Home Courses Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) Politics and Philosophy & Ethics

BA (Hons) Politics and Philosophy & Ethics

Consider and analyse political ideas of social justice, bio-ethics and truth

Consider and analyse political ideas of social justice, bio-ethics and truth

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LV25
3 years full-time
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)
  • Study the links between philosophy, ethics and contemporary political events, conflicts, and challenges
  • Build your degree around your own research interests
  • Learn from experts in their fields
  • Smaller class sizes for better learning
Student sat outside reading a book

5th

for graduate prospects in Philosophy

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1st

in the UK for freedom of expression

National Student Survey 2024

90%

positivity that the course has developed your knowledge and skills for the future

National Student Survey 2024

5th

for graduate prospects in Philosophy

Complete University Guide 2023

1st

in the UK for freedom of expression

National Student Survey 2024

90%

positivity that the course has developed your knowledge and skills for the future

National Student Survey 2024

Overview

Learn to think critically and analytically about political and philosophical issues

Explore questions of social justice, bio-ethics, and the nature of truth from different historical and contemporary philosophical perspectives.

You will be introduced to contemporary political issues, from political economy to security studies, and develop the analytical skills and research abilities that will serve you well in the world of work.

Pursue your interests

The course will allow you to choose your own area of interest and develop your knowledge and skills to take a critical perspective on political events and fundamental philosophical questions.

Learn from experts

You will learn from academics who are experts in their fields and use latest research to underline their teaching to ensure that you have access to the current debates within the study of politics, philosophy, and ethics.

On this course you will:

  • Study Politics both from policy-oriented and academic perspectives.
  • Consider key philosophical and ethical questions and their relationship to contemporary politics.
  • Explore global challenges of the twenty-first century: terrorism, global warming, migration, climate and health.
  • Learn from our team of expert staff.
  • Develop your critical thinking, team-working, research and digital skills, all vital for post-degree employment.

The Course

Explore and understand different historical and contemporary philosophical perspectives

This course allows you to study key political issues, from political economy to security studies, as you examine contemporary political challenges such as nationalism, terrorism, asymmetrical warfare, and environmentalism through a philosophical lens.

Year One

In your first year, you will receive a solid grounding in the theoretical approaches and research methods in the study of both Politics and Philosophy & Ethics.

The course introduces you to the role of ethics within the complex world of contemporary politics as you consider the nature of truth from different philosophical perspectives.

Year Two

In your second year, you will begin to mould your degree around your interests.

You will explore papal political influences, the links between political ideologies, religion, and modern cultures, freedom and justice, bio-ethics, and much more.

Year Three

By your final year, you will have a strong sense of what political area you would like to focus on for your final dissertation project.

Alongside your thesis, you will have the opportunity to explore more specific aspects of politics, philosophy, and ethics, including: the politics of twentieth century European dictators, Pan-Africanism, the effects of globalisation, and political theology.

Modules

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Select a year

Introduction to Soft Power: Britain and its Cultural Diplomacy in the Twenty-First Century

This module examines the role of literature, arts and other cultural forms and processes in conducting international relations. It is an introduction to the notions of soft power and cultural diplomacy and how Britain and other states and intergovernmental organisations have used it to exert their power. The module introduces students to the history and practice of organisations such as the BBC; BBC World Service; the British Council; UNESCO

The Quest for Truth

The module investigates the relationship between philosophy and science by examining debates about different conceptions of truth. Is truth something that can be measured? Is there reality beyond the material world? Contemporary society values the explanatory powers of social and natural sciences – is there still a place for a distinctively philosophical approach to questions of truth?

The United States: An Introduction (1763 – The Present)

This module analyses the distinctive origins of American political thought and constitutional practice, the structures and effects of slavery, the origins of the civil war, the evolution of popular culture with special reference to jazz, the pursuit of civil rights and the emergence of the United States as a world power.

Bio-Ethics

This module introduces you to the concept and debates of bio-ethics. You will become acquainted with the major problems in bio-ethics, especially those relating to the beginning and ending of life and discuss them multiple ethical approaches.

Environment and State in Britain Since 1945

This module explores the British state’s evolving stewardship over the environment since the end of the Second World War.

You will examine the connected environmental challenges that the state has faced in this time including pollution, urban change, resource depletion, species conservation and control, epidemics, extreme weather, the threat of nuclear war, and climate change.

