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Philosophy at UEA
Find out more about studying Philosophy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LV5P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why BA Philosophy and Politics with a Placement Year at UEA?
Philosophy and politics explore how power works and how societies could and should be organised. This degree develops analytical, communication and problem-solving skills valued by employers across many sectors. Your third year will be spent in a placement, gaining valuable real-world skills.
Why choose UEA?
- Critical debates: Tackle pressing issues such as democratic reform, environmental justice and media regulation
- Beyond the classroom: Engage in seminars, blogs and field trips to Westminster and other organisations
- Career skills: Gain professional experience in a 9-to-12-month placement
What is BA Philosophy and Politics with a Placement Year?
Explore how powerful ideas about freedom and justice shape the world. You'll learn to think both as a researcher and as a policymaker, writing academic essays and real-world briefs.
Our seminars emphasise debate, group projects and applied exercises that mirror real decision-making environments. Guest speakers, field visits and live political engagement bring contemporary challenges into the classroom each week.
You'll benefit from a unique collaboration between philosophers and political scientists who bridge theory and practice. Debate with scholars, politicians and entrepreneurs, while living in a top-rated, student-friendly city.
A dedicated placement year will give you the professional confidence to put your ideas to work in the real world.
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Placement Year
Spend 9–12 months of your third year on a professional placement that brings your studies to life. You’ll gain valuable workplace experience, develop practical skills and explore careers aligned with your interests.
You’ll lead your placement search with support from Career Central and your academic school. Workshops will help you identify your strengths, values and future career goals.
Placements are available across sectors including heritage, business, public service and creative industries.
Check out placement years in Arts and Humanities.
Careers
Career Pathways
With BA Philosophy and Politics with a Placement Year, you could launch a career as a:
- Policy Advisor: Develop and evaluate policies for government departments or public institutions
- NGO Programme Manager: Lead projects addressing social, environmental, or humanitarian challenges
- Political Journalist: Report on political developments, elections and public policy for media organisations
- Solicitor: Provide legal advice and represent clients using strong analytical and reasoning skills
- Communications Manager: Develop messaging and communication strategies for organisations or campaigns
Career Support
Work closely with your tutors as you develop the critical, analytical and policy skills that today's employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated Career Central. Through one-to-one appointments, employer events and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. You'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through placements and internships.
After the Course
Your Philosophy and Politics degree is a gateway to careers where rigorous thinking and clear communication are invaluable. Many graduates go on to conversion programmes in law or public policy, opening doors to new professions. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue a master's degree or PhD in philosophy, politics, or a related field. Our graduates have built successful careers across government, journalism, law, international organisations and business consulting.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year degree is designed to help you think rigorously about power, justice and society, and to develop the analytical and communication skills that careers in politics, policy and beyond demand.
In your first year, you'll build strong foundations across both philosophy and politics, exploring how major thinkers have approached questions about freedom, justice and how societies should be organised. You'll develop the academic skills to engage confidently with complex ideas, from close reading and argument analysis to understanding contemporary political landscapes. You'll also have the flexibility to choose modules that reflect your emerging interests and to explore complementary disciplines beyond your core subjects.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
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.
Structure
Your second year offers greater freedom to follow your intellectual curiosity across both disciplines. You'll explore the rich connections between philosophical thought and political theory, examining how abstract ideas translate into political movements, systems of governance and real-world policy. Alongside your core studies, you can broaden your perspective by taking modules in other disciplines or gain early professional experience through a shorter workplace placement.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Important Information
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.
Structure
In your third year, you'll undertake a full-year professional placement. You'll be responsible for securing your placement, supported by UEA's well-established networks across the UK and beyond, alongside dedicated mentoring and remote support throughout the year.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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.
Structure
In your fourth and final year, you'll specialise in the areas that matter most to you, drawing on advanced modules from both philosophy and politics. You'll have the opportunity to shift the balance toward your preferred discipline, follow themes that connect both fields, or explore pressing contemporary challenges such as climate justice, democratic theory, or questions of power and identity. Your final year can also include a substantial research project, developed one-to-one with a supervisor, which can focus on a philosophical question, a political issue, or a topic that bridges both disciplines.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 90)Important Information
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching combines interactive lectures, small-group seminars and workshops, delivered by research-active philosophers and political scientists. Carefully curated reading lists and bespoke learning materials support your independent study between sessions. Guest speakers, field visits and live political engagement bring contemporary challenges into the classroom throughout your degree. Regular academic advising and formative tasks help you reflect on your progress and develop as a thinker.
In year one, extra workshop hours on every philosophy module help you transition confidently into independent university-level learning.
In years two and four, seminars become more discussion-led and policy-focused, reflecting your growing expertise across both disciplines.
In year three, you'll undertake your professional placement, supported by dedicated mentoring and remote support from UEA throughout the year.
Assessment
The course uses a wide range of formats to help you develop and demonstrate the skills employers value most. Most modules include presentations or student-led debates alongside written work. Summative assessments include essays, policy briefs, project work, oral exams and class tests, reflecting the dual analytical and practical focus of the degree.
In year one, assessments are designed to build your confidence with both philosophical writing and political analysis.
In year two, you'll take on more complex essays and policy briefs, developing your own informed voice across both disciplines.
In year three, you'll submit a reflective piece of writing discussing how your placement enabled you to apply existing skills and develop new professional ones.
In year four, you may choose to write a dissertation, supervised one-to-one by an experienced researcher in their chosen area.
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
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.
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to He Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
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.
- 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.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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. (opens in a new window)
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: