Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)
Summary
Economics and philosophy together help you understand how the world works and how it could be different.
On this course, you will explore questions about human welfare, social justice and economic systems. You will study how resources are distributed and decisions are made, alongside philosophical ideas about ethics, responsibility and reason.
By combining these disciplines, you will learn to analyse complex problems from different perspectives. You will engage with real world challenges such as climate change and artificial intell...
<strong>Summary</strong><br/><br/>Economics and philosophy together help you understand how the world works and how it could be different.<br/><br/>On this course, you will explore questions about human welfare, social justice and economic systems. You will study how resources are distributed and decisions are made, alongside philosophical ideas about ethics, responsibility and reason.<br/><br/>By combining these disciplines, you will learn to analyse complex problems from different perspectives. You will engage with real world challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, connecting theory with practice.<br/><br/>As you progress, you will develop strong skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication, preparing you for a wide range of careers and further study. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025)<br/><br/><strong>Key features of the course</strong><br/><br/>Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Economics, Philosophy and other disciplines.<br/><br/>Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.<br/><br/>Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, including a dedicated module on internships and professional development.<br/><br/>Use specialist facilities such as the Social Sciences laboratory and the Financial Laboratory, a realistic trading room environment.<br/><br/>Explore ideas using digital humanities facilities, including virtual reality, 3D scanning.<br/><br/><strong>Student support</strong><br/><br/>You will be taught by experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your approach to problem solving.<br/><br/>You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.<br/><br/><strong>Further information</strong><br/><br/>BA Economics and Philosophy is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.<br/><br/>Find out more on our course page.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
VL51
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
D:39,M:6,P:0
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,D3,M2
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA in two A levels. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A level
A,A,B
Typical Offer: AAB and grade 6 in GCSE Maths If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB plus grade A in the EPQ. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
AAB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £24,800 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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