Philosophy and Politics
UCAS code LV25
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
This programme offers a comprehensive, diverse, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating education in philosophy and politics, two subjects that are enhanced when studied in tandem.
Introduction
A detailed understanding of Philosophy enhances the study and practice of Politics. Philosophy is open-ended, questioning, and creative, and also involves the critical reading, analysis, and understanding of great philosophical texts. Politics shares these features, but also adds more elements of factual knowledge, for instance about the workings of institutions.
Year one concentrates on the development of core philosophical and political knowledge and skills through required modules, while year two consolidates this background, and allows some level of choice. The final year allows you to opt to take modules from a wide range of areas, and to become acquainted with recently developed or emerging areas of research in the disciplines.
You will become confident in working with abstract concepts and analysing real political practices, and develop skills in analytical, critical, and creative thinking. Your presentational and writing abilities will be developed to a level consistent with progression to postgraduate study and/or graduate-level employment. You will develop a number of core transferable skills, such as the ability to reconstruct and critically assess arguments, the ability to build a case for a conclusion, and time-management skills.
Year in Industry
This programme is available with a Year in Industry. Year three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. You will be supported by the School of the Arts and the Department throughout, and your reflective written account of the experience will contribute towards your final degree result. If you wish to study this programme with a Year in Industry, please put the option code ‘YI’ in the ‘Further Choices’ section of your UCAS application form.
What you'll learn
- A systematic understanding of conceptual and theoretical dimensions of key aspects and issues of both disciplines
- Confidence in using and thinking reflectively about specialised research techniques and terminology used in each discipline
- Analytical, argumentative, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Confidence in applying academic study to questions of public concern
- Conceptual understanding of the main aspects and issues of national and international politics
- In-depth knowledge of the institutions and policies within the UK and other countries
- Principles of academic writing and speaking
- The ability to relate the academic study of politics and communication to questions of public concern, and to communicate those to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Creative, critical, and independent thinking
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Efficient management of time and information
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
You will take entirely compulsory modules in your first year, which will provide the building blocks for the rest of your degree.
You will study 120 credits in each year of study. Half of your modules will be taken in Philosophy, and the other half in Politics.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In each semester, students must take 30 credits of Politics and 30 credits of Philosophy.
- SOTA260 counts as Philosophy credits and is required for the Year in Industry.
- No student may take both PHIL271 and PHIL272.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final year
Your final year is made up entirely of optional modules, giving you some flexibility in the subjects you pursue.
- In each Semester, students must take 30 credits of Politics and 30 credits of Philosophy.
- SOTA300 counts as Philosophy credits.
- Students that have taken the Year in Industry are not allowed to take SOTA300.
- Students must take at least one of PHIL306, POLI401, SOTA300 or PHIL311.
- No student may take both PHIL306 and POLI401.
- A minimum average of 60% in Year 2 is normally required for PHIL306 or POLI401.
- Students must consult with their academic advisor before taking both PHIL306 and SOTA300, or POLI401 and SOTA300 (large proportion of independent work).
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Philosophy: In studying Philosophy, you will learn how to defend your views with reasoned arguments, and to assess the arguments of others. Argumentative skills are learned through attending lectures and reading philosophical texts, developed by group seminar discussions, and formally assessed through essays and exams. You will complete modules to the value of 120 credits per year, from a wide range of options available. Most modules employ a blend of lectures, seminars, and online support materials. You will learn by reading and studying outside class time, by attending and participating in classes, by doing coursework and, for dissertations, via one-to-one meetings with a supervisor. There is also scope, both formally in the placement module and informally, for you to develop practical skills by volunteering.
Politics: Research-connected teaching is initiated in the first year with introductions to quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, and critical methodologies, which are then embedded in second- and final-year modules so that students can evaluate and apply the methodologies to construct their own analyses. Though our lectures are interactive, our seminars, workshops, computer lab sessions, dissertations, and placements form the core of our active-learning approach.
How you're assessed
Philosophy: Philosophy employs a mixture of modes of assessment: exams and coursework in many different varieties including essays, oral presentations, dissertations, exercises, and supported independent work (eg in the placement module).
Politics: We use a rich variety of assessment methods to develop students’ various skills. Essays, exams, and presentations enable students to practise core academic writing and speaking skills, while innovative assessments such as blog posts, reflective logs, group projects, podcasts, radio broadcasts, and speeches expand our authentic assessment, enabling students to deploy transferable skills in various formats. Digital fluency is also developed in different ways, including sourcing relevant material, using online learning platforms and tools, producing audio and visual materials, word processing, and statistical analysis.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus B at A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
Learn more about year in industry
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
As a student of both Philosophy and Politics, you will be taught in a variety of buildings across campus. Both Departments are based in Abercromby Square, and will provide you with support and guidance from your very first day.
Explore where you'll study
A day in the life of Philosophy student Alfie
Inside Politics. A conversation with Juliana Christianson and Dr Gemma Bird
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Philosophy at Liverpool?
- Our students’ study some of the most profound questions facing humankind, in a city renowned for its rich history of culture, protest and philosophical debate
- Our friendly, down-to earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable as well as intellectually stimulating
- We have a long history of combining research excellence in core areas of philosophy with innovative work at the frontiers of the discipline: from literature to spirituality, Chinese philosophy to animal ethics, neo-Platonism to feminism
- Ranked 4th in the sector for outstanding (4*) research impact (REF 2021)
- We work as part of our amazing city; working with partners in the Bluecoat Gallery, Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, NHS and more to inspire our thinking and the practices of our communities
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Politics student Phoebe shares her experience of studying at Liverpool
Careers and employability
Graduating with a degree in philosophy will empower you to delve into the profound questions that shape human existence but also position you as a valuable asset in today’s competitive job market.
The School has its own placements and employability officer, and you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or a year in industry as part of your programme.
Graduates in Philosophy obtain work in fields such as:
- advertising and marketing;
- the arts, broadcasting and journalism;
- commerce and management;
- the civil service, law and politics;
- teaching.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
The Honorable Wendy Beetlestone, BA (Hons) Philosophy 1984
US District Judge Wendy Beetlestone described her time at University of Liverpool as a “great start” that delivered the “thought discipline” that continues to influence her professional life.
Emma Little, BA (Hons) Politics and Communication Studies 2012
Emma is a Production Management Assistant on the One Show.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 7 July 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions