BA Philosophy and Politics - 2026 entry

Compulsory modules

Philosophy - 45 credits of core
a - For Philosophy you must choose 3 of the core modules listed

Politics - 30 credits of core
You must take both POL1025 and POL1026

Optional modules

Politics: 30 credits of option modules


Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules


Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

Compulsory modules

As part of your 120 credits for the year, you must do the following:

Philosophy - at least 45 credits of core
b - Choose 3 of the core Philosophy modules listed

Politics - 15 credits of core
POL2059 must be taken

Optional modules

Politics: 45 credits of option modules


Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules


Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

If you choose a study abroad or employment experience option, this will take place in your third year. Find out more about placement options 

Compulsory modules

Philosophy or Politics Dissertation
c - As part of your 120 credits for the final year, you must choose one of the two dissertation modules.

Optional modules

Philosophy - Choose 30 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if POL3040 chosen

Politics - Choose 30 credits of options if POL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen

UCAS code: VL5F

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why study abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I study abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.

Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?

Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.

UCAS code: VL7F

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree allows you to spend your third year carrying out one or more graduate-level work placements, within the UK, as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.

A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

UCAS code: VL6F

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?

Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Is the placement paid?

You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.