Philosophy and Politics with Year Abroad BA (Hons)
University of Southampton
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
academic-cap
Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

location-pin
Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECTED

Subjects

Select a subject


Philosophy
SELECTED

Politics
SELECT

Exam type

Select a an exam type


A level
SELECTED

Scottish Higher
SELECT

Scottish Advanced Higher
SELECT

Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
SELECT

Location

Select student location


England
SELECTED

Scotland
SELECT

Wales
SELECT

Northern Ireland
SELECT

Channel Islands
SELECT

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

What is freedom? What makes a state legitimate? You’ll explore questions that have challenged philosophers and political theorists throughout history on this BA Philosophy and Politics degree. Compulsory modules give a grounding in both subjects, while optional modules include topics like international relations, 21st century crises and Ancient Greek philosophy.Philosophy at Southampton is ranked 6th in the UK*.Youll develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and ...Read more

What is freedom? What makes a state legitimate? You’ll explore questions that have challenged philosophers and political theorists throughout history on this BA Philosophy and Politics degree. Compulsory modules give a grounding in both subjects, while optional modules include topics like international relations, 21st century crises and Ancient Greek philosophy.Philosophy at Southampton is ranked 6th in the UK*.You'll develop an understanding of philosophical questions such as ethics, reason and responsibility, and explore fundamental and far-reaching issues about human welfare and social justice, political ideas and political realities. The year abroad will give you the opportunity to study for an additional academic year at a partner university in another part of the world. Our digital humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audiovisual centre. Supported by an expert team, these technologies will enable you to start making and exploring in new and immersive ways.*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024​

Key stats

Philosophy
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
83/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
14th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
Philosophy
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 91 = 9% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
9%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Philosophy graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Philosophy graduate salary
£20,000
Politics
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 91 = 9% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
9%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
85%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Politics graduate salary at this uni
£23,000
UK Politics graduate salary
£23,000
What students say
C
Cameron
29 Oct 24

Overall nice campus and University but the City is a bit quiet and lacking in things to do. Also students don't seem to attend much events in..Read more

K
karla
28 Oct 24

There are always a lot of fun things happening on campus. There isn’t a lot of support for students who are struggling mentally or need careers advice - in general not enough..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,M2,M2 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

B Grades / Points required

Typical Offer: ABBIf you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:BBB and grade A in the EPQWe are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" -We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at MeritOur preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjectsOur preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher LevelOur preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP):Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level.Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in two A levels.Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended DiplomaOur preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

ABB from 3 A levels or AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateOffers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Popular A-level subjects

Politics

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

History
54%
Government & Politics
52%
Economics
34%
Mathematics
28%
English Literature
23%
HESA
Philosophy

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Psychology
66%
English Literature
29%
Religious Studies & Theology
25%
Biology
20%
History
19%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22300 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Philosophy reviews

Philosophy
Philosophy
Politics
C
Cameron
29 Oct 24
Philosophy BA (Hons)
Overall nice campus and University but the City is a bit quiet and lacking in things to do. Also students don't seem to attend much events in...
Read more
K
karla
28 Oct 24
Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA (Hons)
There are always a lot of fun things happening on campus. There isn’t a lot of support for students who are struggling mentally or need careers advice - in general not enough...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Philosophy students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 24 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
46%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
0%
1 star
4%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 1,502 reviews
5 star
31%
4 stars
56%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Southampton
University of Southampton , Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
20th
University of Southampton
Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: St Denys  0.6 miles away

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate