Philosophy and Politics - BA (Hons)

University of Southampton

About this courseWhat is freedom? What makes a state legitimate? Should we prefer Democracy over other forms of government? On this BA in Philosophy and Politics, you’ll delve into questions that have challenged philosophers and political theorists throughout history. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnection between philosophical thought and political realities, and explore fundamental and far-reaching issues concerning ethics, human welfare and social justice. Through a wide range of modules, you’ll gain the critical skills required to analyse theoretical and applied issues, from classical political and philosophical theory, up to cutting-edge issues of climate change, sex and gender, and international trade. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025).Key features of the course- Customize your degree, with a wide range of optional modules, within Philosophy and Politics and across other disciplines.- Benefit from small group sizes and personalized attention from lecturers and tutors, with a chance to explore your ideas in depth.- Career skills are embedded at every stage of our course- Access to the Southampton Ethics centre, nurturing inter-disciplinary research and outreach, and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives & Special Collections.- Study and research through cutting-edge technology at the Digital Humanities facilities, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre. Student SupportOur courses are taught by philosophy experts with an exceptional breadth of interests. We offer high number of contact hours on a wide range of programmes, with a focus on small-group teaching and one-on-one tuition. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.Further informationThe BA Philosophy and Politics is a three-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. You can also apply to add a year abroad or placement year, extending your degree to four years. For details, visit our course page.