An In-Depth Review of Oxford’s Online Philosophy Course
Meta Description: Discover if Oxford University’s Introduction to Philosophy online course is worth your investment. Get expert insights, real student reviews, and a full breakdown.
Studying philosophy doesn’t just help you think critically—it teaches you how to question everything. But is Oxford University’s Introduction to Philosophy the right online course for you? If you’re looking for an in-depth, university-level introduction to philosophy, this 10-week online course offers structured learning, live tutorials, and a prestigious Oxford certificate.
However, with a price tag of around $750, it’s not the cheapest option. In this review, we’ll break down the course structure, pros and cons, student feedback, and whether it’s worth the investment compared to other online philosophy courses.
What Is the Oxford Introduction to Philosophy Course?
Oxford University’s Introduction to Philosophy is a 10-week online course designed to give students a deep understanding of major philosophical topics. It covers everything from logic and critical thinking to ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy. Unlike many self-paced courses, this course includes live weekly tutorials with Oxford tutors, making it a more interactive learning experience.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn:
- Course Length: 10 weeks
- Format: Weekly recorded lectures + reading assignments
- Live Interaction: Weekly online tutorials with Oxford tutors
- Assessments: Weekly essay assignments + participation
- Certificate: Completion certificate from Oxford University
- Prerequisites: No prior philosophy knowledge required
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is a good fit for:
- ✔️ Students considering philosophy as a field of study
- ✔️ Professionals looking to sharpen critical thinking skills
- ✔️ Anyone interested in deep philosophical debates
- ✔️ People who want an Oxford-certified online course
However, it might not be ideal for complete beginners who prefer a more relaxed, self-paced learning style.
Course Content: What You’ll Learn
Oxford’s Introduction to Philosophy is structured to cover fundamental areas of philosophy. Here’s what each week looks like:
- What is Philosophy? – Foundations of philosophical inquiry
- Logic and Critical Thinking – Argument analysis and logical reasoning
- Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge) – How do we know what we know?
- Metaphysics – Exploring reality, existence, and the nature of being
- Philosophy of Mind – Consciousness, identity, and personal experience
- Ethics – Moral theories and real-world ethical problems
- Political Philosophy – Justice, authority, and government structures
- Aesthetics – Meaning of art, beauty, and creativity
- Philosophy of Science – Scientific reasoning and philosophical implications
- Contemporary Philosophical Issues – Modern debates in philosophy
Each module includes recorded lectures, readings, and essay assignments. Weekly live tutorials provide opportunities for direct interaction with Oxford faculty.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Oxford University prestige – One of the most respected institutions in the world.
- ✔️ Live weekly tutorials – Rare for online courses to offer live interaction at this level.
- ✔️ Structured learning – Covers all major areas of philosophy with depth.
- ✔️ Recognized certificate – Looks great on a résumé or academic application.
- ✔️ Access to Oxford’s library resources – Adds extra value for research.
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Higher price compared to MOOCs – More expensive than Coursera and MIT options.
- ✖️ Requires 15-20 hours per week – A serious time commitment.
- ✖️ Not always available – Limited enrollment periods.
Is It Worth the Price?
At approximately $750 USD (£545), Oxford’s Introduction to Philosophy is more expensive than online courses from Coursera or edX. However, it’s significantly more interactive, structured, and academically rigorous. For students who value direct access to Oxford’s faculty, a structured learning experience, and a recognized certificate, this course is a worthwhile investment.
If you’re looking for a cheaper or more flexible alternative, you might prefer:
- 🆚 Coursera’s Introduction to Philosophy (University of Edinburgh) – A free-to-audit MOOC, but lacks live sessions.
- 🆚 MIT’s Introduction to Philosophy (edX) – Cheaper and self-paced, but less comprehensive.
- 🆚 The Great Courses – Great Ideas of Philosophy – More lectures, no certificate, and no live interaction.
What Do Students Say? (Real Reviews)
📢 From Reddit:
“I took this course last year, and it was incredibly enriching. The live tutorials were the best part. It’s challenging but worth it for serious learners.” – u/PhilosophyFan22
“Pretty expensive compared to Coursera, but the Oxford name and certificate make a difference. Content is excellent.” – u/OnlineLearner456
📢 From Quora:
“The structure is fantastic, and the essays really push you to think critically. A great balance between historical and modern philosophical debates.” – Jane D.
“The cost is high, but the quality of the course and access to Oxford’s resources make it worth the money.” – Michael S.
Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?
Oxford University’s Introduction to Philosophy is a high-quality, interactive, and academically challenging course that provides structured learning and direct faculty interaction—something rare in online courses.
- ✔️ If you’re serious about philosophy and want a recognized certification, this course is a solid investment.
- ❌ If you’re looking for a casual, self-paced introduction, you might be better off with Coursera or edX alternatives.
Bottom line: If you’re willing to commit the time and resources, the Oxford name, in-depth content, and live tutorials provide a unique and valuable learning experience that stands out from other philosophy courses online.