Philosophy and Politics with a Year Abroad

Some of the major issues of our time, such as the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit, the American presidency of Trump, climate change and Covid-19, have not only generated substantial interest in politics, but also prompted reflection on key philosophical concepts such as democracy, freedom, truth and justice. The BA Philosophy and Politics degree at Swansea University enables students to explore fundamental questions about the world around us and the kind of society that we want to live in. This includes what it means to be free, the most desirable form of democracy, the nature of the self and how to live a morally good life.

The BA Philosophy and Politics with a Year Abroad degree equips you with key intellectual skills that are much sought-after by many employers. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, open-mindedness and effective information analysis.

With teaching informed by the research expertise of members in our Department of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations, you will study modules at the intersection of philosophy and politics, allowing you to explore the ways that philosophy and politics connect and how they can be combined to understand and overcome the major social challenges that we face.

Philosophy at Swansea is ranked:

• 1st in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2024*)

• 1st in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*)

Politics at Swansea is ranked:

• 4th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)

• 8th in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2024*)

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024, when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide
*Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024, when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide
*Based on the average positivity score across questions 15 to 16 in the NSS 2024, when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

The degree programme provides a tailored suite of modules to ensure a focused and rich experience of philosophy and politics. This includes specialist modules that explore some key intersections of philosophy and politics. At the same time, there is sufficient variety and flexibility to ensure that you can shape the degree around your own interests.
Philosophy and Politics graduates can look at careers in human resources (HR), finance and marketing, public relations (PR) and sales. They are also well-equipped for the civil service and teaching.
You will spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Introduction to Politics
Political Philosophy
Living Well and Doing Good - An Introduction to Ethics

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Global Justice and Human Rights
The History of Political Thought
Philosophy of the Enlightenment
America in Crisis: From the Tet Offensive to Trump
and others

In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad, broadening your skills and experiencing different cultures. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.

Your final year will include a compulsory independent dissertation project. You will also typically study areas including:
The Philosophy and Politics of Identity
Capitalism and Justice
Genocide
Reality and Cognition: Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology
Africa in International Relations

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:

• Presentations
• Group Work
• Original Writing

Throughout your undergraduate Philosophy and Politics degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.