About this course
Is there a god? What is freedom? What makes a state legitimate? On this joint honours course you’ll explore these and other questions that have preoccupied philosophers and political theorists throughout human history. Optional modules give you the freedom to pursue your own interests in topics as varied as Chinese politics and Ancient Greek philosophy.
This degree will give you an excellent education in philosophy and politics. In your degree you can:
develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility
explore fundamental and far-reaching issues about human welfare and social justice, political ideals and political realities
gain foundational knowledge through core modules on democracy and the modern state
learn about subfields of political theory, comparative politics and international relations
gain an advanced knowledge of economic skills and employability
learn how to conduct and present dissertations and research
You’ll be taught in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment, and benefit from the expertise of academic staff whose research feeds directly into the course content.
You can take modules from other disciplines such as anthropology or psychology, studying a language, or choosing from a range of cross-disciplinary modules. These include topics such as social enterprise, risk management, and living and working on the web.
You’ll enhance your employability and learning experience even further by spending your third year studying abroad at a partner university.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 432.14 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue in Southampton and Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB to ABB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
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.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A to B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA to AB in two A levels
BTEC additional information
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.
Other qualifications
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 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
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB in two A levels
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
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
Access to HE Diploma additional information
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.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
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.
Scottish Qualification offers
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, 111.01 KB) 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
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels
or
AA to AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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
OR
77% overall
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
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.
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 philosophy and politics.
You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies, by selecting:
Year 1
Compulsory modules give you a firm foundation in the philosophical concepts of:
reason and argument
freedom and responsibility
appearance and reality
You’ll also study key disciplines in politics including political theory and international relations.
You can choose from a wide range of optional modules in both subjects, from ancient Greek philosophy to crises of the 21st century. You can develop research skills in politics, international relations and the social sciences.
Year 2
This knowledge is extended in the second year by further compulsory modules in politics and in the history of philosophy.
In addition you will take six optional modules in philosophy and politics, allowing you to build the course around your developing interests. Topics include moral philosophy, philosophy of religion and politics of the media.
Year 3
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Year 4
For your dissertation (long essay), you’ll demonstrate your research and planning skills by carrying out an independent research project in either subject area.
You’ll also select further optional modules. These usually cover topics which academic staff are actively researching, introducing you to the latest thinking. Options include studying the work of Nietzsche or Heidegger or looking at classical Indian or Islamic philosophy.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 1:
- Ethics
- Reason and Argument
- Knowledge and Mind
- Introduction to International Relations
- Introduction to Political Theory
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 2:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- Politics of the Media
- Imagining European Futures
- Research Methods in The Social Sciences
- Metaphysics
- Epistemology
- Philosophy of Religion
- Democratisation in Global Politics: why do some regimes thrive and others flounder?
- Research Skills in Politics & International Relations
- Moral Philosophy
- A (Dis)United Kingdom? Myth and Reality in British Politics
- Realism and Idealism in International Relations
- International Security and Climate Change
- Political Thinkers
- Democratic Theory
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Mind
- Kant
- American Political Thought
- Diaspora Politics in Transnational Space
- The Ethics and Politics of Migration
- European Security Governance
- Logic
- Development and International Relations
- Chinese Politics
- Theorising International Politics
- Understanding Modern China
- Philosophy of Language
- Partisans, Public Opinion and Elections: Understanding the Political Mind
- Aesthetics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Ethics of Global Poverty
- Metaethics
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
- Seeing and being seen: Study Abroad re-entry
- Philosophy Dissertation
- Dissertation in Politics & International Relations
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Cinema and Political Theory
- Democratic Theory
- Advanced Aesthetics: Aesthetic Creativity
- Islamic Philosophy
- Puzzles and Paradoxes
- Global Justice: Poverty, Inequality and the Environment
- Public Policy Analysis
- Diaspora Politics in Transnational Space
- A (Dis)United Kingdom? Myth and Reality in British Politics
- Power and Ethics Before Machiavelli
- Contemporary Theories of Justice
- Philosophical Logic
- Politics of the Media
- Wittgenstein's Later Philosophy
- Applied Regression Analysis
- Political Texts
- Development and International Relations
- Chinese Politics
- Classical Indian Philosophy
- Globalisation and World Politics
- Imagining European Futures
- European Security Governance
- Philosophy of Sex
- Happiness and Wellbeing
- Partisans, Public Opinion and Elections: Understanding the Political Mind
- Heidegger
- Philosophy of Mathematics
- Ethics of Public Policy
- The Ethics and Politics of Migration
- Nietzsche
- Other Minds
- Schopenhauer
- International Security and Climate Change
- Democratisation in Global Politics: why do some regimes thrive and others flounder?
- Action, Reason and Ethics
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)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 21%
- Independent study
- 79%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 20%
- Independent study
- 80%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 0%
- Independent study
- 100%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 13%
- Independent study
- 87%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Conor McHugh is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- debates
- developing websites
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 13%
- Practical exam
- 9%
- Coursework
- 78%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 39%
- Practical exam
- 3%
- Coursework
- 58%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 100%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 14%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 86%
Careers
You’ll graduate 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 philosophy graduates have secured roles as diverse as:
project manager
teacher
human resources (HR) coordinator
investment analyst
digital marketing coordinator
tax consultant
data analyst
Our philosophy degrees are also a good foundation for further study at masters 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
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Stationery
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Textbooks
- Hardware
- Software Licenses
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 432.14 KB).
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.
Life at Southampton
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: VL54
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.