| UCAS code | VL52 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
| UCAS code | VL5F |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | VL6F |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
Overview
- You’ll learn how to apply analytical-philosophical skills to the study of political events and theories
- Studying Philosophy will give you the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge, science, reality, ethics, art and beauty, the mind-body relationship, the meaning of life and more
- Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions
- The Philosophy and Politics student societies will give you the chance to make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors
Top 15 in the UK for Politics and Philosophy
11th for Politics and 8th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad
86% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology graduates: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Top 15 in the UK for Politics and Philosophy
11th for Politics and 8th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad
86% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology graduates: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA | n/a |
| IB | 36/666 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The Philosophy and Politics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophical and political theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis [See note a above] | 15 |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality [See note a above] | 15 |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 |
Optional modules
Politics: 30 credits of option modules
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
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.
In the second year you will advance your grasp of philosophical and political knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research [see note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [see note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [see note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [see note b above] | 15 |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [see note b above] | 15 |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 |
Optional modules
Politics: 45 credits of option modules
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
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.
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
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.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note c above] | 30 |
| POL3040 | Dissertation [see note c above] | 30 |
Optional modules
Philosophy - Choose 30 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if POL3040 chosen
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Politics - Choose 30 credits of options if POL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Course variants
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.
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. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
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: 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.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and encourage you to develop your writing and presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Project work
- One-to-one sessions
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Practical assignments
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
As a Philosophy and Politics graduate you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills that are good preparation for a number of careers including in the media, public sector, legal profession, business and management.
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on a Philosophy and Politics degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Teaching and research
- Local or national government
- The Civil Service
- Business and finance
- Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
- Marketing and public relations
- Management and administration
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