Enlightenment Europe: 1688-1789

The ideas of the Enlightenment provided new ways of thinking about science, religion, education, politics and society and the place of ‘mankind’ in the world, but to what extent did the ‘philosophers’ transform society and how enlightened were they?

You will explore these ideas as you engage with the works of Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, Rousseau, Beccaria and Wollstonecraft.

Fascism and Post-Fascism in Europe

By looking at a variety of case studies from across Europe throughout the first half of the 20th century, we will discuss the way in which fascism was both embraced and fought against.

In addition, by using literary and cultural forms of post-fascism you will explore how many of the core messages of ideological fascism survived despite being politically discredited.

Freedom and Justice

The module investigates different philosophical approaches to freedom and justice. What constitutes a free action? Can freedom be granted? What are the key components of a just society? We explore different traditions with careful attention to their historical and cultural context while considering their ability to illuminate contemporary issues and debates.

Ideologies, Politics And Culture

This module aims to provide you with a robust understanding of the nature of ideology, its operation within different political and cultural contexts, including Marxist, liberal and conservative approaches.

You will also explore and analyse a range of indicative political ideologies, including conservatism, socialism, fascism, feminism and ecologism, enhanced through analysis of historical and contemporary case studies, and discussion of a diverse range of texts.

International Human Rights Law

This module examines different sources of human rights law, its impact on the English legal system and considers different substantive areas of the law under the European Convention on Human Rights including absolute, limited and qualified rights.

Identity And Conflict In Russia And Eurasia

This module provides you with an understanding of contemporary Russia and Eurasia.

You will examine the recent conflicts across the region through the prism of nationalism and identity politics.

The module re-examines these conflicts by focusing on the sources of demand for national self-determination in secessionist conflicts in:

  • Azerbaijan (Nagorno Karabakh)
  • Georgia (Abkhazia/South Ossetia)
  • Moldova (Transnistria)
  • Ukraine (Crimea/Eastern Ukraine)
  • Chechnya (Russian Federation)
  • as well as causes of intra- and inter-ethnic violence in Central Asia.

Popes And Politics

This module examines the nature of papal pronouncements and diplomatic interventions in the continuing evolution of the modern nation state. You will consider these ideas in the new ideological landscapes of totalitarian power, in the two world wars and the Cold War.

It will involve an analysis of the ideas, culture and structures of the Roman Catholic Church as they were found at work in the contexts of national and international politics in the years 1864-2005.

Re-Litigating The Past: State, Media And Historical Injustice In Contemporary Britain

This module focuses on how public histories have been rewritten in Britain over the past three decades, through the interventions of state, media, and voluntary sector institutions.

By studying these forms of investigations, you will learn about how private traumas are integrated into or transformed public memory, the ways in which and reasons why silences are maintained or broken, and the place of ‘the past’ in judicial processes.

A Global History Of The Cold War

This module introduces you to a wider view of the effects of the Cold War beyond the traditional Western-centric view. You will examine the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union in the Middle East, the decolonisation processes in Asia and Africa, the political influence on developing nations in Latin America, and the emergence of China as an additional player.

British Cultural Wars

This module explores conflict within British culture from the start of the 19th century to the turn of the new millennium.

You will consider the reaction to obscene publications and other literary controversies and moral panics of Victorian Britain, through to the as the liberal reforms in the 1960s and the self-censorship and the baleful influence of Hollywood on British cinema.

Dictatorship, Conformity and Resistance in Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy and Stalin’s Russia

This module explores the distinctive ideologies of Soviet Communism, Italian Fascism and German National Socialism, and to consider if and how these were in fact new forms of religion. The module will also examine the construction of these ‘totalitarian’ states in practice, and the experiences of individual and institutions caught up within these contexts, with particular reference to the churches and to cultural movements.

Dissertation in Philosophy and Ethics

The dissertation is the culmination of your degree, as you produce a research project on a specific aspect of philosophy and ethics studies.

The dissertation consists of a study of 9,000 words on a topic agreed between the student and the module coordinator.

Globalisation and Its Malcontents

This module looks at key moments in the development of globalization focusing on moments in which the world came together, such as the Bretton Woods conference in 1944, when the terms of global trade were outlined after the rupture of the Second World War.

You will use these examples to contextualise the work of theorists like Arjun Appadurai to develop your understanding of how globalization has shaped 20th-century history and politics.

