Philosophy, Politics, Ethics BA(Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

If you’re someone who loves asking big questions — about justice, power, truth, society and how we should live — this degree gives you the space to explore them deeply and confidently. Philosophy, Politics and Ethics at Brighton is ideal for students who want to think critically, challenge assumptions and understand how ideas shape the world, while preparing for careers that demand strong reasoning and communication skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds the foundations you’ll need to think like a philosopher and analyse political systems. Through modules such as Philosophical Inquiry, Democracy and Globalisation, Conflict and the Environment, you’ll explore how societies are organised, what makes political power legitimate and how global issues affect daily life. You’ll practise discussion, debate and reflective writing, learning to break down complex ideas with confidence.

Year 2

In your second year, you start shaping your own academic journey. Modules like Authority, Democracy and Justice, We, the People and Researching Politics deepen your understanding of political theory and give you solid research skills. This year encourages you to connect ethical questions with real political challenges and begin preparing for your final-year dissertation.

Final Year

Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll work on an independent dissertation, guided by lecturers who are active researchers. You can choose advanced modules such as Morality, Politics and the Good Life or Race and Resistance, allowing you to explore complex issues in depth. By the end of the year, you’ll have developed a clear academic identity and the ability to communicate ideas with clarity and conviction.

Focus areas: democratic theory, philosophical ethics, global political issues, race and resistance, moral and political inquiry

Learning outcomes: strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; the ability to debate and communicate complex ideas; independent research capability; understanding of political systems, ethical theories and global issues

Professional alignment: taught by the School of Humanities and Social Science and connected to the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics & Ethics (CAPPE) — a leading research centre that ensures your learning is grounded in real debates and contemporary ethical issues

Reputation: Brighton’s Politics subject area ranks within the top 20 percent of UK universities for graduate earnings, showing the long-term value of the skills you develop

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the strengths of this degree is how naturally it connects classroom learning with the world beyond it. You’ll spend your time not just discussing ideas, but testing them out — through placements, community projects, seminars, workshops and research activities. Brighton’s dedicated spaces like the Life Lab and City Lab give you room to experiment, collaborate and learn by doing, helping you build confidence and practical skills that employers really value.

All of this comes to life through experiences such as:

Optional placement year after your second year, where you gain real work experience in places like policy groups, local councils, charities or community organisations, supported every step of the way by the university’s employability team.
A structured Active Citizenship module involving around 50 hours of placement work with not-for-profit groups such as Art in Mind or Pathways to Independence — a chance to apply your studies to real social issues.
Small, discussion-based seminars where you regularly take part in group debates, team activities and oral presentations, helping you become a confident communicator.
Access to Brighton’s Life Lab and City Lab, where you can run interviews, group projects, workshops and community-focused research in a flexible, modern environment.
Regular talks, workshops and conversations with visiting speakers through the School of Humanities and the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics & Ethics (CAPPE) — keeping you connected to current thinking and real-world debates.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree step into the world with a rare combination of skills—clear reasoning, confident communication, and the ability to understand complex social and political issues. These strengths open doors to careers where thoughtful decision-making truly matters. Many students go on to roles such as policy analyst, campaign manager, public affairs officer, or NGO project coordinator, bringing their ethical and political insight into meaningful work.

To support you as you build your future, Brighton offers:

A dedicated Careers & Employability team that works closely with you—helping you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, explore internships and access job opportunities throughout your degree and even after you graduate.
Connections with local councils, charities, cultural organisations, think-tanks and community groups, giving you professional exposure even before finishing your degree.
Teaching informed by the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics & Ethics (CAPPE), which hosts events, speakers and debates that give you direct access to leading thinkers and active researchers.
A degree with long-term value, because the skills you develop—argumentation, ethical reasoning, research, communication—are highly transferable across sectors like law, media, public service, NGOs, cultural institutions and education.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this BA, you’ll be well prepared to continue into a Master’s degree in areas such as Political Theory, Public Policy, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender & Sexuality Studies or Social Research. If research inspires you, this programme also sets you up for an MPhil/PhD, especially within Brighton’s own CAPPE research community.