Politics and Philosophy BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

If you’re someone who loves asking the big questions—about justice, freedom, truth, and how societies should be run—this degree is designed for you. The Politics and Philosophy BA lets you combine two powerful ways of thinking: exploring great philosophers like Plato, Kant, and Marx, while also analysing today’s political debates on democracy, ethics, and human rights.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll learn how to think and write like a philosopher through modules such as Writing Philosophy and Mind and World, while also being introduced to political systems and research with Analysing Politics and Political Analysis 1. Exciting options like Gender and the World or Planet Politics give you the chance to explore how politics and philosophy connect to real-world issues.

Year 2

In second year, you go deeper. You’ll sharpen your research skills in Research Design and Data Analysis and explore topics like Political Theory in Practice or Africa in the World. This is where you start shaping your degree around the questions and themes that interest you most—whether that’s global politics, ethics, or the role of the European Union.

Year 3

Your final year is where it all comes together. You’ll take advanced modules and complete a dissertation or independent project on a topic you care about. With one-to-one supervision, you’ll get the freedom to develop your own research and leave Sheffield with something you can be really proud of.

Focus Areas

Ethics, political theory, justice and human rights, comparative politics, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to break down complex arguments, carry out your own political research, and communicate your ideas clearly—skills that employers in law, government, journalism, and beyond value highly.

Professional Alignment

Although this isn’t a professionally accredited degree, it gives you transferable skills that align closely with careers in government, NGOs, media, teaching, and policy analysis.

Reputation

The University of Sheffield ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide (QS 2026), with Politics and International Relations consistently in the UK top 10. What’s more, around 90% of graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, showing just how well this course prepares you for life after uni.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Politics and Philosophy at Sheffield isn’t just about books and lectures—it’s about putting ideas into practice. You’ll learn in modern spaces designed for collaboration, use specialist libraries and digital tools, and take part in projects that let you see how politics and philosophy shape the world beyond the classroom. There are also plenty of chances to gain real-world experience through placements, community projects, and research-driven events.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Modern learning spaces – You’ll have classes in The Wave, Sheffield’s brand-new social sciences hub with lecture theatres, group study areas, and social spaces, and in Elmfield, a dedicated building for politics with seminar rooms and a student lounge. Philosophy teaching takes place at 9 Mappin Street, right in the heart of campus.
World-class libraries and digital access – With over 1.3 million books and journals, plus 24/7 online access to specialist databases, you’ll always have the resources you need at your fingertips.
Placements and internships – You can take a summer internship, do virtual work experience, or even add a full placement year to your degree to boost your CV.
Philosophy in the City – A unique outreach programme where students take philosophy into schools and community groups, showing how these ideas connect to everyday life.
Research and student societies – Get involved with active research centres on ethics, politics, and philosophy, or join the Philosophy Society and even contribute to the undergraduate journal.
Events and networking – From guest lectures to workshops and conferences, you’ll be part of a community that connects classroom theory with real-world debates.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Studying Politics and Philosophy at Sheffield opens doors to a wide range of careers where your critical thinking and problem-solving skills really stand out. Graduates from this course have gone into roles such as policy advisors, communications officers, public affairs specialists, and researchers, making a real difference in government, NGOs, education, and the media. Thanks to Sheffield’s reputation and strong links with employers, you’ll leave with both the intellectual depth and the practical experience to thrive.

Here’s what gives Sheffield students an edge when stepping into the world of work:

Tailored Career Support – You’ll have access to the university’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service, plus faculty-based initiatives like the Employability Hub, which connects students directly with placements, internships, and live projects.
Proven Graduate Success – Recent surveys show that over 90% of Sheffield Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £26,000–£27,500.
Real-world Partnerships – Through the award-winning Sheffield Policy Campus, you can work with government departments such as the DWP and Department for Education, with many students securing internships and even graduate jobs in the Civil Service.
Respected Degree – Sheffield is ranked in the UK top 10 for Politics and International Relations, and its research is internationally recognised, giving your degree strong long-term credibility with employers.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Across the university, 92% of graduates are employed or in further study, and the majority are in skilled, graduate-level roles.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue studying, this degree gives you a perfect springboard into postgraduate routes. Many graduates choose to specialise with a Master’s in Political Theory, Public Policy, or Philosophy, while others go on to PhD research at Sheffield or beyond. You could also consider professional pathways like public administration, law, or journalism, where your analytical training will be highly valued.