Philosophy and Politics

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 change, international trade, and questions of sex and gender. This combined approach will help you analyse complex global challenges from different perspectives.

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).

Key features of the course

Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Philosophy, Politics and other disciplines.

Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.

Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, embedded across the course.

Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.

Student support

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.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

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.

Find out more on our course page.

The programme is designed to ensure that your learning is progressive. You will move from developing foundational skills in Philosophy and Politics in the first year, to leading your own self-directed research project in the final year.

Year 1: Develop foundational skills in critical thinking and analysis, through modules such as Reason and Argument and Introduction to International Relations.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding of both subjects and the links between them, with the dedicated module Rationality, Preference, Wellbeing and Fairness.
Year 3: Personalise your degree through a self-directed dissertation project on any topic in Philosophy and/or Politics, and will choose from a range of specialist modules, each led by active researchers in the field.

You will also have the option of further tailoring your degree by choosing optional modules outside of Philosophy and Politics, with subjects including digital humanities and modern languages.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as debates, essays, oral presentations, developing websites, dissertations, individual and group projects, written and practical exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.