COURSE CURRICULUM

BA Philosophy, Business and Ethics at the University of Reading is an interdisciplinary degree that combines philosophy, business management, and ethics to help students understand the values, behaviours, and decisions that shape individuals, organisations, and society. In the first year, students build strong foundations in critical thinking, logic, and philosophical questions such as the meaning of life, while studying business management, marketing, accounting, and data analytics. The second year develops knowledge in ethical reasoning, social responsibility, leadership, and business ethics, alongside philosophical subjects such as global justice, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, aesthetics, knowledge, and the history of philosophy. Students also have opportunities to study marketing, business strategy, leadership, languages, and undertake work placements to gain practical experience. In the final year, students complete an independent dissertation in philosophy or management, or an independent learning project, while further exploring advanced topics such as free will, fairness, current moral philosophy, philosophy of religion, happiness and wellbeing, business ethics, social enterprise, and emerging economies. The programme places a strong emphasis on applying ethical and philosophical theories to real-world business challenges, including corporate responsibility, sustainability, social justice, and ethical leadership. Throughout the degree, students develop highly transferable skills including critical analysis, logical reasoning, communication, research, problem-solving, leadership, and ethical decision-making. The combination of business knowledge and philosophical thinking prepares graduates to approach complex social and organisational problems from multiple perspectives and make informed, responsible decisions. Graduates are well suited for careers in business management, consulting, public policy, ethics and compliance, corporate social responsibility, human resources, non-profit organisations, education, journalism, government, and further academic study. The degree offers a unique blend of practical business education and intellectual inquiry, producing graduates who are capable of becoming thoughtful leaders and effective decision-makers in an increasingly complex and ethically challenging global environment.