Philosophy and Politics University of Reading

Overview

This  Philosophy and Politics BA degree from the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. 

Key features

We will give you an understanding of the central principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures of philosophy. You will be taught by leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language.

Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and final years you will have the opportunity to explore your chosen subjects in more depth, with modules such as "Contemporary political philosophy", "Philosophy of crime and punishment" and the "History of political philosophy". You will also have the chance to examine non-Western philosophies, such as Indian philosophy.

By studying politics you will acquire a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject such as political ideas and democratic processes. You can study a wide range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topics such as British government and politics, European political integration, and political thinking.

You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, encouraging discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students. All students are encouraged to undertake a work placement, and there is the opportunity to study abroad in your second or final year.

Career opportunities:

Throughout your degree you will complete career-related modules. These enable you to think about what career you would like and what skills you will need for it.

Philosophy will give you a range of transferable skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument. Such skills are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing.

Past students have put their political analysis skills to direct use in the home and European civil services, political research units, think tanks, non-governmental organisations and journalism. Other have found employment in the civil service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government, and recent employers have included the Ministry of Defence, Cambridge University Press, local authorities and other universities.

Around one in four of our students continue their studies, including conversion courses, and teacher training.