BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LV25
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
The big questions facing society are both political and philosophical. Is democracy broken? Can we achieve environmental justice? Should 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.
Your politics and philosophy degree at UEA will offer you a range of module options covering fascinating historical and contemporary topics in philosophy, political theory and political philosophy, as well as a solid foundation through core modules exploring the philosophical and political landscape of past and current debates.
UEA’s Philosophy and Politics degree is designed to allow you to engage equally with both disciplines. You can also shape the degree in the direction of your core interests which might align more to one or the other subject. Your choice of optional modules will define the way in which this degree will shape your future career path. The philosophy experts at UEA are engaged in issues that relate to the future of our planet – and to future generations. Alongside the Western intellectual and cultural heritage, from the Ancient Greeks to the great works of modern political philosophy in the West, you’ll be invited to take a module in world philosophies that covers an array of thinkers from the Middle East and Asia. You could further explore the influence of culture on a series of political issues by choosing modules in philosophy of literature and aesthetics.
UEA’s political scientists and international relations experts will guide your study of democracy’s philosophical underpinnings and will help you understand better the clash between different world views, and the ideological basis of utopian political systems.
You’ll come to appreciate why philosophy is so central to politics – and why all politicians should have a better grasp of different traditions of thought. We sometimes see politicians and commentators who are let down by sloppy thinking, their inability to detect and deflect the shoddy rhetoric of the interviewers, or their simple misunderstandings of basic distinctions. These are traps that you will be able to avoid in your future careers thus making a difference to how a future political order might look like.
By year 2, you’ll feel well-equipped to decide which aspects of philosophy and politics you want to pursue further. You can pursue either an equal number of modules in each subject or opt for a more specialised cluster of modules (either in philosophy or political science). You will take one compulsory keystone module, which will give you the opportunity to combine the skills, methods and concepts from philosophy and politics. You can further deepen your understanding of politico-philosophical topics by choosing a complementary module in year 3. In your final year, you’ll pursue a research-led project where you will write a dissertation on a topic that closely reflects your interests and theoretical strengths.
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 will 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 will 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 will discover how radical and bold ideas have shaped the social and political worlds we currently inhabit. You will also be guided in chosing 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.
How you’ll spend your time:
- 35% Teaching
- 65% Independent learning
Throughout the 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 will have an individual academic adviser throughout the course of your studies. They will provide academic and career guidance, and with the help of the specialized services they will also support your wellbeing.
During your time at UEA, you will 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.
Assessment
The 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 will 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 strength or interest lies, 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 will get the chance to apply the skills you are 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 will 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
The assessments are at the module level and consist of a mixture of creative projects, written exams, peer presentations, and essays. All assessments will be preceded by formative work upon which you will 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 will 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 challenging 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 will 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
The 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 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.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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:
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.