BA Philosophy and Politics at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The BA Philosophy and Politics gives an intellectual training in two complementary disciplines, building an in-depth appreciation of the ideas that explain the foundations of the modern world, democracy and political stability. The School has particular strengths in ethics and political philosophy and in continental and analytical philosophy, logic and philosophy of science.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 (academic year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Perspectives on Politics and Introduction to Politics (20 credits each), with optional modules including Philosophy and Human Nature, Comparative Politics, Contemporary Europe, Philosophy and The Good Life and Introductory Logic. Final-year students can take a semester-long placement in a local organisation, and exchanges are available with partner universities in Europe, the USA and Canada.

Career pathways

Graduates can pursue further study through the School's MA programmes in politics and philosophy (one year full-time or two years part-time) or MPhil/PhD by thesis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB (a maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts, with Distinction* equated to A and Distinction to B). BTEC Extended Diploma: D*DD. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3. International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level. Access course: average of 70%. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 honours degree. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required; no specific Level 3 subject requirements. Applications are decided centrally on the UCAS form; interviews are not normally held. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for international applicants (or equivalent).

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year. International and EU Other rate for 2027/28 entry Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities