Philosophy and Politics (BA)
- Subject areas: Philosophy, Politics and international relations
- UCAS code: LV26
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Follow your interests
Choose from modules across a range of philosophical and political topics, trace connections to other disciplines, and engage with new research.
Think for yourself
Critically and creatively engage with difficult problems in an independent and open-minded way.
Shape the future
Apply research to develop policies or strategies aimed at solving real-world social problems.
Connect with political institutions
Benefit from excellent links with the Welsh Government and Senedd Cymru, Westminster, the EU, and NATO.
Communicate effectively
Develop skills and experience in shaping and presenting your ideas and arguments.
How should you live your life and relate to others? What is the theoretical basis of different political and governance systems? How do they work in practice, and how should they work? What are today’s big ethical, social, and political challenges and how should we approach them? How should characteristics like gender and race be taken into account in theoretical inquiry and social decision-making? With our Philosophy and Politics (BA) programme, you’ll investigate important questions at the intersection of philosophy and politics, along with other topics from each of these disciplines.
Our priority lies in developing your skills as a global citizen and a thinker in your own right. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported in engaging critically and creatively with difficult problems in an open-minded way, including on sensitive and controversial topics.
During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a broad range of philosophical and political topics and traditions. You’ll develop a solid grounding in moral philosophy, will also study epistemology, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, and will have the opportunity to study areas such as aesthetics, feminist philosophy, and phenomenology. In Politics, you can explore how parliaments and governments function, investigate how politics works in Wales, the UK, Europe, and across the globe, and evaluate key political ideas such as power, freedom, rights, conflict, accountability, democracy, and legitimacy.
Our modules provide you with opportunities to connect theory with practice in applied modules in both philosophy and politics. In addition to opportunities to explore public policy from a political perspective, in the final year you’ll take part in a project to apply philosophical research to develop policies or strategies aimed at solving a real-world ethical or social problem.
You will graduate with a range of valuable professional skills, including collaboration, effective communication, and independent critical thinking. You’ll have a deep appreciation of the ethical and social challenges that face contemporary society and industry, and have the ideas and confidence required to solve them. From here, you’ll be ideally placed to progress into a range of exciting careers.
Subject area: Philosophy
Subject area: Politics and international relations
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-ABB
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other subskills.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 22 for writing and 20 in all other subskills.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 69 in writing and a minimum of 62 in all other communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: a Distinction in Writing and at least one Distinction and two Merits in other components.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDD-DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
Any equipment required will be supplied by the School.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a 3-year full-time degree, with 120 credits of study in each year. You will study 60 credits per year in philosophy and 60 credits per year in politics.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
The modules in year 1 introduce you to the key areas of philosophy and politics that feature throughout the degree.
In philosophy, this includes studying classic texts and current debates about morality, justice, knowledge, and belief, the nature of communication, and relationships between minds and bodies. In politics, you can choose from a range of modules in foundational areas. You’ll learn how to write to academic and professional standards, and practice and develop the skills that are essential to the degree.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to International Relations | PL9195 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Thought | PL9196 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Government | PL9199 | 20 credits |
| Moral and Political Philosophy | SE4103 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol: The Good, the Bad and the Political | PL9193 | 20 credits |
| Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol | SE4106 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll explore connections across the degree in a core module on political philosophy. You’ll choose one or 2 modules in philosophy of mind, psychology, language and epistemology. This prepares you for modules in the final year that often combine different areas of philosophy. You can explore another area of philosophy through optional modules. In Politics, you’ll choose from a broad range of optional modules in politics and international relations.
You’ll further practice the key skills of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, become more independent in your studies, and improve your ability to reflect on your own work in order to reach your potential.
.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Political Philosophy | SE4443 | 20 credits |
| Political Philosophy | SE4443 | 20 credits |
Year three
In your final year, you’ll be immersed in the research cultures of philosophy and politics to gain a deeper understanding of how current research can impact the world.
In the core module Philosophy in Practice, you’ll discover the valuable contribution that philosophical skills and philosophical knowledge can make in a range of professional organisations and roles. In this module you learn how to apply philosophical research currently undertaken at Cardiff University to generate workable policy recommendations in response to a contemporary concrete real-world problem.
In optional modules, you’ll further engage with the latest research in our areas of expertise. In philosophy, these modules often integrate different areas studied earlier in the degree, and frequently focus on problems of contemporary societal concern. The optional politics modules will challenge you to think more deeply about the nature of international relations and political developments. You’ll also have the opportunity to write a dissertation, supported by an academic supervisor.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy in Practice | SE4447 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Throughout the degree, our aim is to support you to become an independent, creative, and critical thinker.
