About this course
Is there a god? What is freedom? What makes a state legitimate? On this BA Philosophy and Politics degree with placement year abroad you’ll explore questions studied by philosophers and political theorists throughout 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:
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develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility
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explore fundamental and far-reaching issues about human welfare and social justice, political ideals and political realities
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gain foundational knowledge through core modules on democracy and the modern state
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learn about subfields of political theory, comparative politics and international relations
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gain an advanced knowledge of economic skills and employability
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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.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
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.
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 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
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 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.
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, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in two A levels
BTEC additional information
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
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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 overview
Compulsory modules give you a firm foundation in the philosophical concepts of:
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reason and argument
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freedom and responsibility
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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 overview
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 overview
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Year 4 overview
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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
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:
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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 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
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: 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.
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