Philosophy and Politics BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Philosophy and Politics BA (Hons)
Summary
Philosophy and politics explore how societies are organised and how decisions are made. Together, they help you understand power, justice and the role of individuals within a wider system.
On this course, you will examine fundamental questions about freedom, democracy and the legitimacy of the state. You will study key ideas in philosophy alongside political theory, exploring how abstract concepts connect to real world issues.
You will engage with topics ranging from classical thought to contemporary debates, including climate chan...
<strong>Summary</strong><br/><br/>Philosophy and politics explore how societies are organised and how decisions are made. Together, they help you understand power, justice and the role of individuals within a wider system.<br/><br/>On this course, you will examine fundamental questions about freedom, democracy and the legitimacy of the state. You will study key ideas in philosophy alongside political theory, exploring how abstract concepts connect to real world issues.<br/><br/>You will engage with topics ranging from classical thought to contemporary debates, including climate change, international trade, and questions of sex and gender. This combined approach will help you analyse complex global challenges from different perspectives.<br/><br/>As you progress, you will develop skills in critical thinking, argument 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 Philosophy, Politics 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, embedded across the course.<br/><br/>Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.<br/><br/>Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.<br/><br/><strong>Student support</strong><br/><br/>You will be taught by experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your work.<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 Philosophy and Politics 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
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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
VL52
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
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 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
32
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points 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 their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
Distinction, Distinction, Merit 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,H3,H3
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 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 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A 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.
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,M2,M2
D3 M2 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 AB at A 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.
A level
A,B,B
Typical Offer: ABB 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: BBB and grade A in the EPQ 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. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
ABB from 3 A levels or AB from two A levels and B 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 | £26,000 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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