Politics and Philosophy

Politics is the study of power and how power operates in all its forms: through individuals, structures, internationally and domestically. Its principal focus is on power relations among individuals, social groups and nations. Philosophers specialise in critically making sense of ourselves and everything around us. Their currency is rigorous argumentation about subjects from consciousness to the nature of power relations themselves.

The Joint Honours degree will provide you with the skills to explore the philosophical and political landscape of human consciousness throughout time and place. You will gain a critically-informed grasp of political and current affairs, seeing beyond the news headlines to the real issues of politics. By studying this course, you will be strongly equipped to understand ideologies and be in a better position to comment upon and understand what the politicians are really saying.

A wide variety of options means that you can pursue your own interests - with things becoming increasingly flexible as you progress through the course. We also offer opportunities to learn with a language from your second year of study. With practical skills training, including advanced analytical approaches, as well as possible opportunities to study abroad* - with all the experience that brings - this degree opens doors to a range of interesting and rewarding career possibilities and provides the skills to progress to higher research programmes.

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

Offers you an in-depth and varied account of the nature of politics in the twenty-first century. Our politics staff have a variety of expertise in areas including critical international relations, digital politics and US foreign policy, and the course content is directly informed by these research specialisms of the teaching team.

Our Philosophy academics are specialists in their fields, producing cutting-edge research across Anglo-American and Continental European philosophical traditions. And because we bring our expertise into the classroom, you can be confident you’re learning at the forefront of your discipline.

Study two subjects at degree level, enabling you to benefit from high quality teaching across more than one subject.

The Human Sciences Research Seminar Series - a fixture at the University for 40 years and funded by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, it has hosted internationally renowned thinkers, and today offers you the chance to hear from leading philosophers at the forefront of their research specialisms.

Dedicated support - we believe that a first-class learning experience starts with an open, inclusive, welcoming, and supportive pedagogical environment. The Philosophy staff provide rigorous and enjoyable research-led teaching that intellectually stimulates, challenges, and inspires you – both in-person and online.

We place a strong emphasis on key employability skills. Our units, teaching and assessment are geared, in part, around the practical skills needed to ensure you’re fully prepared for your future career.

You will have the opportunity to spend your third year on placement gaining real-world experience or studying overseas.

Our course provides flexible opportunities for internationalisation, from an opportunity to study a foreign language as part of the course and an exchange programme in Year 2, to a dedicated placement year or year abroad in Year 3.

Our fantastic team of highly skilled researchers and academic staff are ready to support your learning and provide you with the essential tools for your studies.