BSc Philosophy and Politics at University of Bristol

Programme overview

Combine your study of philosophy with the study of politics and international relations and graduate with a valuable skill set tailored to the increasingly globalised workplace. For philosophy, you will explore different philosophical methods, engage in collaboration, apply philosophy to disciplines such as science or literature, and apply philosophical approaches to civic engagement and contemporary societal issues. In politics, our course explores power, who exercises it, for whom, how it is distributed, and with what consequences.

What you will study

Your first year includes compulsory units to ensure you build a solid grounding in both disciplines and you will have greater choices of units as you progress through the course. The wide-ranging, flexible curriculum provides progressive intellectual challenges and consolidates your experience throughout, as well as connecting the two sides of the programme through studying political philosophy. In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an extended essay project or politics dissertation on a topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.

Career pathways

Philosophers are highly employable. A wide range of employers value analytical skills, such as flexibility of thought and the capacity for developing coherent and compelling arguments.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level standard offer: AAA including an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film;. A-level contextual offer: ABB including an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Film;. BTEC: DDD in any essay-based Applied General. IB Diploma: 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in an essay-based subject. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English. Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Advanced Higher: AA including an essay-based subject, and Higher: AAAAB. Essay-based subjects include: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art and Design (all pathways); Business Studies; Chinese; Classical Civilisation; Classics; Drama; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature; Environmental. GCSE: Standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent). English language: IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other skills (or equivalent). Apply through UCAS (course code VL52).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). First-year tuition fee for 2027 entry; subject to annual review. Source

International applicants: GBP 26,500 a year (2027/28). First-year tuition fee for 2027 entry; subject to annual review. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/

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