Program Overview

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Philosophy and Politics

Overview

The programme is designed to provide students with an intellectual training in the disciplines of Philosophy and Politics which, while discrete subjects, are complementary and mutually enriching. The combination of Philosophy and Politics allows for the development of an in-depth appreciation of the ideas that help to explain the foundations of the modern world, democracy and political stability.

Philosophy and Politics highlights

• Global Opportunities: QUB students, uniquely in the UK, still have the opportunity to spend part of the course studying in other European universities, through our Erasmus programme. There are also opportunities to study at partner institutions in the USA and Canada.
• Industry Links: Students in their final year have the opportunity to secure a semester long placement, giving them hands-on experience of political issues and policymaking.
• Research-led Teaching: We have particular strengths in the areas of ethics and political philosophy.
• Internationally Renowned Experts: Our Philosophy department offers expertise in continental and analytical philosophy, logic, philosophy of science, and moral and political philosophy.
• Student Experience: Our vibrant Politics Society (Polysoc) provides a welcome and stimulating environment for new students. There is also an active student run Philosophy Society and the School is the home of the Belfast branch of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, which organises regular talks and seminars by distinguished visiting philosophers.

Course Structure

• Year 1: Students choose six modules from a range of introductory modules.
• Year 2: Students choose 6 modules that explore the wide range of major debates and inquiry in Philosophy, exploring questions that range from how to understand the mind, to how ‘reality’ might be understood, to key political theories about how we live as a society.
• Year 3: In the final year, students focus on particular areas of specialisation that build on their studies in years 1 and 2. Students will write a dissertation (double-weighted) and choose four modules.

Modules

• Introduction to Politics
• Perspectives on Politics
• What is to be done? Sustainability, climate change and just energy transitions in the Anthropocene
• Introductory Logic
• Contemporary Europe
• Comparative Politics
• Philosophy and Human Nature
• Philosophy and The Good Life
• Studying Politics
• Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
• British Politics in crisis?
• International Organisations
• Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• The Politics of the Planetary Crisis: power, people and place
• Philosophy of Race
• Identity Politics in Diverse Societies
• Security and Terrorism
• History of Philosophy
• The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies
• Modern Political Thought
• Politics and Policy of the European Union
• Irish Politics
• International Relations
• Knowledge and Reality
• Moral Theories
• American Politics
• Democracy, Ethics & Economics
• Asylum and Migration in Global Politics
• Security and Technology
• US Foreign Policy
• Politics, Public Administration and Policy-Making
• Challenges to contemporary party politics
• Global Pol. Econ. of Energy
• Philosophy for Children
• Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
• Philosophy of Technology and Environment
• Radical Hope:Inspiring Present-day Sustainability Transformations through an Examination of Our Past
• Short Placement
• National and Ethnic Minorities in European Politics
• Political Parties and Elections in Northern Ireland
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Dissertation (Politics and International Studies)
• Gender and Politics
• Contemporary Critical Theory
• Long Placement
• Earth, Energy, Ethics and Economy: The Politics of Unsustainability
• European Cultural Identities
• Politics of the Global Economy
• Applied Ethics
• War and Visual Culture and Surveillance
• Dissertation
• Contemporary Political Philosophy

People teaching you

• Dr Cillian McBride: Programme Convenor - Politics
• Dr Roger Clarke: Programme Convenor - Philosophy

Contact Teaching Hours

• Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial: 6 (hours maximum)
• Large Group Teaching: 6 (hours maximum)
• Personal Study: 10 (hours maximum)

Learning and Teaching

• Dissertations
• E-Learning technologies
• Lectures
• Self-directed study
• Seminars/tutorials

Assessment

• Most modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.
• Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.

Feedback

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment.
• Placement employer comments or references (where relevant).
• Online or emailed comment.
• Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Career Prospects

• A degree in Politics and Philosophy provides a stimulating programme of study and intellectual training useful in many walks of life and future career paths.
• Graduates are equipped with the necessary attributes for graduate employment or postgraduate education and training, and are able to make a difference in whatever future career they choose.

Employment Links

• The School has an active Employers’ Forum that is used to forge links with national and international employers.
• Graduates go on to an unlimited range of occupations in the public and private sectors - career destinations of our students have included the BBC, the Diplomatic Service, the NHS, International House, Civil Service and major banks.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall.
• We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award.
• It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £20,800
• International: £20,800

Additional course costs

• In Year 2 students can apply for a number of optional exchanges with institutions in the USA. The cost will vary depending on the institution and length of exchange and can range from £500 - £6,000.
• Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad, are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.
• A limited amount of funding may be available to contribute towards these additional costs, if the placement takes place through a government student mobility scheme.

Entrance requirements

• ABB
• A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to grade A at A-Level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
• H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3
• Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70%.
• 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level.
• QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades of D*DD
• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades of D*DD
• A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree

How we choose our students

• Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools.
• Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
• Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form.
• Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
• Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

• An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at:
• If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses.
• These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

• Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's.
• You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
• These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:
• When to Apply: UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00).
• This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
• Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places.
• If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025.
• If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS
• Applying direct
• Applying through agents and partners

Course Vacancy Status

• Student Type: NI/ROI Applicants, GB and Islands Applicants, International and EU (Non-ROI) Applicants

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• Join us for an insight into life at Queen's and advice on your journey to university.

Your Future Career

• Queen's is ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2025)

Student Accommodation

• The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast.

Philosophy and Politics at Queen's University Belfast

• To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
• Make an informed choice.
• See course info
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Course location

• History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics

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• Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN
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