Philosophy and Politics, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Some of the major issues in recent times, such as the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit, the American presidency of Trump, climate change and Covid-19, have not only generated substantial interest in politics, but have also prompted reflection on key philosophical concepts such as democracy, freedom, truth and justice.

The BA Philosophy and Politics degree at Swansea University enables you to explore fundamental questions about the world around us and the kind of society that we want to live in. These include what it means to be free, the most desirable form of democracy, the nature of the self, and how to live a morally good life. You will also be able to engage with more theoretical issues, such as debates about truth and reality, whilst learning about political methodologies and political institutions.

The programme also offers you opportunities to develop a range of important skills, such as critical reasoning, argument development, and ethical and political analysis. By exploring the ways that philosophy and politics connect, and how they can be combined, you will be able to understand and engage with the major social challenges that we face.

Why Philosophy and Politics at Swansea?

You will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. 

You will be joining a high-performing department, where Philosophy is currently ranked:

  • 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)*
  • 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 7th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1-26, NSS 2025.

Politics at Swansea is also ranked:

  • 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
  • Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*
  • In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Philosophy and Politics Experience

The first year of the programme offers a grounding in core topics in politics and philosophy, including areas such as political philosophy, which sits at the intersection of the two subjects, and demonstrates the important ways in which they can combine and enrich each other. Other modules will introduce you to essential political and research methods, alongside data analysis. This provides a fundamental basis in philosophy and politics, which is built upon in each subsequent year.

In years two and three, you can explore how philosophical visions of ideal societies have been formulated throughout the history of Western society, examining historical attempts to realise these ideals. Other modules will explore historical and contemporary issues across politics and philosophy, and will also consider how equality intersects with economic and political policy, and decision-making.

Reflecting the nature of philosophy and politics, the primary mode of assessment is written essays, in which you can undertake detailed analysis of existing philosophical ideas and arguments, as well as developing your own. However, the programme includes a diverse range of assessment types, including paired critical exchanges, policy reports and analyses, group presentations, audio-visual dialogues, reading diaries and oral exams. These are designed to foster your effective communication skills across a range of media and formats, as well as team-working skills and technological competencies.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA. 

Philosophy and Politics Employment Opportunities

This programme embeds opportunities for you to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking, teamwork and communication through assessments, presentations and collaborative projects. As a first-year student, you will attend an introductory employability session, designed to orient you towards career pathways and the support available at Swansea University.

Modules also include integrated skills-development sessions, designed in collaboration with our Centre for Academic Success, to help you to build core academic, digital, and professional competencies from the outset of your studies.

We maintain strong links with departments across the University, to promote joint events and opportunities. You will have opportunities to undertake research internships within the department through short, medium, and long-term funded schemes and competitive opportunities, which support your involvement in ongoing staff research projects.

Graduates with a degree in philosophy go on to undertake further study as well as graduate-level employment. Our graduates are employed all around the world, and enter careers in sectors including:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government and Politics
  • Humanitarian Organisations
  • Law and Public Services
  • Media and Public Relations

Our students have also gained employment working for organisations such as:

  • Westminster Forum Projects
  • The Labour Party
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Philosophy and Politics, BA (Hons)

Philosophy and Politics with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)

Philosophy and Politics with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)