Pan-Africanism

This module examines the ideologies, political movements and key activists concerned with the political unity and liberation of Africa and the African diaspora from the 19th century onwards.
In particular, you will analyse the significance of the ideas of key ideologists and activists, including Edward Blyden, Marcus Garvey, George Padmore, W.E.B. Du Bois, Aimé Césaire, Malcolm X, Kwame Nkrumah, Franz Fanon and Amilcar Cabral.

Political Theology

This module asks how theological and religious concepts shape our understanding of a range of political ideas. Does this mean that Western society is fundamentally religious? Or do theological and religious ideas take on new meaning in secular or post-secular society? We will look at these issue from a variety of theological, sociological and philosophical perspectives.

Philosophy and the Future

This module investigates different philosophical conceptions of the future. Beginning with religious understandings of eschatology, messianism, millennialism and apocalypticism we will see how these ideas relate to philosophical notions of progress, utopianism and dystopianism. We will ask how we think of the future today, examining a range of philosophical texts as well as film, television, music and visual art.

Revisioning Religion, Gender and Sexuality

The module will begin by examining the development of feminist theologies, thealogies and feminist studies of religion in the Jewish and Christian traditions.
This will lead to an exploration of a range of the further developments which have emerged as result of these early developments such as womanist, mujerista, body and queer theologies as well as diverse feminist spiritualties across a range of traditions.

The Theology and Politics of Paul the Apostle

Paul’s letters in the New Testament have had a major influence on the formation of Christianity as well as on political, ethical and philosophical questions more generally. This module varies between close readings of key Pauline letters and discussion of key problems – such as gender, social change, and freedom – raised by the Pauline texts throughout history.

Experience

Discover facilities that support your academic learning

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of internationally recognised research staff

Teaching

At our university, you will find a friendly atmosphere and an encouraging team of staff who will work hard to support your learning.

All of our tutors have recognised national and international research expertise and a passion for their respective subject areas. This ensures that you have access the latest debates within the study of Politics, philosophy, and ethics.

Much of our teaching is in small groups. Our commitment to smaller class sizes allows you to feel more confident to discuss your ideas in a supportive environment.

It also allows your tutors get to know you and how best to aid your development.

Assessment

Our BA (Hons) Politics and Philosophy & Ethics course uses a range of assessments methods, including:

  • Essays
  • Source evaluations and reviews
  • Research projects
  • Collaborative project work
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation.

 
For your Philosophy and Ethics modules, you will be asked to undertake a variety of tasks, many of which will be useful in your future careers.

You will be asked to write essays as you might expect, but you might also write book reviews, reviews of films, write reports on projects, make a video, construct an exhibition and make presentations.

Modules are assessed at every stage of the course, allowing you to clearly see your academic progress throughout your degree.

Work Placements

Gain vital workplace experience with our local partners

We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today’s challenging jobs market.

We offer you work placement opportunities built directly into our courses to ensure you can gain the experience needed to stand out.

You can choose to organise your own work placement, or take advantage of our extensive network of local partners to gain experience within settings that can also support your academic studies.

You might choose to pursue a work placement opportunity within local government, the police, archives and museums, local or national charities, or public services such as libraries.

Study Abroad

Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad

As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.

Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture.

You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to help ensure that you can get the best out of your time studying abroad.

Careers

Open up your future career options

Our graduates continue to succeeded in a range of positions after their studies through the supportive environment, varied modules, and the commitment to students provided by our staff.

Studying politics also opens up opportunities within local government, public administration, and journalism. Our graduates are highly-coveted for their analytic, research and critically-thinking skills developed over the course of their degrees.

There is also great demand for graduates from a philosophy and ethics background ranging from HR departments that need to know about ethical diversity and equality, to the media, which must understand religious opinions and ethical commitments.

Career paths include:

  • The Civil Service
  • International organisations
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
  • Defence and security
  • Public administration
  • Business
  • Law
  • Communications and PR
  • Education
  • Journalism

Postgraduate pathways

  • MA Cultural History
  • MRes The History of Africa and the African Diaspora
  • MA Public Theology
  • PGCEs
  • Postgraduate Research (MPhil/PhD)

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Course Costs

Course Fees 2025/26

UK fee
£9,535
International fee
£16,344

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (individual offers may vary)

UCAS
104 - 120
tariff points.
A Levels
BBB - BCC
Access to HE Diploma
Pass
IB
28 points
IELTS
6.0 overall
with no element lower than 5.5.

Contextual offers

We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.

When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 16 fewer UCAS points (two A-level grades).

Find out more about our contextual offers.

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