Philosophy and Politics

Some of the major issues in recent times, such as the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit, the American presidency of Trump, climate change and Covid-19, have not only generated substantial interest in politics, but have also prompted reflection on key philosophical concepts such as democracy, freedom, truth and justice.

The BA Philosophy and Politics degree at Swansea University enables you to explore fundamental questions about the world around us and the kind of society that we want to live in. These include what it means to be free, the most desirable form of democracy, the nature of the self, and how to live a morally good life. You will also be able to engage with more theoretical issues, such as debates about truth and reality, whilst learning about political methodologies and political institutions.

The programme also offers you opportunities to develop a range of important skills, such as critical reasoning, argument development, and ethical and political analysis. By exploring the ways that philosophy and politics connect, and how they can be combined, you will be able to understand, and engage with, the major social challenges that we face.

You will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

You will be joining a high-performing department, where Philosophy is currently ranked:

• 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)*
• 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
• 7th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1-26, NSS 2025.

Politics at Swansea is also ranked:

• 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
• Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*
• In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your first year of study is made up of compulsory modules covering a range of themes. Compulsory modules are studied by all students on the programme, meaning you are automatically enrolled. Examples of compulsory modules include:
• Introduction to Politics
• Political Philosophy

In your second and third year you will study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, from an expansive range of subject areas. Examples of optional modules in recent years have included:
• Contemporary Moral Controversies
• Freedom, Angst and the Embodied Self: Themes in Continental Philosophy
• Philosophy of Mind and Emotion
• The Family and Children: Ethics and Policy
• Capitalism and Justice: Inequality, Power and Prosperity in Contemporary Economies
Your final year will include a compulsory independent dissertation project.
For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage.

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:

• Presentations
• Group Work
• Original Writing

Throughout your undergraduate Philosophy and Politics degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-philosophy-politics or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk