COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Philosophy, Ethics and Sustainability at Essex University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the environmental challenges of today. In the first year, students gain a strong foundation in philosophy through modules such as Introduction to Philosophy and Death, God and the Meaning of Life, while also engaging with environmental issues in Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges. Optional modules allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests, and Beyond the BA: Skills for the Next Step supports the development of practical and professional skills. In the second year, the course deepens students’ understanding of ethics and sustainability, with compulsory modules including Ethics, Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action, and Addressing Global Sustainability Challenges. Optional modules provide further opportunities to explore philosophy or interdisciplinary subjects. The third year emphasizes the application of philosophical and ethical thinking to real-world global challenges, with core modules including Philosophy Capstone, Climate Change and Pollution, Global Challenges in Interdisciplinary Perspective, and PY911-6-AU, which focus on critical analysis, problem-solving, and collaborative approaches. Additional options allow students to further specialize in philosophy or interdisciplinary areas. Overall, the program equips students with the analytical, ethical, and practical skills needed to engage meaningfully with complex environmental, social, and political challenges, preparing them for careers or further study in sustainability, policy, and ethical decision-making.