Philosophy and Politics

The Philosophy and Politics degree at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of fundamental issues in both philosophical inquiry and political analysis. This program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced perspective on contemporary political challenges through the rigorous study of political theories, philosophical debates, and real-world applications. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including ethics, justice, human rights, governance, political ideologies, and the nature of knowledge and reality. The curriculum combines core modules in philosophy, such as logic, ethics, and metaphysics, with essential politics modules covering international relations, comparative politics, and public policy. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to question assumptions, engage in lively debates, and develop well-informed arguments. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers, including law, journalism, public policy, diplomacy, and further academic research. It also fosters transferable skills such as critical analysis, research methodology, and effective communication. With access to diverse resources, expert faculty, and opportunities for placement and study abroad, students can personalize their educational experience to align with their interests and career ambitions. Graduates of the Philosophy and Politics program leave equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex societal issues and participate actively and thoughtfully in civic life. This degree not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages students to become engaged, reflective, and responsible global citizens.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Philosophy;
Introduction to Politics;
Death, God and the Meaning of Life or one first-year option; and
one first-year option

Year 2

Conceptual Foundations of Modernity or one philosophy option(s);
Ethics or one philosophy option(s);
Introduction to Political Theory; and
one politics option(s)

Year 3

Contemporary Political Philosophy;
one philosophy option; and
two politics options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Philosophy and Politics program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of two interconnected disciplines that are fundamental to understanding human society and governance. This interdisciplinary course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and political systems. Students enrolled in this program will examine the historical development of political ideas, the nature of political authority, justice, and democracy, alongside core philosophical questions concerning morality, knowledge, and existence. The curriculum includes modules that cover a wide range of topics such as political theory, epistemology, ethical theory, international relations, and contemporary political issues.

The program emphasizes active learning through seminars, tutorials, and independent research, encouraging students to engage in debate, develop their own arguments, and critically analyze various perspectives. It also offers opportunities for students to specialize or diversify their studies by choosing modules that focus on specific areas such as human rights, political ideologies, or metaphysics. The academic staff are renowned experts in their fields, providing a rich learning environment with access to current debates and research.

Graduates of the Philosophy and Politics program are well-equipped for careers in public policy, law, journalism, academia, and international organizations, as well as for further postgraduate study. The University of Essex's strong emphasis on research-led teaching ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments in both philosophy and politics, fostering a comprehensive understanding of complex societal issues. The program is typically structured over three or four years for full-time study, with options for part-time students to undertake the degree over a longer period. Overall, this program aims to produce thoughtful, informed, and critically-minded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to contemporary societal debates.