Program Overview

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University of Essex BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics

The University of Essex offers a BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics program, which brings together the disciplines of philosophy and politics to provide a sound academic grounding in both. This program is based in the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Overview

The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics program is a full-time, three-year course with the option to add a placement year or a year abroad. The course explores fundamental questions about political life, its principles, and ideals, which are philosophical in character. Students have the opportunity to study topics including ethics, political philosophy, European philosophy, and concepts in political science.

Study Abroad

The University of Essex offers students the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of their partner universities. This experience allows students to broaden their degree socially and academically, demonstrate maturity, adaptability, and organization to employers, and pay only 15% of their usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

Expert Staff

The philosophy staff at the University of Essex have an exceptionally broad range of research interests, ensuring that students can find someone to approach with questions on various philosophical topics. The politics academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections.

Specialist Facilities

The University of Essex provides students with access to:

• Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
• The ESSEXLab for experimental lab research
• Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
• A variety of philosophy and politics textbooks and journals in the Albert Sloman Library

Your Future

Many employers want graduates with critical thinking skills who can think logically and creatively about practical problems. The University of Essex's BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics program develops transferable skills, including:

• The ability to understand all sides of a dispute objectively
• The ability to work in a team
• The ability to interpret dense text and communicate effectively
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects
• IB Career-related Programme: Combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications are considered
• QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on the subject studied
• T-levels: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, considered on a case-by-case basis

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University of Essex accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall, or a specified score in another equivalent test
• Details of English language requirements, including component scores, can be found on the University's website

Structure

The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics program consists of various components and modules, which may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. The course structure includes:

• Year 1: Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Politics, and other compulsory and optional modules
• Year 2: Principles of Social Justice, Modern Social and Political Thought, and other compulsory and optional modules
• Final Year: Contemporary Political Philosophy, Ethics and Public Policy, and other compulsory and optional modules

Teaching

Undergraduate students in the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies typically attend a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar for each module every week. Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminar sessions, discussion classes, lab sessions, and opportunities to gain work experience on placements and internships.

Assessment

Assessment is usually by 2,000-3,000 word essays, with most modules weighted 50% coursework and 50% exams. If a student undertakes a placement, they will prepare an assessed report on this experience.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣9,790 per year
• International fee: ｣21,500 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with the cost of the course

What's Next

After graduating from the BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics program, students can pursue various career paths, including law, PR, project management, journalism, teaching, and more. The University of Essex provides support to help students find work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.