BA Philosophy and Politics
About this course
BA (Hons) in Philosophy and Politics, placing philosophy alongside politics and international relations. Core topics include research methods and policy analysis. The third year centres on a compulsory dissertation, planned and written with an assigned supervisor on a chosen philosophy or politics topic. Students may apply to add a placement year or a year abroad, extending the degree from three to four years. The first year lays the foundations of both subjects: compulsory modules The Philosophical Traditions and Political Theory introduce the key approaches to studying philosophy, including research and writing, and the political ideals and theories behind modern institutions. Second-year work goes deeper, with Reading Philosophy: World Philosophies examining intellectual traditions outside the western canon. Optional modules let students specialise in both areas, including Moral Theory, Fundamentals of Logic, Sovereignty, State and Empire and Elections and British Politics. The third year centres on the compulsory Dissertation, an independently researched piece written with the support of an assigned supervisor. Further optional modules in the final year include Issues in Contemporary Ethics, Metaphysics, Theories of Liberty and Social Justice and Marginalised Groups. The political side of the course is also organised around Political Thought, Political Institutions and International Relations.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA including a social science or humanities subject. IB: 36 with 666 in higher level subjects, including a social sciences or humanities subject.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 20%: 30 offers from 150 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 77%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 71%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 59%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- The Philosophical Traditions
- Political Theory
- Example optional modules
- Reading Philosophy: World Philosophies
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £34,500 after 3 years, £46,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £67,000. The £46,500 median after five years is £12,500 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University?
20% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 30 offers from 150 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Philosophy and Politics at Durham University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.