Philosophy and Politics, BA

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to key topics and approaches in philosophy and politics, from ethics, political philosophy and how to construct arguments to comparative politics around the world. You'll also be able to choose from optional modules across topics such as philosophy of the mind, and development challenges, or take discovery modules from across the University.

From this foundation, you'll build your knowledge and skills over the next two years with a wider range of choice. You'll choose a central philosophy module to study and then be free to focus on whichever area suits you, ranging from political philosophy and ethics to philosophy of science sand religion. You'll also select one political system to study in depth such as the UK or China, alongside options including development, security studies, international relations or political psychology.

Throughout the degree you'll build an impressive range of subject knowledge, learn to think clearly and construct effective arguments and develop research and analytical skills. In your final year you'll also have the chance to showcase these skills, when you focus on a subject of your choice to undertake an independent research project or dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  • 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.

    You'll be a confident communicator, who can present and defend your arguments clearly whether verbally or in writing. You'll work well in a team or individually, and you'll have excellent research and analytical skills. Because you've juggled two different subjects, you'll also have good organisational skills.

    Graduates have been successful in a range of careers as a result, including politics and the civil service as well as management, the charity sector, journalism, the media and education. Many others have progressed to postgraduate study in related disciplines.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • 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.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    Work placements

    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.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.