Philosophy and Politics BA Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

This degree is perfect for students who love asking big questions about how the world works — and who want to understand both the ideas behind society and the political systems that shape everyday life. You’ll explore everything from ethics and human behaviour to power, decision-making and global politics, building a way of thinking that’s curious, confident and ready for real-world challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the core themes of both subjects. You’ll look at fundamental questions in Knowledge and Reality and Ethics, while also exploring modern political behaviour in Parties, Populism and Protest and key concepts in Political Philosophy. It’s an exciting start that helps you build strong reasoning, debate skills and an understanding of how ideas shape society.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into how philosophical thinking connects to real political systems. You’ll study modules like Theories of Power and the State, examine how political processes work through Understanding Political Research, and develop your own ideas through the Philosophy Guided Project. This is the year where your analytical, writing and research skills really grow.

Year 3

Your final year lets you specialise in the areas that inspire you most. You can choose advanced modules such as Politics of Policy, Global Challenges and Collaborative Solutions, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Issues & Intersections. You’ll also complete a dissertation or major project, where you explore a topic you care about and show how confidently you can think, analyse and communicate.

Focus Areas

Ethics | Political theory | Power & the state | Social justice | Research methods

Learning Outcomes

Critical thinking, philosophical reasoning, political analysis, strong writing skills, persuasive communication, interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

There is no formal accreditation for this degree, but its blend of analytical theory, political insight and philosophical depth is highly valued across government, public service, media, NGOs, consultancy and research roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Lancaster consistently ranks among the UK’s top universities, and its Politics and Philosophy subjects enjoy strong national recognition — helping graduates enter competitive fields with confidence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best parts of studying Philosophy & Politics at Lancaster is how much you get to experience the subjects rather than just read about them. You’ll dive into real political simulations, work on group-based debates, explore big philosophical questions through discussion, and even engage with projects linked to government and research institutes. Lancaster’s strong facilities — from its highly rated library to specialist policy labs — make it easy for you to build practical skills every step of the way.

To give you a clear sense of what hands-on learning looks like in this degree:

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

Interactive political simulations — including mock Select Committees, Citizens’ Assemblies, and Prime Minister’s Questions-style debates that help you see how real political decision-making works.
Research and internship opportunities through the Richardson Institute — where students often work on live peace-studies and policy-related projects with external organisations.
Strong academic resources — Lancaster’s library and digital archives are highly rated by students and provide everything you need to support your essays, research projects and dissertation.
Collaborative workshops and group projects — giving you space to practise argumentation, research methods, presentation skills and problem-solving with your peers.
Exposure to lecturers connected with public policy work — including staff who collaborate with organisations such as the UK Parliament and Lancaster’s own Policy School, helping you understand how theory informs real political practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Philosophy & Politics from Lancaster opens up so many meaningful paths. You’ll graduate with the ability to think clearly, analyse complex issues and communicate confidently — skills that employers genuinely value across many sectors. Students from this programme often move into roles such as Policy Analyst, Political Journalist, Research & Insights Officer, or Public Affairs Executive, where they get to influence conversations and contribute to real social change.

To support you as you build your future, Lancaster offers a strong network of guidance and practical resources:

Here’s how Lancaster helps you succeed after graduation:

Personalised career support: The Careers & Employability team is available from your very first year, offering one-on-one advice, CV reviews, interview preparation, and targeted networking events — and you can continue using their services even after you graduate.
Strong employability reputation: Lancaster consistently ranks among the UK’s top universities, with excellent student outcomes and strong employer recognition across the social sciences.
Links to real policy and research environments: Through the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies and projects connected with public policy work, you’ll gain exposure to real-world political and ethical challenges.
Long-term career value: While the degree isn’t tied to a single accreditation, the combination of philosophical thinking and political understanding gives you a versatile skill set that can take you into government, NGOs, journalism, consultancy, research, and public affairs.
Graduate-ready skills: You’ll leave the course confident in your ability to analyse arguments, understand political systems, navigate ethical challenges, and communicate ideas clearly — all of which translate directly into the workplace.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re inspired to continue studying, this degree prepares you exceptionally well for postgraduate pathways such as International Relations, Public Policy, Political Economy, Social Justice, Political Theory, or even a PhD. Lancaster’s strong research culture and the independent thinking you develop throughout the programme give you a solid foundation for advanced academic work.