Philosophy and Politics

The Philosophy and Politics programme at Durham University offers students a comprehensive exploration of two interconnected disciplines that address fundamental questions about human nature, society, and governance. Designed to provide a rigorous academic experience, this programme combines philosophical inquiry into concepts of ethics, truth, justice, and knowledge with an analysis of political institutions, theory, and policy. Students will engage with classic and contemporary philosophical texts, developing critical thinking skills and the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments. Simultaneously, they will examine various political systems, ideologies, and the challenges faced by modern democracies and authoritarian regimes. The curriculum is carefully structured to foster interdisciplinary understanding, encouraging students to analyze how philosophical ideas influence political thought and practice, and vice versa. Throughout the course, students will participate in seminars, workshops, and debates that develop their analytical, research, and communication skills. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical reasoning and the role of philosophy and politics in addressing real-world issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice. With access to world-class faculty, extensive resources, and vibrant academic communities, students are supported in their journey to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens. Whether aiming for careers in law, public policy, academia, or the civil service, graduates of Durham’s Philosophy and Politics programme will possess a solid intellectual foundation, critical skills, and a global perspective essential for making meaningful contributions in their professional and personal lives. The flexible structure of the degree allows students to tailor their learning to specific interests within philosophy and politics, fostering the development of specialized expertise while maintaining a broad, interdisciplinary outlook.

Content

Year 1

In their first year, all students take the Philosophy core modules of Ethics and Values, Knowledge and Reality, and Reading Philosophy. The first two of these concern the two broad divisions of Philosophy, into Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge on the one hand, and Moral Philosophy on the other.

Reading Philosophy is a text-based course which examines in depth classic works by writers such as Plato, Hume and Sartre. Students take comparably core modules in Politics.

Years 2 and 3

In the second year, all students take Moral Theory and Political Philosophy.

In the second and third years, students also have a choice of a wide range of topics within Philosophy. In previous years these have included:

• Philosophy of Mind
• Modern Philosophy I and II
• Theory, Literature and Society
• Gender, Film and Society
• Issues in Contemporary Ethics
• Philosophy of Religion
• Metaphysics
• Language, Logic and Reality
• Twentieth Century European Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• The Philosophy of Economics and Politics: Theory, Methods and Values
• Applied Ethics
• Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science
• History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
• Biomedical Ethics Past and Present.

There is an equally broad choice of modules within Politics. You will also have the opportunity to study a subject in depth, by writing a substantial Dissertation of your choice.

Study Abroad

We participate in exchange schemes through which you may spend a year of your studies abroad, either with universities in Europe – through the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme – or with the University of California.

School of Government and International Affairs

Students can apply for a one-year study placement in one of the following institutions: the University of California and Boston College in the USA, British Columbia in Canada, the University of Hong Kong, and the National University of Singapore. In some cases courses are offered in English, while in others teaching is in the local language. We have an ERASMUS/Year Abroad Co-ordinator who will help you prepare for your year abroad, and who will maintain contact with you while you are away.

Subject requirements, level and grade

• To study Philosophy and Politics you must have AAA at A-level, or the equivalent, in arts or science subjects. Philosophy at AS or A- level is not a requirement.
• For Philosophy and Politics, you will also need grade A in at least one social science or humanities subject at GCSE and A-level.
• We consider each application holistically. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference. 
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
• An interview may form part of the entry requirements for mature students with non-standard qualifications.
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
• Please note we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The Philosophy and Politics program at Durham University offers a comprehensive overview of funding options available to prospective and current students. Undergraduate students can apply for a variety of financing sources to support their studies, including government-backed loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries. In the UK, students are generally eligible for the Student Loan Company loans, which cover tuition fees and provide maintenance support for living expenses. These loans are repayable after graduation, based on income levels, and are a common funding resource for UK residents studying at Durham University.

International students pursuing the Philosophy and Politics program may have access to specific scholarships and bursaries aimed at supporting their studies in the UK, which can vary by region of origin and academic achievement. Durham University offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs and provide additional financial support for international students. These scholarships are competitive and typically require excellent academic records, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

In addition to governmental and institutional funding, students are encouraged to seek external sources of financing, such as private scholarships, grants from charitable organizations, and sponsorships from industry partners. The university’s financial aid office provides detailed advice and guidance on these opportunities, as well as assistance with the application processes.

For postgraduate students enrolled in the Philosophy and Politics program, there are numerous options including postgraduate loans, research grants, and funding competitions. Many postgraduate funding opportunities are aimed at supporting research-related expenses, conference travel, and living costs. Durham University also encourages students to explore part-time work opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income during their studies.

Students are advised to start researching financing options early, ideally before the beginning of their course, to ensure they meet application deadlines and qualification criteria. The university’s website provides comprehensive information on available funding, eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines. Ensuring adequate financial preparation allows students to focus more fully on their academic pursuits and enjoy their university experience without undue financial stress.

The Philosophy and Politics program at Durham University offers students an in-depth exploration of two vital disciplines that together provide a comprehensive understanding of human thought, societal structures, and political processes. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of complex philosophical questions alongside an investigation into political theories, institutions, and contemporary issues. Students engage with classical and contemporary texts in philosophy, examining topics such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy, while also exploring the functioning of modern political systems, international relations, and policy analysis. The curriculum is structured to foster interdisciplinary insights, encouraging students to draw connections between philosophical ideas and political realities.

Students can expect to participate in a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, supported by a dedicated academic staff with expertise in diverse areas of philosophy and politics. Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, projects, and exams, aimed at evaluating students’ understanding, reasoning, and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. The program places a strong emphasis on developing writing and argumentation skills, preparing graduates for careers in law, public policy, civil service, academia, journalism, or further postgraduate study.

Durham University boasts a rich tradition of strong academic support and vibrant student communities. The program is complemented by opportunities for extracurricular engagement, such as debates, guest lectures, and conferences, providing students with practical exposure and networking possibilities. The university's campus offers modern facilities and resources, including access to a comprehensive library and digital databases, facilitating extensive research and independent study.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the development of global perspectives by addressing both national and international issues, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex social and political challenges worldwide. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to critically evaluate different viewpoints and develop their own reasoned positions on moral, philosophical, and political questions. Graduates from the Philosophy and Politics program at Durham are well-equipped with the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a broad range of careers, or to pursue further academic interests at postgraduate level.