BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LV25
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
The big questions facing society are both political and philosophical. Is democracy broken? Can we achieve environmental justice? Should the media be under tighter control?
Because the political arena is guided by big ideas, bringing the rigour of philosophical thinking to your political engagements and actions will have great benefits for you and your community. At UEA, you’ll work with world experts in both politics and philosophy to become a more informed citizen, or perhaps even a future politician campaigning for office, or an activist trying to change the terms of a socially important debate.
UEA’s Philosophy and Politics degree is designed to allow you to engage equally with both disciplines. You can also shape your studies in the direction of your core interests which might align more to one or the other subject. You’ll attend thought-provoking lectures and seminars where you’ll have the chance to present and defend your own ideas and visions for a better world. You’ll be invited to attend student organised events like the Politics on Wednesday (POW) series or contribute to our Eastminster politics blog. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the debates and social events organised by our vibrant Philosophy and Politics student societies and discover like-minded friends who are ready to change the world.
You’ll graduate from your Philosophy and Politics degree with a rich and flexible skillset that will be highly valued by employers in a wide range of sectors including government, the Civil Service, consultancy, NGOs and PR.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You could expand your horizons by choosing to spend a semester of your second year studying abroad at one of UEA’s partner universities. You’d spend the autumn semester completing three modules at UEA, then transfer overseas in the spring.
You’ll not only experience life in a different country and make international connections, you’ll also make yourself even more attractive to prospective employers, who value the skills of resourcefulness and resilience that studying abroad will bring you.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year you’ll be guided to take a well-balanced mix of philosophy and politics modules.
In the first semester, you’ll gain fundamental grounding in both your subjects. In Philosophy, you’ll discover how thinkers have approached one of the great questions, ‘What is the meaning of life?’. On the Politics side you’ll be introduced both to fundamental political theories and to the fast-changing world of contemporary politics.
In the second semester, you’ll discover how radical and bold ideas have shaped the social and political worlds we currently inhabit. You’ll also be guided in choosing two modules that will suit your interests. These can be chosen from a broad range of philosophy and politics modules. Alternatively, you can also select one module outside your main subject areas – from a wide range of complementary subjects.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Through engaging lectures, small seminars, skills workshops, and one-to-one support, you’ll explore a wide range of topics and approaches and cultivate your philosophical and political interests.
Through your supported independent learning, you’ll engage with diverse and fascinating texts, including both historical and contemporary works. Using individual feedback and guidance from your lecturers, you’ll develop your ability to express your ideas clearly, both in writing and other formats.
Throughout your Philosophy and Politics degree, we place great emphasis on working ideas through together. We encourage everyone to contribute, listen and respond appropriately in both large and small group settings. We seek out positive criticism, and polite and fruitful exchanges of views.
Each of your lecturers holds drop-in office hours, through which you’ll be able to gain one-to-one guidance.
You’ll have an individual academic adviser throughout the course of your studies. They’ll provide academic and career guidance, and with the help of UEA’s specialised services they’ll also support your wellbeing.
During your time at UEA, you’ll be taught by experts working at the forefront of their academic fields, who through their work are shaping the development of philosophy and political studies across the world.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 35% Teaching
- 65% Independent learning
Assessment
Assessments are at the module level and consist of a mixture of exams, creative projects, oral presentations to your peers, written assignments (essay, blog posts and journal entries). These assessments will not contribute to the classification of your degree.
You’ll receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Structure
By the time you enter your second year of study, you’ll have discovered where your main strengths or interests lie, and you’ll be well equipped to choose from a broader range of philosophy and politics modules.
Many of the modules, covering topics such as existential philosophies and western political philosophy, will allow you to explore the connections between philosophy and politics. Also, during your second year, there is the option for you to take up to two modules from outside your chosen degree subjects.
You can also take a placement module in which you’ll get the chance to apply the skills you’re developing through your politics and philosophy degree in an environment much closer to the job market and thus explore a career path that interests you.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Lectures and seminars will help you delve into your chosen areas of study. The teaching methods on individual modules are tailored to support your development in a wide variety of political and philosophical topics. You’ll continue to benefit from one-to-one support.
In your independent study, you’ll immerse yourself in your chosen areas. Using individual feedback and one-to-one support, you’ll build your skills further as you develop into a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 25% Teaching
- 75% Independent learning
Assessment
Module assessments consist of a mixture of creative projects, written exams, peer presentations, and essays. All assessments will be preceded by formative work upon which you’ll receive written feedback. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Structure
In your final year you’ll be encouraged to select some advanced modules from politics and from philosophy. You’ll have the freedom to shift the balance towards one of your main subjects, or to select a complementary module from outside your main subjects. Third year modules involve a higher degree of independent study, allowing you to reach a deeper level of engagement and understanding with your preferred topic or area of study. You can choose to further progress in areas that you explored in your second year, explore new topics, or try out a mixture of the two strategies.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore in more depth the connections between political and philosophical thinking about history, political order and individual action. Other modules that will draw on your skills in both fields will challenge you to think about climate justice, gender power relations and the liberal principles of Western societies.
In your third year, your research project module will challenge you in writing a dissertation with individual supervision, the subject of which could be philosophical or political or a combination of the two.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
This is your chance to explore important and compelling subjects in depth, taught by subject specialists in lectures and seminars. You’ll pursue a dissertation, working one-on-one with an expert on a project of your own design.
In your independent study, you’ll flourish as a creative and independent thinker as you master the fields of study that matter the most to you.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 20% Teaching
- 80% Independent learning
Assessment
Assessments are the same as Year 2 except for the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing of 8-9000 words under the close supervision of a member of faculty. Constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Employability
After the Course
Our Philosophy and Politics graduates go on to do great things within a wide range of professions. The reasoning and communication skills developed throughout this course will prepare you for many different roles, within and beyond politics. They include:
- Precise and effective communication skills
- The ability to analyse data and information
- Reasoning, problem solving and persuasion skills
- Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
- Innovative and original ideas supported by reason
- A commitment to justice, fairness, integrity, and the desire to do things that are praiseworthy.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Politics
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Cultural industries
- Teaching or lecturing
- Charity and environmental work
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year Options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA (Hons) Philosophy (with a Foundation Year) or BA (Hons) Politics (with a Foundation Year)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB or above.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: