51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Undergraduate Degrees

BA Philosophy and Politics

UCAS code VL52
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2027
Campus Streatham Campus
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB
IB: 34/665
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Why study Philosophy and Politics at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ?

  • Our BA in Philosophy and Politics explores how to apply analytical-philosophical skills to the study of political events and theories.
  • Studying Philosophy will give you the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge, science, reality, ethics, art and beauty, the mind-body relationship, the meaning of life and more.
  • Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
  • The Philosophy and Politics student societies will give you the chance to make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers.
  • Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors.

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Politics and Philosophy

and in the Complete University Guide 2027

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Opportunities to study abroad

Graduation cap and diploma icon: symbolizing academic achievement and success.

92% of graduates employed or in further study 15 months after graduating

Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates in/due to start employment/further study. HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23 (published 2025)

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Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research

Entry requirements for 2027 entry (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB N/A
IB 34/665 N/A
BTEC DDD N/A
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. .

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content and modules

Our BA degree in Philosophy and Politics is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:

  • Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
  • Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
  • Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.

Module information for this programme can be viewed on StudyGuide.

Gold-standard teaching excellence

The University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has been rated Gold in the in each of the two aspects of the assessment: Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

The Office for Students describes Gold-rated universities as "delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK."

We are amongst a small, elite group of universities to be recognised as consistently providing outstanding teaching, learning and student outcomes to secure the ¡®Gold Overall¡¯ standard.

2023 Teaching Excellence Framework Gold - Teaching Excellence, Student Outcomes & Student Experience.

Course variants

BA Philosophy and Politics with Study Abroad

UCAS code: VL5F

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why study abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I study abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. For a full list please visit the .

Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?

Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our . You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.

BA Philosophy and Politics with Employment Experience

UCAS code: VL7F

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.

A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.

We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ – for more information visit our . If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Is the placement paid?

You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.

Find out more

Learn more about employment experience opportunities.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2027 entry

UK students: ?10,050 per year
International students: ?25,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?8 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2027/28 academic year, including our prestigious 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as The Beacon Trust. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and encourage you to develop your writing and presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group work
  • Project work
  • One-to-one sessions
  • Small group tutorials
  • Independent study

You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.

How will I be assessed?

  • Exams
  • Essays
  • Projects
  • Practical assignments

You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Minors: Future Skills Pathways

You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.

Find out more about minor options

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Your future with a degree in Philosophy and Politics

As a Philosophy and Politics graduate you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills that are good preparation for a number of careers including in the media, public sector, legal profession, business and management.

  • Analytical, critical and independent thinking
  • Independent research
  • Discussion and group work
  • Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Articulating ideas and arguments
  • Organising, planning and time management

Career paths

The broad range of transferable skills gained on a Philosophy and Politics degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:

  • Teaching and research
  • Local or national government
  • The Civil Service
  • Business and finance
  • Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
  • Marketing and public relations
  • Management and administration

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Award and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Leaders Award

Many of our students participate in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Award and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

Developing your skills and career prospects

We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.

The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.

Further study

Our BA in Philosophy and Politics will put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. We offer several Masters degrees suited to enhancing your employability or relevant to your interests, such as:

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Find out more about studying at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

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