Study Politics and Philosophy at Hull

Choose Politics and debate the key political issues of the day, from wealth and inequality to the use of violence for political ends. Or choose Philosophy, the ultimate interdisciplinary subject, where you’ll apply creative and critical reasoning and gain skills for a rewarding career.

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We take you to the heart of contemporary debate

Here at Hull, we're at the heart of British politics with our parliamentary placement programme. This unique initiative – which gives students a trimester or year-long placement in Westminster – has been running for over 35 years.

This marriage of theory and practice is a prominent feature of our teaching and research. We don’t just say, we do. Whether it’s our strong links to Westminster or our close working ties with the British Armed Forces, we give you the opportunity to gain real-world experience and lay the groundwork for your future career.

You'll be trained to engage, to debate, to influence and to lead. The aim is to develop your portfolio of skills and knowledge relevant to public life through small-group tutorials and one-on-one supervision.

We apply this same approach to our Philosophy programme. As the ultimate interdisciplinary subject, you’ll apply creative and critical reasoning to all areas of human enquiry through a combination of foundation texts as well as important contemporary philosophical debates.

With topics such as ethics, consciousness, free will, reality, truth and justice, you’ll explore emerging issues like AI, gender, image technology, science and the environment – giving you a wider perspective on modern society, as well as skills that employers value.

The UK's biggest

Westminster placement programme

Teaching officially accredited

by Parliament¹

90+ years

Philosophy has been taught at Hull since 1928. As one of England’s oldest universities, we have a proud heritage of academic excellence.

Ranked 3rd in the UK

for Teaching Quality²

95%

of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating³

Strong links with a wide range of MPs

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Why study Politics or Philosophy at Hull?

From your first steps on campus until the day you graduate and beyond, we’re always working to bring you the very best experiences and opportunities, which means there are loads of reasons to make Hull the place to launch your career.

On our Politics degrees, you can get access to Parliament – through which we’re accredited to teach the unique and highly regarded Parliamentary Studies module – or an alternative politics-related learning placement. Our Philosophy programmes give you the chance to gain experience in mentoring through our Peer-Assisted Student Success (PASS) scheme.

Lucy Dunwell

Hear from our BA Politics and Legislative Studies on the benefits of our Westminster placement and the other reasons why she chose Hull.

Watch Lucy's storyWatch Lucy's story

Smartly-dressed Politics student, James Parker, casually leaning and smiling to the camera

Proven pathways

Politics, Philosophy and Economics degrees have produced political leaders, thinkers and commentators, from David Cameron to Robert Peston. And did you know, we were the first University outside Oxford to teach PPE?

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Where could a degree in Politics or Philosophy take you?

Our courses open doors to a range of careers in politics, journalism, business and finance, the Civil Service, law, the Armed Forces, intelligence services and more.

Many of our graduates go on to work in Westminster but our courses promote intellectual integrity and a creative approach to problem solving: key skills that all employers value.

It’s an approach that has led to 95% of our Politics students being in work or further study 15 months after graduating.³

Join the 'Hull Mafia'

Whichever of our Politics degrees you opt to study, the prospect of spending time on our Westminster placement scheme awaits. Our unique relationship with Parliament means that, wherever your interests lie, we’re most likely to be able to place you with an MP or Peer to suit.

Found throughout Westminster’s corridors of power, so numerous are Hull Politics students and graduates that they’re affectionately known as the ‘Hull Mafia’.

Time at WestminsterWatch our students in Westminster

Politics & Philosophy student Carolyn Ward leaning against window in university building

STUDY ABROAD

A world of opportunity awaits

To help you build an international perspective into your future career, we provide a wide range of opportunities to experience study and life in other parts of the world.

All of our three-year Politics programmes include the option to study a trimester in the likes of Europe, the USA, or Hong Kong – while our Global Hull service offers opportunities for every Hull student to travel and study abroad you wish.

Along the way, you’ll make unforgettable memories. But more than that, you’ll boost your confidence and your contacts.

Find out moreFind out more

Philosophy student Mayla Singh sits on sofa with an open laptop balanced on her crossed leg

RESEARCH SPECIALISTS

A the heart of political research

The School of Politics and International Studies is a dynamic community involving researchers at all levels from students to professors. Our innovative, impactful research has achieved international recognition.

Areas of research strengths include British politics, legislative studies, political theory (including British idealism and social liberalism), environmental policy, international political economy, security studies, research into the internet and end-of-life care decisions.

Regional studies – such as the European Union and its member states, Latin American politics, and Middle East politics – are also research strengths of the school.

Three of Hull’s students stand confidently together in front of the modern Allam Medical Building

BOOK YOUR OPEN DAY

Our doors are always open to unclosed minds

So whoever you are, wherever you're from and wherever you want to go, we'd love to meet you.

Book your visit now, and discover how one day at Hull can change every day.

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Got questions? We've got answers.

Details of our Parliamentary approval can be found on the official UK Parliament website.

Philosophy is ranked 3rd in the UK for teaching quality. The Times Good University Guide 2026.

95% employability (Politics), HESA Graduate Outcomes 2026.