Swansea University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree brings together philosophy and politics across three years, allowing you to build a foundation in both subjects before specialising. In the early stages you study core modules in political ideas, introduction to comparative politics, and the basics of international relations alongside introductory philosophy modules such as ethics, logic and the history of philosophy.

As you progress you take intermediate modules in areas such as political theory, public policy, political economy, research methods for social sciences, and contemporary international security. On the philosophy side you can expect modules in normative ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, and philosophy of mind. Option choices often include human rights, global governance, environmental politics, philosophy of law and philosophy of language.

Final-year study normally includes advanced seminars and a substantial independent project or dissertation supervised by academic staff. This final project allows you to pursue a specialised topic drawing on both philosophical and political approaches. The degree typically offers optional modules or pathways in topics such as Welsh politics and governance, European politics, conflict and peace studies, and applied ethics.

• Year 1: introductory modules in political ideas, comparative politics, international relations, ethics and logic.
• Year 2: intermediate modules in political theory, research methods, public policy, normative ethics and options.
• Year 3: advanced seminars, topical options, and a dissertation or major independent project.

Entry requirements

Swansea considers a range of UK and international qualifications. Typical offers require successful completion of secondary qualifications such as A‑levels, BTECs or the International Baccalaureate (or recognised international equivalents). Successful applicants normally demonstrate strengths in essay-based subjects and evidence of critical thinking and written communication.

Acceptable profiles commonly include a combination of A‑level grades or an IB diploma at an appropriate score, with equivalent vocational or international qualifications considered. Mature students and applicants with relevant experience are encouraged to apply; English language requirements must also be met by international applicants.

Admissions tutors will look for personal statements that explain interest in both philosophy and politics, any relevant reading or extracurricular engagement (for example debating, campaigning or voluntary work), and the ability to handle analytical and argumentative work.

Career prospects

Graduates of Philosophy and Politics develop skills valued across the public, private and voluntary sectors: critical reasoning, clear written and oral communication, argument construction, policy analysis and ethical evaluation. Common career destinations include:

• Civil service and public administration, including policy and advisory roles
• International organisations, diplomacy and NGOs
• Legal careers (often following a conversion course), paralegal and compliance roles
• Journalism, media, public affairs and political communications
• Research, postgraduate study and academic careers in philosophy, politics or related fields
• Education, including routes into teacher training and Sixth‑form teaching

Many graduates also pursue specialist postgraduate training such as a master’s in public policy, international relations, or philosophy, or professional qualifications in law and teaching.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers an environment where politics and philosophy are taught with close links to current public debates and Welsh governance. The university’s departments provide research-informed teaching, accessible academic staff and opportunities for one-to-one supervision for final-year projects.

Students benefit from a campus location with strong student support services, and a range of extracurricular activities relevant to the degree including debating societies, Model United Nations and student political societies. There are opportunities for placements, internships and study‑away options that help build employability. Swansea’s combination of small-group teaching, active research staff and vocationally relevant modules makes it a suitable choice for students seeking a rigorous interdisciplinary degree in philosophy and politics.