspective.

Who should apply

• The Critical Thinker: Students who enjoy questioning assumptions and exploring complex ideas about society, culture, and human experience.
• The Intellectual Explorer: Applicants interested in influential thinkers such as Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Beauvoir, Foucault, Derrida, and contemporary theorists.
• The Future Professional: Students seeking a degree that develops analytical, communication, and research skills valued across a wide range of careers.

What you’ll learn

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to reflect new developments in philosophical scholarship and contemporary debates. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to curriculum developments and innovation.

In your first year, you will develop a foundation in philosophical thinking and begin exploring key themes in Continental Philosophy. You will examine fundamental questions concerning knowledge, ethics, identity, subjectivity, and human existence while developing skills in critical analysis and argumentation.

As you progress through the degree, you will engage with major philosophical traditions and thinkers, exploring topics such as phenomenology, existentialism, psychoanalysis, political philosophy, critical theory, philosophy of culture, and contemporary European thought. You will learn how these traditions have shaped debates across disciplines including politics, sociology, literature, art, and cultural studies.

In your final year, you will complete a Philosophy Capstone Project, allowing you to undertake independent research on a topic that reflects your own interests and intellectual ambitions.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Your learning experience

Undergraduate students in the School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies typically attend lectures and seminars each week, with additional contact hours introduced during the second and final years of study.

• Taught through a combination of lectures and interactive seminar discussions.
• Small seminar groups encourage close reading, debate, and critical engagement with philosophical texts.
• Opportunities to study both historical and contemporary Continental philosophical traditions.
• Research-led teaching informed by internationally recognised scholarship.
• Additional modules in later years help develop specialist knowledge and independent research skills.

Continental Philosophy at Essex places discussion and interpretation at the heart of learning. Seminars provide opportunities to analyse complex texts, explore competing perspectives, and develop your own informed philosophical position.

Assessment methods are designed to develop a broad range of academic and professional skills. While first-year modules typically combine coursework and examinations, second and final-year assessments focus on essays, presentations, in-class assessments, group work, research projects, and other innovative forms of evaluation.

The interdisciplinary nature of Continental Philosophy means you can engage with ideas and research across related subjects including politics, sociology, psychoanalysis, literature, art history, cultural studies, and critical theory.

Careers and outcomes

A degree in Continental Philosophy equips you with highly transferable skills that are valued across a wide range of professions. Essex graduates develop the ability to analyse complex ideas, evaluate evidence, communicate effectively, think creatively, and approach problems from multiple perspectives.

Graduates have gone on to careers in journalism, publishing, public policy, media, education, public relations, the Civil Service, charity and non-governmental organisations, cultural institutions, business, and many other sectors.

Throughout your studies, you will have access to employability support, career development opportunities, and guidance from academic staff. We also work closely with the University's Student Development Team to help students explore internships, placements, voluntary work, and graduate career opportunities.

The intellectual flexibility, critical insight, and analytical rigour developed through Continental Philosophy provide an excellent foundation for both professional careers and further postgraduate study.

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

UK entry requirements

• 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.


• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.


• We accept A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points. Acceptability of some non A-level qualifications (such as BTECs) may depend on the subject studied and units taken.

You can calculate your UCAS tariff points on the UCAS website.

Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the UCAS tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts.

More information about our requirements and how to apply is on our undergraduate application information page

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK. Our Contextual Offers policy outlines the full eligibility criteria.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English

IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College