Aalya Khan

BA Philosophy

Attending the Oxford Brookes open day 

was a turning point for me. The lecturers were engaging, and the teaching style aligned perfectly with what I was looking for in a university. Oxford is my home, and I wanted to stay close while studying in a city known for its rich academic atmosphere. Oxford Brookes stood out as the perfect choice, offering small class sizes, a great balance between lectures and seminars, and a welcoming, surprisingly diverse course environment.

I’ve genuinely loved every aspect of my Philosophy degree - 

it’s been engaging, challenging, and has expanded my thinking in ways I never expected. Some of my favourite modules have been Ethics in the 21st Century, Reason and Argument, and Environmental Philosophy. The small cohort size fostered a strong sense of community, making discussions more dynamic and enjoyable.

The lecturers have been fantastic - 

passionate, approachable, and always willing to help. They clearly love what they do, and that enthusiasm carries into every lecture and seminar. Whether it’s answering questions in class or offering extra guidance during office hours, they genuinely care about student understanding and success.

Make the most of office hours! 

Ask questions in class - chances are, others are wondering the same thing. Build connections with your cohort; having a strong academic support system makes a huge difference. Also, take advantage of the reading lists - our lecturers don’t just recommend books but give specific guidance on key chapters. Most importantly, have fun! Debate, voice your opinion, and fully engage with the material.

Coming into the course without prior philosophy experience,

I initially found learning about new theorists quite challenging. However, the lecturers provided so much support that I quickly caught up. Their guidance ensured I felt as confident and well-prepared as my peers, making the learning experience both exciting and rewarding.