Philosophy
- UCAS Code: V500
- Campus Code: 4
- Duration: 3 years
- Places per year: 1-2
Philosophy is the investigation of very general and fundamental questions. Among other things, these questions explore knowledge, reality, mind, morality, logic, language, reasoning, politics, art and value.
Studying philosophy requires complex critical thinking, rigorous analysis and consideration of new perspectives.
For an overview of the course content, visit the Philosophy course page on the University website. For information about applying for the course at Trinity Hall, continue reading this page!
Philosophy
Looking for something specific? Use these quick links to get to where you want to go…
Studying Philosophy at Cambridge
Dr Neil Dewar, Philosophy Director of Studies at Trinity Hall, delves into what the Cambridge Philosophy course offers and what sets it apart from programs at other universities.
Neil is a University Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Philosophy. Before that, he was an Assistant Professor in philosophy of physics at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy. His main research interests are in philosophy of physics, logic, philosophy of science, and metaphysics.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Offer Level
A-Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other: See the University’s Entry Requirements page
Subject Requirements
Whilst we don’t ask for any specific subjects to apply to Philosophy, we would recommend certain subjects for a strong application:
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- English (language or literature)
- History
- Languages (ancient or modern)
Admissions Process
Written Work
None required.
Admissions Assessment
We do not require a written assessment for this course.
Interviews
Two interviews of around 25 minutes each.
Philosophy at Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall has a thriving philosophy community, for both Fellows and students. Dr Marcus Tomalin acts as Director of Studies for the first-year students, and Dr Neil Dewar acts as Director of Studies for the second- and third-years. Dr Tomalin and Dr Dewar supervise all the first-year papers between them, so get to know students well during that year. As students progress, they are likely to continue being supervised by Dr Tomalin, Dr Dewar, or other Trinity Hall fellows such as Dr Louis Klee; however, supervisors from outside the college will often be used too.
In addition to formal supervisions, there is a student-run Trinity Hall Philosophy Society, and termly meetings of the FD Maurice Society (a philosophical and theological discussion group, run by Dr Dewar and Dr Stephen Plant). We also aim to have a yearly gathering in Easter term of all students and fellows interested in philosophy.
Listen to a podcast episode of Dr Dewar discussing some topics in the philosophy of logic and mathematics.
Suggested Resources
If you’re thinking of applying to study Philosophy and haven’t already done so, we strongly advise you to do some reading about the subject to get a realistic idea of what it’s like. For example:
- S Blackburn Think
- R Descartes Meditations
- D Hume Enquiries
- J S Mill Utilitarianism
- B Russell Problems of Philosophy
Please see the Faculty website for further suggestions.