About this course
On this joint honours course, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of human welfare and social justice, political ideals and economic realities. You'll study economics and philosophy while broadening your degree through a wide range of optional modules. The critical, logical and imaginative skills you'll develop are sought after by a wide range of employers.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take. Please see the programme specification for the most up-to-date module lists.
In your BA Economics and Philosophy degree you can:
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develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility
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study broad principles in economics and develop knowledge in your own specialist area, for example, principles of finance, labour economics or econometrics
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develop research and presentation skills
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gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to find employment and build a career as an economist
You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology. You can study a language or choose from a range of cross-disciplinary modules.
You'll graduate as a confident, curious and independent self-starter, equipped with the skills for a successful career.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 points at Higher or Standard Level in Mathematics: (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
5 in Higher Level Mathematics, Physics or Statistics can be substituted for 5 in Standard Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in two A levels plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
BTEC additional information
Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Access to HE additional information
Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including Mathematics
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including Mathematics at B1
Irish certificate additional information
Physics or Statistics can be substituted for Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including Mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Grade B in AS Level Mathematics, or M2 in Principal subject Physics or Statistics can be substituted for Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
or
AB from two A levels including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in Mathematics
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB to ABB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB to BBB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB to BBB including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level including 5 in Standard or Higher Level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
5 in Higher Level Mathematics, Physics or Statistics can be substituted for 5 in Standard Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects. Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in an A level plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB in two A levels plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
BTEC additional information
Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit plus Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
Access to HE additional information
Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including Mathematics
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including Mathematics at B1
Irish certificate additional information
Physics or Statistics can be substituted for Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including Mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Grade B in AS Level Mathematics, or M2 in Principal subject Physics or Statistics can be substituted for Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics
or
AA to AB from two A levels including Grade B in AS Level Mathematics and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Grade B in Mathematics, Physics or Statistics A Level can be substituted for Grade B in AS Level Mathematics. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in Mathematics
OR
77% overall including grade 8 in Mathematics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options, including modules outside economics and philosophy.
You'll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies by selecting:
You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules in the first year give you a firm foundation in the philosophical concepts of reason, argument, freedom and responsibility. You'll also start gaining knowledge about economics and employability, with an introductory module that will:
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provide useful information about internships in economics
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offer online training opportunities useful for your economics projects
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give you the opportunity to improve your professional skills, including presentation and writing skills
Optional modules cover a broad range of topics, allowing you to select areas that interest you the most. You can even take optional modules outside your subject areas. For example, you can learn about cultural economics (which encourages you to attend arts events to learn more about them), or learn a language.
Year 2 overview
In your second year, your core modules include studies of microeconomics and macroeconomics, together with basic philosophical topics such as appearance and reality.
You'll continue to choose from a wide selection of optional modules. You can learn economics research skills that will help to prepare you for your final year research project - and for a future career as a professional economist.
There are also topics such as econometrics, which looks at the nature of economic data, the methods by which it's compiled, and the problems it may present.
Year 3 overview
You'll demonstrate your research and planning skills by writing a dissertation in philosophy or economics, or doing a research project in economics.
You'll also select further optional modules. These usually cover topics that academic staff are actively researching, introducing you to the latest thinking. Options include studying the work of Nietzsche, or looking at classical Indian or Islamic philosophy. You can also focus on economics modules such as the principles of finance, or labour economics.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Conor McHugh is the course leader.
Careers
As an economics and philosophy undergraduate, you'll finish the course with a wide range of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis and team working. Career skills are embedded at every stage of our courses and certain modules offer specific teaching in reasoning and communication.
Our graduates have secured many different roles, such as:
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project manager
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teacher
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human resources (HR) coordinator
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investment analyst
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digital marketing coordinator
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tax consultant
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data analyst
Our philosophy degrees are also a good foundation for further study at master's or PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can choose to spend a year in employment during this course.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: VL51
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000