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BA Philosophy and International Relations
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UCAS code
VL52 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Combine the study of philosophy with international relations, and develop a deeper understanding of the world we live in with our BA Philosophy and International Relations.
Studying philosophy at the 糖心Vlog will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. 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. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.
Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and third years, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth, with modules such as Ethical Argument, Global Philosophies and Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy.
Studying international relations will give you a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject, such as political ideas and international relations theory. You will have the opportunity to learn about international relations both in breadth and in depth, through a range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues such as European political integration, international terrorism, and politics in the Middle East.
You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, in which discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students is encouraged. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive dedicated, individual attention.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake work placements and study abroad in your second or final year.
We are ranked in the top 125 universities in the world for Arts and Humanities and those offering History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Placement
We encourage you to take placements as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.
You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.
You can also choose our four-year BA Philosophy and International Relations with Placement Experience course, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third year of study.
Other students have chosen to study abroad for one semester in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.
Overview
Combine the study of philosophy with international relations, and develop a deeper understanding of the world we live in with our BA Philosophy and International Relations.
Studying philosophy at the 糖心Vlog will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. 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. You will also have the chance to study non-Western philosophies, especially Indian philosophy.
Your first year will introduce you to the general skills required for all philosophy. In your second and third years, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth, with modules such as Ethical Argument, Global Philosophies and Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy.
Studying international relations will give you a strong grounding in fundamental elements of the subject, such as political ideas and international relations theory. You will have the opportunity to learn about international relations both in breadth and in depth, through a range of specialist core and optional modules, which cover topical issues such as European political integration, international terrorism, and politics in the Middle East.
You will be taught in small interactive seminar groups, in which discussion and debate with teaching staff and fellow students is encouraged. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive dedicated, individual attention.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake work placements and study abroad in your second or final year.
We are ranked in the top 125 universities in the world for Arts and Humanities and those offering History, Philosophy and Theology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Placement
We encourage you to take placements as they provide you with a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice, as well as allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.
You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your studies. For example, a previous student worked at a zoo to learn more about the ethical treatment of animals.
You can also choose our four-year BA Philosophy and International Relations with Placement Experience course, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third year of study.
Other students have chosen to study abroad for one semester in their second or final year. Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Pathway
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you can join the 糖心Vlog’s International Foundation Programme (IFP).
International Foundation Programme – September entry
Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, along with any other relevant degree entry requirements, guarantees you the opportunity of a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Learn more about our International Foundation Pathways
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| PO1ICD | Introduction to Contemporary Democracy | DR David Marshall |
| PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Rob Jubb |
| PO1IRS | Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies | DR Amanda Hall |
| PP1RA | Reason and Argument | MR Ronan O Maonaile |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
| PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
| PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Ben Willis |
| PP1EL | Elementary Logic | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
| PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Michela Bariselli |
| PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR Richard Elliott |
| PP1MM | Mental Machines | DR Nat Hansen |
| PP1RG | The Right and the Good | DR Charlotte Newey |
| PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
| PP1WRI | Writing the Philosophical Essay | DR Nat Hansen |
| AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
| AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
| AR1EMP10 | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome [10 credits] | PROF Roger Matthews |
| AR1REV | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present | PROF Steve Mithen |
| AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | PROF Steve Mithen |
| AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
| AR1SOC10 | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology [10 credits] | DR Alanna Cant |
| CL1RH | Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic | DR Andrew Fox |
| CL1SO | Ancient Song | DR Doukissa Kamini |
| CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
| EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
| FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | MS Kelly Lloyd |
| FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
| FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Lisa Woynarski |
| FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
| IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | PROF Daniela Standen |
| LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
| ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | DR Marta Simo-Comas |
| ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | PROF Federico Faloppa |
| MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | MS Linghe Lei |
| MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
| PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Emily Meachon |
| TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they鈥檙e informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
| PO2SOP | The Study of Politics | DR Adam Humphreys |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| PO2ADC | Advanced Degree Competencies | DR Amanda Hall |
| PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Derek Bolton |
| PO2BGP | British Government and Politics | DR Kiwi Ting |
| PO2CGP | Comparative Government and Politics | DR Victor Araujo Silva |
| PO2COS | Contemporary Strategy | DR Kenton White |
| PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
| PO2MUN | Model United Nations | DR Scott Edwards |
| PO2PHC | Political Classics | PROF Alan Cromartie |
| PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
| PO2RTW | Russia in the World | DR Vladimir Rauta |
| PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
| PO2TMP | The Media and Politics | DR Dawn Clarke |
| PO2WAP | War and Peace Since 1800 | DR Geoff Sloan |
| PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
| PP2EA2 | Ethical Argument 2: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
| PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
| PP2GP2 | Global Philosophy 2 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
| PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
| PP2HKW2 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 2 | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
| PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Walter Veit |
| PP2IDR2 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 2 | DR Walter Veit |
| PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Walter Veit |
| PP2MM2 | Meaning and the Mind 2 | MR Petter Sandstad |
| PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR George Mason |
| PP2OID2 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 2 | DR George Mason |
| ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
| ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | MR Mark Aitchison |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they鈥檙e informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| PO3BFD | British Foreign and Defence Policy since 1945 | DR Kenton White |
| PO3CSS | Introduction to Critical Security Studies | DR Andreas Behnke |
| PO3DCW | Dynamics of Civil Wars | DR Vladimir Rauta |
| PO3DIS | Dissertation | DR Adam Humphreys |
| PO3FAR | The Far Right | PROF Daphne Halikiopoulou |
| PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Cat Wayland |
| PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Katharina Lawall |
| PO3INT | Intelligence, War and International Relations | DR Geoff Sloan |
| PO3IOG | International Organizations in Global Politics | DR Scott Edwards |
| PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
| PO3ITE | International Terrorism | DR Amanda Hall |
| PO3MAR | Karl Marx | PROF Alan Cromartie |
| PO3MEA | Politics & International Relations of the Middle East | DR Younis Lahwej |
| PO3NUK | The Politics of Nuclear Weapons | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
| PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
| PO3WPE | War, Peace and International Ethics | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
| PP3AEST | Aesthetics | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
| PP3BESR | Business Ethics and Social Responsibility | DR Charlotte Newey |
| PP3CP | Chinese Philosophy | PROF John Preston |
| PP3DIS | Dissertation in Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
| PP3FAI | Fairness | DR Charlotte Newey |
| PP3HGML | Happy, Good and Meaningful Lives | DR Luke Elson |
| PP3LA | Philosophy of Law | DR George Mason |
| PP3LANG | Philosophy of Language: Animals, Babies, Colours, and Language Death | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
| PP3MEDI | Christian, Islamic and Jewish Mediaeval Philosophy | DR Luke Elson |
| PP3MOA | The Morality of Abortion | PROF Philip Stratton-Lake |
| PP3REL | Philosophy of Religion | DR George Mason |
| PP3RVK | Reason, Value & Knowledge | PROF Philip Stratton-Lake |
| PP3SCF | The Scandal of Film | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
| PP3SPA | Speech Attacks: bullshit, lies, propaganda | DR Nat Hansen |
| PP3SSG | Society and State in Ancient Greece | DR George Mason |
| PP3WMA | Wittgenstein鈥檚 Philosophy of Mind and Action | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
| PP3WWP | World Views in Western Philosophy | PROF John Preston |
| ED3TS3 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 3 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
| ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | MR Mark Aitchison |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they鈥檙e informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The home tuition fee for 2027 entry is £10,050. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.
New international students: £26,850 for 2027/28. The international tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.
Tuition fees
To find out more about how the 糖心Vlog sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar
Our innovative Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship is focused on creating a community of future leaders. We’re awarding up to 400 scholarships per year to high-achieving students from the UK and overseas who are passionate about environmental sustainability.
Each scholar receives £6,000 a year (towards living costs), for up to four years, plus a tailored development scheme. The scheme provides opportunities to develop knowledge and leadership skills relevant to addressing climate and nature issues, and to engage in cross-disciplinary learning and action. Terms and conditions apply.
Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.
Careers
Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to complete modules with a focus on careers and skills, encouraging you to think about what careers you would like and what skills you will need.
Studying philosophy will enable you to develop 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.
Overall 93% of graduates from Philosophy and 95% of graduates from Politics and International Relations are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2026, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24 includes all Philosophy responders and first degree Politics and International Relations responders).
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 graduates have found employment in the civil service, journalism, consultancy, finance, local and central government, and previous employers have included the Ministry of Defence, Cambridge University Press, local authorities and other universities.
Some of our graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level, or through conversion courses and teacher training.
Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future
At the 糖心Vlog, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.
Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).
During your time at 糖心Vlog, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.
In 2025, the 糖心Vlog won the Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.
Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at 糖心Vlog.

