Philosophy and Politics BA
Year of entry 2023
- UCAS code
- LV25
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- JointHonoursArts@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This joint honours degree develops your understanding of modern political systems, and also explores fundamental questions about the world and our place in it.
Core modules will introduce you to key principles and topics in each subject area. You can then choose from a wide selection of optional modules, meaning you can tailor your degree to suit your interests, not just within politics and philosophy, but also across the University.
You could study topics as diverse as development, ancient philosophy, political philosophy, the nature of knowledge and the self, electioneering, the ethics of life and death, international relations, the history of ideas and political issues in regions ranging from the USA to Africa and China.
Course details
This joint honours degree enables you to study the same core modules as students on a single honours course, but you’ll choose fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.
Core modules in your first year will introduce you to key topics and approaches in philosophy and politics, from ethics and logic, to comparative politics around the world.
You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules in topics such as philosophy of the mind and global development challenges, or take discovery modules from across the wider University.
From this foundation, you’ll build your knowledge and skills over the next two years with a wider range of choice. You’ll choose a module within theoretical philosophy (encompassing philosophy of logic, language, knowledge, and reality) and then focus on whichever area interests you, ranging from political philosophy and feminism to philosophy of science and religion. You’ll also select one political system to study in depth such as the UK or China, alongside optional modules on topics including foreign policy, security studies, and international relations.
Throughout your course, you’ll build an impressive range of subject knowledge, learn to think clearly and construct effective arguments and develop research and analytical skills. In your final year you’ll also have the chance to showcase these skills, when you focus on a subject of your choice to undertake a final year project.
This means you graduate with extensive subject knowledge, plus a range of practical transferable skills, helping you to succeed in the world of work or further study.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong | 20 |
| How to Think Clearly and Argue Well | 20 |
| Comparative Politics | 20 |
| Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Magic, Science and Religion | 10 |
| History of Psychology | 10 |
| Introduction to the History of Science | 10 |
| Darwin, Germs and the Bomb | 10 |
| The Mind | 10 |
| Knowledge, Self and Reality | 20 |
| British Politics | 20 |
| Global Development Challenges | 20 |
| Making of the Modern World | 20 |
| International Politics | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Language | 20 |
| Formal Logic | 20 |
| Ethics of Life and Death | 10 |
| Introduction to Epistemology | 20 |
| Introduction to Metaphysics | 20 |
| The Labour Party Since 1945 | 20 |
| Spin Doctors and Electioneering | 20 |
| Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century | 20 |
| Justice, Community and Conflict | 20 |
| Thinking About Race | 10 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 |
| Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 |
| Politics Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Philosophy of Mind | 20 |
| Feminist Philosophy | 20 |
| War, Terror and Justice | 20 |
| The Politics of national identity in the UK | 20 |
| International Development and Social Policy | 20 |
| Gender and Security in Global Politics | 20 |
| Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases | 20 |
| Religion, Belief and Ethics | 20 |
| Religion and Mental Health | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science and the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) are both home to tutors who are experts in their fields.
To help you make the most of their knowledge and experience, we use a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and occasionally workshops. However, independent study is central to the degree, since it gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in research and analysis.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a range of different assessment methods, which usually include exams and essays but may also incorporate group work or oral presentations in some modules. We offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds, such as extra classes on public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
School of Politics and International Studies
Contact us
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Admissions
Email: JointHonoursArts@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
A joint honours degree in Philosophy and Politics is varied and challenging. It equips you with broad and deep knowledge of two subjects, as well as a range of transferable skills that are attractive to employers across industries and sectors.
You’ll be a confident communicator, who can present and defend your arguments clearly whether verbally or in writing. You’ll work well in a team or individually, and you’ll have excellent research and analytical skills. You’ll also have great organisational skills because you’ve studied two very different subjects.
Graduates have been successful in a range of careers as a result, including politics and the civil service as well as management, the charity sector, journalism, the media and education. Many others have progressed to postgraduate study in related disciplines.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.
Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Student profile: Avigail Kohn
The interconnection between subjects is something that I really enjoy about my course.Find out more about Avigail Kohn's time at Leeds