What can I do with a degree in Philosophy?

Find out where the range of skills you develop studying philosophy can take you. Here we list potential careers and tell you how you can find a job in this sector.

Philosophy careers

The occupations below are a selection of those which may interest students and graduates from the School of Philosophy.

University Lecturer

As well as teaching through lectures and seminars, academic staff in higher education also carry out research and a wide range of administrative and pastoral tasks. Although a teaching qualification is not required, you will need a higher degree, normally a PhD. Competition is strong for entry-level academic posts.

Job profile of a higher education lecturer on the Prospects website
Job profile of a higher education lecturer on the TARGET Jobs website
I Want to Work in: A University

Civil Service Fast Stream Administrator

The Fast Stream is a development programme designed to prepare graduates for careers at the highest levels of the Civil Service and Diplomatic Service.

Job profile of an Civil Service Fast Streamer from the Prospects website
Job profile of a Civil Service administrator from the TARGET Jobs website
Job profile of a diplomat from the TARGET Jobs website
Civil Service Fast Stream website

Publishing Copy-Editor/Proofreader

Publishing Copy-Editors or Proofreaders work across a range of publications.  They are concerned with the clarity, quality and consistency of the writing as well as ensuring that it is credible and complete.

Job profile of a Publishing Copy-Editor/Proofreader on the Prospects website
Job profile of a Publishing Copy-Editor on the Creativepool website
Job profile of a Publishing Proofreader on the Creativepool website
I want to work in: Publishing

Secondary School Teacher

To teach in state schools (excluding academies and free schools) in England and Wales, you must complete a period of “initial teacher training”, such as a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course or school-centred training, which leads to Qualified Teacher Status.

Job profile of a secondary school teacher from the Prospects website
Job profile of a secondary school teacher from the TARGET Jobs website
I Want to Work In: Teaching

Private Music Teacher

Private Music teachers provide training for people of all ages across varying levels and settings.  They may work on a self-employed basis or with a local authority to teach in schools.

Job profile of a Private Music Teacher on the Prospects website
Job profile of a Music Teacher on the National Careers Service website
Job profile of a Private Music Teacher of the TARGET Jobs website

Social Researcher

Social Researchers collect, analyse and present information and data from social research projects.  They investigate attitudes, behaviours and experiences of population samples on particular issues.

Job profile of a Social Researcher on the Prospects website
Job profile of a Social Researcher on the Target Jobs website
Job profile of a Government Research Officer on the Target Jobs website

For a range of additional Music/Music Technology careers, visit Creative and Cultural Skills

Please note that some of these careers may require further study.

For further information on these careers, see also:

People in some Philosophy roles may be self-employed

Thank you to Prospects for the content on these pages.

Other careers

A Philosophy degree may be useful in the following career areas:

Arts Administrator

An arts administrator manages activities and services which support the arts sector, involving projects and initiatives provided by arts organisations

Job profile for an Arts Administrator from the Prospects website
Job profile for an Arts Administrator from the Target Jobs website
Job profile for an Arts Administrator from the National Careers Service website

Charity Worker

One of the most important activities in charities is fundraising but there is a wide range of others, from applying for grants or managing volunteers to providing advice and information to clients. Charities recruit into a variety of roles including project management; finance; marketing; public relations and volunteer management. In smaller charities, staff may undertake multiple tasks.

Job profile of a Charity Officer from the Prospects website
Job profile of a Charity Fundraiser from the Prospects website
Job profile of a Charities Administrator from the TARGET Jobs website
Job profile of a Charities Fundraiser from the TARGET Jobs website
I want to work in: a Charity

Librarian

Library and information staff manage, organise, evaluate and disseminate information

Job profile of an Academic Librarian from the Prospects website
Job profile of an Academic Librarian from the TARGET Jobs website
Job profile of a Public Librarian from the Prospects website
Job profile of a Public Librarian from the TARGET Jobs website
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
I want to work in: Librarianship and Archives

Local Government Officer

Local Government Officers are involved in the development and implementation of council policies and procedures. They also ensure the efficiently of local services.

Job profile of a Local Government Officer on the Prospects website
Job profile of a Local Government Officer on the National Careers Service website

Marketing Executive

Marketing executives develop marketing campaigns to promote a product, service or idea. It is a varied role that includes planning, advertising, public relations, event organisation, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research. 

Job profile of a Marketing Executive from the Prospects website
Job profile of a Marketing Executive from the TARGET Jobs website
I want to work in: Marketing

Newspaper Journalist

Newspaper Journalists gather information, research and write articles on various topics for inclusion in newspapers.  This could be local, regional or national press.

Job profile of a Newspaper Journalist on the Prospects website
Job profile of a Newspaper Journalist on the All About Careers website

You may be interested in graduate roles outside of philosophy. There are many employers who are looking for graduates with good degrees but that don’t have a preference for the subject studied. To explore different career options see:

Skills gained

As well as subject-specific knowledge and skills, a graduate in philosophy will typically have gained:

  • The ability to analyse problems in a multi-dimensional way
  • The ability to think creatively, self critically and independently
  • Self-motivation
  • The ability to work autonomously
  • Time and priority management skills
  • A flexible mind adaptable to managing change

Source: Higher Education Academy Employability Profiles

They will also have skills in:

This is not an exhaustive list of skills - you will develop many skills from your course, extra-curricular activities and work experience. You can find out more about the skills employers look for and how you can develop them here.

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, sandwich placements and vacation work/internships and online resources. The websites listed below may also be useful when searching for a job and when looking for further information on this sector. 

Useful Websites

Job Websites

More websites offering graduate jobs, internships and placement years

You may also find useful reviews and application/interview tips for specific organisations on the following websites:

Glassdoor
The Job Crowd

Further study

Some Philosophy graduates opt for further study but this is typically determined by the area of work that they are hoping to go into.  For teaching in higher education, further study within your discipline would be required.  For school teaching or for a career in law, additional vocational qualifications may well be necessary.  For other areas, such as journalism or marketing, work experience may be the bigger factor.  It is important to research the area that you hope to work in when considering any further study decisions.

More information on postgraduate study

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