Course summary
Are you curious about the ideas and ideals that underpin governments? Would you like to better understand the pressing philosophical debates of our day? Do you want to think more clearly about contemporary political issues? Our BA Politics and Philosophy gives you the chance to learn new things, challenge yourself beyond what you know, and tackle the real issues and practices around the world. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of current affairs and learn how to apply critical thinking and effective problem-solving skills to contemporary political issues. Our degree will equip you with a broad range of skills and knowledge that will open doors to a variety of career paths. You’ll explore a variety of political areas, including comparative politics, political theory, and global security. You’ll learn how to apply philosophy to contemporary issues, enabling you to think critically and effectively about the world around you. By combining politics with philosophy, you will open a world of possibilities for your future career across the private, public or charitable sectors. Whether you're interested in working as a parliamentary assistant, councillor, civil servant, researcher, or policy analyst, our course can help you achieve your career goals. Our school alumni have secured jobs at top organisations such as AON, the BBC, Citibank, Civil Service, House of Commons, and Unison.
Modules
In year one, you will typically take modules that are designed to introduce you to key concepts and theories across the broad field of politics and philosophy. You will explore political theory, comparative politics and start to learn about philosophical thinking. Optional modules cover gender, justice, and society; history of philosophy; metaphysics, science and language; and philosophy of religions. In year two, you choose 60 credits from each politics and philosophy modules. You could choose to look at national identity or global security, ethics or European philosophy. In year three, you will have the option to write a dissertation based on a topic of your choice under the supervision of a member of staff. You may also choose from a wide range of modules related to our research areas.
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
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:
- N84
- Campus name:
- University Park Campus
- 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) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AABBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher - AA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A
Extended Project - A
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M1, M2
GCSE/National 4/National 5
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) - A
European Baccalaureate - 80% Overall
Student Outcomes
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 | £9250* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
EU | £23000* | Year 1 |
International | £23000* | 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
Provider information
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
Course contact details
Visit our course pageUndergraduate admissions
+44 (0) 115 951 5559