BA Philosophy and Politics

philosophy-1900X800

Undergraduate

BA Philosophy and Politics

Engage with philosophy and consider how it relates to politics. Opt to spend three months at Westminster or studying abroad.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

120 points

A Level grades: BBB

UCAS code

LV25

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Here, you'll learn in what we call the ‘the Hull way’. You don't just receive ideas and instruction: you learn how to engage, to debate, to influence and to lead.

Studying philosophy and politics together teaches you to think about matters of fundamental importance from a wider perspective.

Experts in both of these complementary disciplines teach on this combined Honours course. They work together to make this degree more integrated than similar courses run elsewhere.

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2020 prospectus

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Six reasons to study Philosophy and Politics at Hull

  1. Rated 96% by students for learning resources*
  2. 88-92% graduate employability rating†
  3. One of the largest Westminster placement schemes
  4. Opt to spend time in Year 3 studying abroad
  5. Debate the big issues and challenge assumptions
  6. Visit the heart of European politics in Brussels

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Core

    British Political History since 1945

    The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.

    Science and Society

    This module introduces you to the history and philosophy of science, examining the nature of scientific knowledge and practice set in its historical and social context. 

    Philosophy, History and Ideology

    Learn how to analyse the structure of contemporary political ideologies and assess the historical interrelations between key philosophical concepts and their political implications.

    Introduction to the Politics of the World Economy

    Explore how politics defines the power map of the world's economy and provides the constitution for markets. 

    Contemporary Political Issues

    Develop your critical thinking and analytical skills by considering views, debates and policies on topics such as immigration, environment, UK political crises, domestic terrorism and human rights.

    Knowing Now: Applied Philosophy in a Contemporary World

    Discover a range of concepts, perspectives and skills, examining topics like knowledge, truth and belief, ethics and moral philosophy – and their relevance and application in modern life.

Second year modules

  • Core

    History of Political Thought

    You'll learn about the thoughts and historical context of some of the world's most important philosophers and political theorists Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Marx (among others).

    British Government

    In the age of Brexit, who governs Britain? Discover the institutions of the British state, from Downing Street to the devolved assemblies, and from the Conservatives to Labour.

    Paths of Research

    Discover the research techniques and skills used in the study of politics. This module unpacks everything you'll need for conducting research in your own area of interest.

  • Optional

    Moral Philosophy

    Study key issues such as the nature of morality, moral truth and moral epistemology. And we'll encourage you to reflect critically on the foundations of morality.

    Theorising Gender

    Examine theories of gender relations, looking at masculinity and femininity, the relationship of gender and sexuality and the intersections of gender with other social divisions. 

    Understanding States and Markets: An Introduction to Political Economy

    Discover the history of ideas in political economy, and their modern relevance. You’ll explore the work of Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Friedrich Hayek and Joseph Stiglitz.

    Contemporary Epistemology

    This module examines the nature of knowledge. What is knowledge? What's the difference between knowledge and belief? Does knowing something depend on your viewpoint?

    Understanding the European Union

    Learn about the history and politics of the European Union. You'll consider its core policies, including the European Single Market, environmental policy and the implications of Brexit.

    Understanding America

    An introduction to the political culture and institutions of the USA. You'll consider America's international role and the relationship between its domestic and international policies.

    Terrorism, War and Ethics

    Explore the history and evolution of terrorism, its impacts and the ethical arguments around it. You'll study violent political groups from the 19th century to the present day.

Final year modules

  • Choose one

    Contemporary Political Philosophy

    How should we think about justice, equality, liberty and democracy? Explore ways of addressing these topics through critical readings of leading political philosophers.

    One-Trimester Internship

    Apply knowledge learned on your degree in a real working environment on one of our unique internship opportunities - enhance your chance of getting a job at the same time.

    One Trimester Abroad

    An opportunity to study for a semester abroad at any of our partner institutions. Select a number of modules on offer from the host institution to count towards your degree.

  • Optional

    Dangerous Minds

    Study the relationship between ideas, the people who promote them, and political practice. From Plato, to Machiavelli, explore just how influential and dangerous ideas can be.

    Short Dissertation

    This module enables you to undertake independent research on a question of your choice. Working with an academic across your final semester, you'll write a 6,000-word dissertation.

    Gender, Science and Knowledge

    This is an overview of the ways of theorising the relationship between gender, science, and knowledge. It explores the concepts of objectivity, rationality and nature. 

    Critics of Capitalism

    Study some of the most important critics of capitalist societies. You'll explore issues such as capitalist oppression, exploitation and the corruption of music and art.

    UK Politics in an Age of Austerity and Brexit

    Examine contemporary debates on economic, social and political renewal. You'll cover topics such as: Brexit, austerity, foreign policy and the future of the welfare state.

    Conflicts in British Culture

    Who are the British? What do they believe in? Explore key cultural conficts, such as free speech, gay marriage, feminism, transgenderism, Brexit, multi-culturalism and abortion.

    Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union

    This module focuses on the theoretical and empirical context in which democracy and legitimacy have become existential challenges for the European Union.

    Germany in the New Europe

    This module assesses the reunified Germany and its role in the new Europe. You'll learn about Germany's political parties, its government and its main policies.

    Detection, Depiction, Deception

    Explore the theories of the nature of photography and photographic images, centred on the contested idea that photographs have a special relation to reality. 

    Politics of the Environment

    Analyse attitudes towards the environment and the politics of the environmental movement, pressure groups, political parties, states, the EU and international organisations.

    Dissertation

    You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

216 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

984 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

55%
45%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

216 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

984 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

35%
8%
57%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

156 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,044 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

30%
2%
68%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Lucy Dunwell Politics houses of parliament
Lucy Dunwell Politics

Why I chose Politics at Hull

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Lucy Dunwell Politics outside houses of parliament

Work experience

In your final year, there are internship opportunities to boost your CV and apply the theory you've learned in the real world.

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Study abroad

In the final year, there is an opportunity to study for a semester abroad at any of our partner institutions.

Entry requirements

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from 

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications 

  • IB Diploma: 30 points
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 45 credits at merit

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Take a tour of the facilities

Our Philosophy and Politics students benefit from 24/7 access to the Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

Home / EU

£9,250 per year*

International

£14,500 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £9,203 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

Scholarships

If you achieve

112 UCAS tariff points or above

from 3 A levels or equivalent, you could receive

£1,200 to £2,000

Find out more

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Civil service
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Public relations
  • Public affairs

This joint course helps to prepare you for a variety of careers including working with political parties, think tanks, the Civil Service, human rights work, lobbying, international organisations, charity work, teaching, journalism and public relations. You can also choose to go on to further study.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*96% for student satisfaction with learning resources in philosophy: National Student Survey 2019, HEIs

†88% of philosophy and 92% of politics students in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018