27Jun
UndergraduateUniversity of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Challenge your thinking, shape your understanding, and explore the world’s most pressing political and philosophical questions Joint Honours degree that prepares you for both intellectual growth and real-world impact. Engage critically with key thinkers, develop essential skills and gain valuable opportunities through placements and global experiences for high employability. Through this course, you’ll develop critical skills in analysis, debate, and problem-solving, enabling you to evaluate complex ideas and make informed decisions. These transferable skills will prepare you for a wide range of careers, from policy analysis and international relations to law, business, and public service, ensuring you’re ready to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Apply your learning to real-world contexts with hands-on experience in global challenges. Our Politics and Philosophy BA offers a unique blend of political theory and philosophical inquiry, with opportunities for tailored research, a professional development module, and international study experiences. Gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, decision-making, and crisis management through prestigious Model NATO simulations in Washington, London, and Lisbon. Study under world-class academics, with access to exceptional extracurricular and career support to help you stand out in a competitive global landscape. Why study this course?
- Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing you for careers in policy, law, international relations, and business with highly transferable, in-demand skills.
- Engage in Model NATO events globally, enhancing diplomacy and crisis-management skills. The opportunity to complete a Professional Development module enables you to apply your learning in practice to significantly boost your employability.
- Shape your studies with a unique mix of political theory and philosophical inquiry, alongside independent research projects.
- Engage with world-class academics who offer personalised guidance, fostering skill and career development through seminars, supervision, and strong departmental support throughout your studies.
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the course page.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- VL52
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The Government has yet to confirm the tuition fees payable by Home students for 2026/27 and subsequent years. The provisional tuition fee shown above relates to the academic year 2025/26. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees without delay.
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT