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Course review
Review by: Katy C
University: King's College London, University of London
Course: Philosophy
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
9
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Maths, History or English Literature, a modern language, Physics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I have always been interested in Philosophy and King's has one of the top ranking Philosophy departments
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
The employment prospects.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Lectures start at 10am on most days, normally 2 lectures a day and once a week there is a tutorial and a seminar. There are often breaks of a few hours between lectures and these are often spent in the library. Lectures normally finish at about 5pm. This changes in 2nd year when the last lectures finish at 7pm.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
There is a 1000 word essay to write each week in preparation for a tutorial. Generally you will be required to read 3-4 texts for the essay. This will take up most if not all of your spare time outside of lectures. Also there are exercises in logic that need to be handed in. There is also additional reading to do in preparation for the weekly seminar. Of course if you do not do all this work, no one will force you, but you will not be getting much out of your degree if you don't.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
There is a lot of contact time and opportunity for discussion/writing essays. Also the department is very friendly and always ready to help.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
The emphasis on history of Philosophy - e.g. in first year we study both Greek and 'Modern' (i.e. Descartes to Kant) Philosophy but not Philosophy of language.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
The academics are generally approachable and helpful. Lecture theatres are good. The library is good although there are sometimes not quite enough books to go around. The King's library is supplemented by the University of London library.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
First year students take 5 subjects: Modern Philosophy (Descartes to Kant), Greek Philosophy, Ethics & Politics, Epistemology & Metaphysics and Elementary Logic. In the second and third years students choose objects from a diverse list. Teaching methods include a weekly tutorial and essay, a weekly seminar and lectures. Assessment is a combination of the end of year exams and the weekly essays.
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Other reviews for Philosophy
Kathryn B, 2nd Year doing Philosophy at Durham University
Georgie I, Postgraduate doing Philosophy at The University of Nottingham Thomas M, 3rd Year doing Philosophy at Durham University
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University review
Review by: Katy C
University: King's College London, University of London
Course: Philosophy
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the King's College London, University of London forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
King's offers the opportunity and resources for students to discover who they are. I have learnt a lot while being here. There is also a lot of freedom, which can put some students off. Academically and socially vibrant and wonderfully situated.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Very good, there are always lectures and debates scheduled from eminent speakers.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Not very useful for making friends. I spent a lot of time and money going to Fresher's events with people who I hardly saw after the first month or so. I made my real friends within the Philosophy department. It was perhaps a useful way to get used to living away from home but I wouldn't do it again.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing is its location in central London, this makes for a huge amount of opportunity to find your niche and discover more about yourself. Whatever you want to do, it is on your doorstep.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Many different societies offering a wide range of activities: rock climbing, debating, rugby, rowing, breakdancing etc. Sporting fixtures can be far away as we are in central London.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
There are various club nights enjoyed by many. Also many very good societies where one can meet like-minded people. Socialising does not just mean drinking, although there is lots of this as well.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Excellent. A vibrant, international city with lots to do.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I live in a privately rented house with 5 other students. Most first year students live in halls but I have already spent a year at King's (doing a different course), so I am no longer guaranteed university accommodation. Both options are good but having lived under my own rules in a house with my friends, I would not go back to halls. Living in a house has helped me grow up. Halls (especially catered halls) are useful for first years, as they offer a halfway house between living at home with parents and living alone. Also a good social environment
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £75-125pw for self catered depending on location. £110pw catered and central.
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