First year teaching provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions to help you develop key skills and gain confidence. By the final year you’ll learn through guided independent reading and smaller interactive workshops and seminars, discussing new research with internationally recognised academics who are currently working in that area. You’ll have access to all course materials through our electronic learning environment.
In this supportive environment, you’ll develop your abilities to closely analyse texts and arguments, collaboratively work through problems, construct your own original arguments, and present your ideas clearly to others.
How will I be supported?
Your main sources of support are your module leaders and your Personal Tutors. You will have one Personal Tutor in Philosophy and one in Politics. Personal Tutors can advise you on academic matters, including study skills, careers, and your academic progress, as well as on pastoral matters and you’ll be invited to meet with your Personal Tutor regularly throughout the degree, Welsh-speaking students will be offered a Welsh-speaking personal tutor. Your module leaders have drop-in sessions during teaching weeks that you can attend if you have any questions about course materials or assessments.
The Writing Development Centre provides specialist support for academic writing across the programme. You can access online materials, workshops, and one-to-one meetings about any aspect of academic writing to support you with your assessments.
Our Undergraduate Teams provide academic and student support and are there to help you with information and guidance if you have any queries. In addition, the University offers a range of support services and events to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support you with financial issues, and provide assistance for students with disabilities. These services are located at the University’s Centre for Student Life. Libraries, study spaces and other resource centres will all be available to you.
Feedback
You will regularly receive feedback on your progress. Oral feedback in lectures, workshops and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the course material and your critical responses to it. You’ll receive formative comments on essay ideas, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. If you undertake a dissertation module, you will receive regular feedback on your project from your supervisor.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and reflection. These include critical analyses of texts, essays, exams, quizzes, presentations, group discussion assessments, and reflective assessment of your own skills. In the final year, you’ll take part in a large collaborative project that involves writing and presenting for a professional audience. Optional modules can offer a wider variety of assessments, including writing for a public audience, or commenting on an artwork or a media piece.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in moral, social, or political philosophy.
- Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in epistemology, philosophy of language, or philosophy of mind.
- Critically analyse theories and arguments from contemporary philosophical work, including intersections of different areas of philosophy or interdisciplinary research.
- Apply philosophical research by drafting policy or strategy documents, or action recommendations, in response to a real-world ethical or social problem of contemporary societal concern.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of fundamental political concepts and institutions.
- Critically examine work of key thinkers from political theory, political science or international relations.
- Critically analyse contemporary themes and debates across a range of subject areas within Politics and International Relations.
Intellectual Skills:
- Explain complex and specialised philosophical and political claims and arguments.
- Construct arguments that support a claim in response to philosophical or political questions.
- Apply standard techniques of critical analysis to evaluate philosophical or political claims and arguments.
- Employ relevant and effective research techniques.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Communicate complex information and arguments in different formats appropriate to different purposes.
- Use digital media effectively as a source of information, a means of communication, and an aid to learning.
- Contribute in a collaborative manner to discussions and team projects.
- Articulate and evaluate your own academic and professional skills.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Respond to problems creatively, critically and independently.
- Implement task instructions and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines.
- Deliver and act on constructive feedback.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
Graduates from this programme possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers.
These include the ability to independently analyse complex problems and identify workable and innovative solutions, to work effectively with others on large projects, to communicate effectively with different audiences, and to use reflection and feedback to further develop your skills. You’ll also acquire a broad knowledge base enabling you to understand and respond to a range of contemporary ethical, social, and political problems. During your degree, you’ll gain experience of professional research, strategy, and policy roles by working on a large collaborative project. This project showcases to employers how not only your philosophical skills but also your philosophical knowledge can be of enormous value in the workplace.
University services and schemes are also available to you, providing additional ways to increase your professional skills and confidence. The Cardiff Award provides a framework through which to develop your employability further, and Student Futures is on hand to provide career advice and support in gaining placements specific to your degree. You can also take advantage of programmes like Languages for All and Welsh for All to improve your language skills, while support from the Enterprise and Start Up team can help to bring your ideas to life.
Due to the depth and breadth of their skills and knowledge, our graduates can be found in a variety of sectors, including the civil service, local government, charitable organisations, small businesses, consultancy firms, and schools and colleges. They work in journalism, law, teaching, finance, marketing, human resources, public relations, and many other professions.
Placements
In Politics, you have the opportunity to take a module that includes a work placement in an organisation that plays a key role in governance and politics. We also encourage you to undertake further placements through Student Futures in order to further enhance your employability.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
