BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics

At Liverpool, your degree goes beyond books and lectures—you’ll be encouraged to put your ideas into action. Whether it’s through lively seminars, research-led teaching, or work experience opportunities, the program is designed to give you the confidence to apply philosophical and political thinking in the real world. You’ll study in the dedicated Gillian Howie House and have access to modern libraries, digital resources, and employability support throughout your journey.

And because Liverpool believes learning is strongest when connected to practice, you’ll find plenty of ways to test your skills outside the classroom:

• Year in Industry – Spend a full year working in a paid placement, gaining practical experience while building your CV and returning to complete your final year of study.

• Liverpool Interns Scheme – Take on an 80-hour paid internship with a local business, applying your analytical and communication skills to real challenges.

• Research Software Engineering Internship – Work alongside academics on genuine research projects, developing digital and problem-solving skills in areas like the humanities and social sciences.

• Study Resources – Make the most of Liverpool’s extensive library collections, study spaces, and digital tools to support both group projects and independent research.

Graduating with a Philosophy and Politics degree from Liverpool really sets you up with flexible career choices. Employers value your ability to analyse complex ideas, debate confidently, and write persuasively. Many of our students go on to careers such as policy advisors, risk consultants, public affairs officers, or even into journalism and media—all roles where critical thinking and communication make a real difference.

And the great part is, Liverpool doesn’t just hand you a degree and send you off—they actively support you with career planning and employability services:

• You’ll have access to the Careers & Employability team, who provide tailored advice, employer connections, and support with CVs, applications, and interviews.

• A dedicated placements and employability officer works directly with Philosophy and Politics students to help secure internships and placements.

• Many students take advantage of the Year in Industry option, spending a full year in a salaried placement, or choose to study abroad through Liverpool’s global partnerships—including options at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China or with other partner universities worldwide.

• Salary prospects are solid too—average earnings 15 months after graduation are around £24,000–£25,000, and the majority of graduates are either working or in further study within that timeframe.

• The department’s research reputation is also outstanding—Philosophy at Liverpool was ranked 4th in the UK for research impact in REF 2021, which adds long-term credibility to your degree.

• Success stories include graduates moving straight into roles like Risk Consultant at Mazars, and others stepping into policy, consultancy, academia, and media.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to take your studies further, you’ll have plenty of options:

• Master’s degrees in areas like Political Theory, Public Policy, International Relations, or Ethics.

• PhD research opportunities at Liverpool or beyond, especially given the department’s strong research culture.

• Professional routes such as law conversion courses, journalism training, or public administration qualifications.

• Opportunities to specialise through international postgraduate study, building on Liverpool’s strong global links.