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

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Different course options
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Qualification

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

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

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

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Philosophy
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Politics
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Course info

This degree gives you the chance to really think deeper about some of the big debates going on in the world right now. Youll discuss questions of ethics, justice, legitimacy and human rights, and use your knowledge of philosophical and political theory to underpin your arguments. Youll learn about the thoughts of major figures such as Plato, Kant and Hegel, and analyse how these theories can be applied to current political issues.**Examine ideas about human nature and the theory behind global ...Read more

This degree gives you the chance to really think deeper about some of the big debates going on in the world right now. You'll discuss questions of ethics, justice, legitimacy and human rights, and use your knowledge of philosophical and political theory to underpin your arguments. You'll learn about the thoughts of major figures such as Plato, Kant and Hegel, and analyse how these theories can be applied to current political issues.


Examine ideas about human nature and the theory behind global politics – applying a unique skillset to take on the existential challenges facing humanity.

Are we doing enough to address climate change? Is violence or torture ever justified? Should animals have the same rights as humans?With a true 50/50 balance of modules from each department, you’ll have the chance to cover international relations, public policy, philosophy of education, feminism – as well as western political thought, and everyone from Plato to the French existentialists.This is a course with a global perspective. Our staff come from and research countries around the world, meaning they bring their own experiences and specialisms into the modules they teach. And you also have the option to gain your own experience, extending your studies with a year abroad during your degree.Throughout your course, you’ll gain a whole host of transferable skills and knowledge that apply to a range of different careers – from local, national, and international government, to the charitable sector and the media.


Why study this course?

-


Top 100 in the world for philosophy QS 2023 and top ten for international relations

- according to QS 2023 and The Guardian University Guide 2024, respectively.-


Become a new kind of problem solver

- big problems need expansive thinkers. Blending the ideas that shape our existence with political theory gives you the skills to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.-


Take on the big issues

- work with the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, researching areas of fundamental political and social importance, from criminal justice and social inclusion to climate ethics.-


Be part of an academic community

- pursue your own research interests while learning from expert researchers, attend guest lectures, work with the public, or present your own academic work outside of the classroom.

Key stats

Philosophy
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
1/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
18th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
18th
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 - 100 = 0% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
0%
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
Philosophy graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK Philosophy graduate salary
£19,000
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 - 100 = 0% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
0%
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
£22,000
UK Politics graduate salary
£20,000
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
25 Nov 24

The uni itself is super useful - really good facilities and opportunities. Wouldn't say it really feels like a tight-knit community (mostly because of how big and spread out it..Read more

F
Freya
15 Nov 24

Honestly, the hills in Sheffield is basically my only complaint (which is something completely out of anyone's hands). Generally, everything about the University of Sheffield is..Read more

Modules

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

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AAAAB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:36,M:9 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 Grades / Points required

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

H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,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 Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDD Grades / Points required

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

B Grades / Points required

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

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

Award of Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities or Social Sciences, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit

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

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

+ A at A Level

in a relevant subject

+ AA at A Level

Popular A-level subjects

Politics

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

Government & Politics
67%
History
67%
English Literature
28%
Economics
20%
General Studies
16%
HESA
Philosophy

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

Psychology
62%
Religious Studies & Theology
30%
English Literature
29%
History
27%
Biology
20%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Philosophy reviews

Philosophy
Philosophy
Politics
SR
Student Reviewer
25 Nov 24
Politics, Philosophy and Economics BSc (Hons)
The uni itself is super useful - really good facilities and opportunities. Wouldn't say it really feels like a tight-knit community (mostly because of how big and spread out it...
Read more
F
Freya
15 Nov 24
Politics and Philosophy BA (Hons)
Honestly, the hills in Sheffield is basically my only complaint (which is something completely out of anyone's hands). Generally, everything about the University of Sheffield is...
Read more
Review breakdown
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How Philosophy students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 21 reviews
5 star
48%
4 stars
48%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 1,702 reviews
5 star
55%
4 stars
38%
3 stars
6%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield , Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a prestigious research university in South Yorkshire, known for its excellence in education, research,...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
18th

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WUSCA award for Students' Union

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Winner: Overall Rating

WUSCA award for Students' Union

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Winner: Students' Union

WUSCA award for Students' Union
University of Sheffield
Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Sheffield  0.7 miles away
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