BSc Philosophy and Politics (VL52)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
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. You will gain insight into the politics of different countries, regions and systems, as well as global and local political issues and movements.
Bristol is home to prominent scholars and many of our academics are global leaders in areas of political study, including international relations, security, gender, political philosophy, international development, peace-building, environmental politics and the politics of Latin America, Africa, South and East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the USA and Britain.
Learn how the political sphere operates and apply philosophical methods to make a real difference in the world.
Course structure
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. First-year units include Introduction to Philosophy, Logic and Critical Thinking and Realism and Normativity.
In your second and third years, you will also be able to choose from a range of optional units that help you develop your own core philosophical specialisation.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an extended essay project on a topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.
The wide-ranging, flexible curriculum provides progressive intellectual challenges and consolidates your experience throughout.
Both schools encourage synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment. This course combination offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges.<
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Philosophy and Politics can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.