About this course
On this BA Philosophy and Sociology degree you’ll explore the processes that lie beneath social change and the ideas that inform them. You'll gain a grounding in the disciplines of philosophy and sociology, while following your own interests in greater depth. Optional topics cover everything from gender and human rights to criminal justice and the philosophy of religion. You'll get to spend a placement year abroad at a university in Europe.
This degree will give you an excellent education in philosophy and sociology. 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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learn a range of topics in sociology, including criminology, criminal justice, social issues and how societies change
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apply philosophical thought to language, morality, sex and other important aspects of life
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gain skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods
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study abroad at one of our partner institutions
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get experience in doing research and writing dissertations
You’ll learn in small groups in a relaxed and friendly environment, and benefit from the expertise of academic staff whose research feeds 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 develop skills of critical thinking, analysis and communication that will prove invaluable to your future career
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
For Academic year 202021
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 applicants 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 an applicant'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, 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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +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 sociology. You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course. You can also broaden your studies beyond philosophy by selecting:
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules give you a firm foundation in the philosophical concepts of reason and argument, freedom and responsibility, and appearance and reality. For your sociology modules, you’ll get a grounding in social theory and understanding everyday life.
You can choose from a wide range of optional modules in both subjects, including:
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studies of political thinkers
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the ethics of global poverty
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criminology
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social change and human rights
Year 2 overview
This knowledge is extended in the second year by further compulsory modules in politics and sociology.
In addition you will take 7 optional modules covering both subjects, allowing you to build the course around your developing interests. Topics include moral philosophy, philosophy of religion and perspectives in criminology.
Year 3 overview
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Year 4 overview
For your dissertation, you’ll demonstrate your research and planning skills by carrying out an independent research project or mathematical investigation.
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
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
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.
You’ll also enhance your language skills during your year abroad.
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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: VL36
- 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
Some candidates will be invited to a selection day, which will include an interview. If the admissions tutor decides to invite you to a selection day you'll receive an email. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
