Philosophy and Politics (including Year Abroad)

The Philosophy and Politics (including Year Abroad) undergraduate degree at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of two fundamental disciplines that shape modern society. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts alongside the practical and theoretical aspects of political science. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics such as ethics, political ideologies, international relations, public policy, and the nature of knowledge and reality. The inclusion of a Year Abroad further enriches the academic experience, providing students with the opportunity to study in an international setting, immerse themselves in diverse cultural perspectives, and develop global citizenship skills.

The curriculum is structured to foster rigorous academic inquiry, encouraging students to examine complex political issues through philosophical lenses and vice versa. Core modules cover foundational themes in political theory, philosophy of mind, ethics, and contemporary political challenges, while optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as human rights, environmental politics, or political philosophy. The Year Abroad typically takes place in partner universities across Europe or other available destinations, offering students the chance to enhance their language skills, adapt to new educational environments, and build a global network of peers and professionals.

Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in public service, policy analysis, diplomacy, international organizations, academia, journalism, or further postgraduate study. The programme is supported by highly experienced academic staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering critical debate and innovative research. Whether students are interested in understanding the theoretical foundations of society or actively shaping the future of political discourse, the Philosophy and Politics (including Year Abroad) degree at Essex provides a robust platform for intellectual growth and professional development.

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

Year abroad

Year 4

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 degree programme at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of two fundamental disciplines that examine the nature of human existence, society, and governance. This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of political systems, philosophical principles, and ethical considerations. The programme typically spans three years for full-time students, with an optional year abroad, providing valuable international experience and cultural exposure that enhances students' academic and personal development. The Year Abroad component usually involves studying at partner universities across the globe, such as in Europe, North America, or Australasia, allowing students to experience different political and philosophical traditions firsthand.

Within the curriculum, students are introduced to core topics such as political theory, comparative politics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, alongside specialized modules that may cover contemporary political issues, human rights, democracy, and justice. The programme encourages critical engagement with philosophical texts and political debates, fostering skills that are highly valued in careers across government, NGOs, academia, journalism, and public policy. The faculty members involved in delivering this programme are renowned scholars with extensive research experience, offering students mentorship and opportunities for research projects, seminars, and engagement with current issues in philosophy and politics.

The university’s strong emphasis on research-led teaching ensures that students are exposed to the latest academic developments in the fields of philosophy and politics. The campus facilities include modern libraries, dedicated philosophy and politics departments, and access to digital resources. The programme also benefits from the university’s vibrant student community, with numerous societies, debates, events, and internships that provide practical experience and networking opportunities. Graduates of the programme often proceed to postgraduate studies or enter professions where their critical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge are highly sought after, such as in law, public administration, international relations, or further philosophical research. Overall, the Philosophy and Politics (including Year Abroad) programme at the University of Essex offers a rigorous academic journey that prepares students for meaningful engagement with complex societal issues and provides a solid foundation for diverse career paths.