Philosophy and Politics with a Year in Industry

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.

You will spend a year in industry between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Introduction to Politics
Political Philosophy
Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Global Justice and Human Rights
The History of Political Thought
Philosophy of the Enlightenment
America in Crisis: From the Tet Offensive to Trump
and others

The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team.

Your final year will include a compulsory independent dissertation project. You will also typically study areas including:
The Philosophy and Politics of Identity
Capitalism and Justice
Genocide
Reality and Cognition: Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology
Africa in International Relations