Program Overview

Philosophy and Politics BA

Overview

This joint honours degree will develop your understanding of modern political systems and explores fundamental philosophical questions about the world and our place in it. Compulsory modules will introduce you to key principles and topics in each subject area. You'll then choose from a wide selection of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree to suit your interests, not just within politics and philosophy, but also across the University through studying discovery modules.

Course Structure

• The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time.
• Year 1 compulsory modules:
  • How to do Philosophy (20 credits)
  • The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong (20 credits)
  • Comparative Politics (20 credits)
  • Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas (20 credits)
• Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below):
  • Knowledge, Self and Reality (20 credits)
  • Introduction to the History of Western Philosophy (20 credits)
  • Making of the Modern World (20 credits)
  • International Politics (20 credits)
  • Philosophy Meets the World (10 credits)
  • Thinking About Race (10 credits)
• Year 2 compulsory modules:
  • Philosophical Method (for joint honours) (20 credits)
  • And one of:
    • Revolution and Reaction (20 credits)
    • Justice, Community & Conflict (20 credits)
    • How to Live Together: Topics in Political Philosophy (20 credits)
• Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below):
  • Past Thinkers: History of Modern Philosophy (20 credits)
  • Do The Right Thing: Topics in Moral Philosophy (20 credits)
  • How Do You Know? Topics in Epistemology (20 credits)
  • Reality Check: Topics in Metaphysics (20 credits)
  • God, Thought and the World: Topics in Philosophy of Religion (20 credits)
  • Politics and Policy in the EU (20 credits)
  • Politics of Contemporary China (20 credits)
  • State and Politics in Africa (20 credits)
  • United States Politics (20 credits)
  • Labour Party (20 credits)
  • Media and Democracy (20 credits)
• Year 3 compulsory modules:
  • Final Year Project (in Philosophy or Politics) (40 credits)
• Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below):
  • Feminist Philosophy
  • War, Terror and Justice
  • Philosophy of the Social Sciences
  • Reimagining Politics
  • Aesthetics
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Bioethics
  • Continental Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Sex and Relationships
  • Gender and Security in Global Politics
  • Violence and Reconciliation in Africa
  • Politics of National Identity in the UK
  • Radical Political Ideas
  • Video Games
  • Climate Emergency
  • British Foreign Policy

Learning and Teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research. We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.

Assessment

We use many different types of assessment. These include: essays, exams, online discussion posts, group work and oral presentations. At the upper levels, assessments may be student-led, with students selecting their own essay questions or designing their own independent research project.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB
• Other course specific tests:
  • Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer.
• Alternative qualification:
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
  • BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered.
  • Cambridge Pre-U: D3, M1, M2
  • International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level): H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
  • Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade
  • Other Qualifications: European Baccalaureate: 80%.

Fees

• UK: £9,790
• International: £26,500 (per year)
• The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student.

Career Opportunities

A joint honours degree in Philosophy and Politics is varied and challenging. It equips you with broad and deep knowledge of two subjects, as well as a range of transferable skills that are attractive to employers across industries and sectors. Graduates have been successful in a range of careers as a result. These include: politics and the civil service, the charity sector, journalism, the media and education. Many others have progressed to postgraduate study in related disciplines.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

• All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.
• Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.