COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the Philosophy and Politics degree, students gain a balanced foundation in both disciplines. They begin with key philosophical questions such as the meaning of life and are introduced to foundational political theories and contemporary global issues. As the year progresses, students explore how radical ideas have shaped the modern world and are encouraged to choose modules that reflect their developing interests, including options outside their main subjects. Core modules examine political theory, the evolution of contemporary politics, and philosophy's role in driving social transformation. In the second year, students build on this foundation with more specialised modules that examine the relationship between philosophy and political history. They engage with questions about power, freedom, and political institutions, considering both classical theory and modern challenges such as inequality, democracy, and environmental crises. The third year is spent abroad at a partner university, offering students a unique opportunity to gain international experience and fresh academic perspectives. This year fosters independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills, all of which enhance employability. In the final year, students return to deepen their knowledge through advanced, research-led modules. They have the freedom to tailor their studies toward philosophy, politics, or a mix of both, and they produce an independent dissertation on a topic of their choice, allowing them to explore a personal academic interest in depth. This structure ensures that graduates leave with critical thinking skills, global awareness, and the ability to engage with complex political and philosophical ideas.