BA in Politics with Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London - Egham

36 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This combined degree offers you the chance to study Politics (75%) alongside Philosophy (25%). The politics component explores ideas, ideologies, institutions, and issues, providing a solid foundation in political theory and practice. You can specialise in areas like European integration or American politics as you progress. The philosophy part looks beyond traditional boundaries, blending European and Anglo-American traditions, and covers topics like ancient philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, consciousness, and the mind. The course emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, with opportunities for research placements and engagement with active research groups. Your studies will help you understand power relations, identity, ideology, and their impact on the modern world, preparing you for further study or a wide range of careers.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal for students interested in understanding both political systems and philosophical ideas that shape our world. The interdisciplinary approach, combining politics and philosophy, offers a unique perspective that fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. The opportunity for research placements and involvement in active research groups enhances employability. Graduates develop broad transferable skills like problem-solving, critical analysis, and clear articulation, making them attractive to a wide range of employers including government, media, NGOs, and international organizations. The course's flexible structure, with optional modules, allows students to carve out their own academic interests and prepare for diverse career paths or further study.

Specialisation

While the course has a core structure, it allows for optional modules that cover diverse topics such as European philosophy, American politics, political communication, and international relations. Students can tailor their studies with optional modules in areas like logic, aesthetics, gender and politics, and regional studies like South Asia or Latin America. In their final year, students can choose to develop an independent dissertation on a topic of their choice, further deepening their specialization and research skills.

Course fees

Application fees

27.34L

1st year tuition fees

27.34L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C (9-4 in new grading), including English and Mathematics. A levels should be ABB-BBB, with at least one subject being relevant. Other qualifications like the International Baccalaureate or BTEC diplomas are accepted. International students must meet specific English language requirements, such as IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in writing. The course foundation year is available for international students who need to develop their academic or language skills before starting the degree.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

120

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Royal Holloway, University of London - Egham admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates from this course can pursue careers in public affairs, political organizations, journalism, international law, and charities. Examples include roles in government departments such as the Ministry of Justice and Foreign Office, as well as in large companies like Unilever and Amazon. Many alumni continue with postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions worldwide. The skills gained—critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving—equip students for diverse careers in politics, media, law, consultancy, and international organizations.

FAQs

What are the main topics covered in this course?

The course combines the study of politics—like ideologies, institutions, and processes—with philosophy topics such as ancient philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, and the mind. It also offers optional modules on logic, European philosophy, and international politics.

Can I specialise in a particular area?

Yes, the course offers optional modules that allow you to focus on areas like European integration, American politics, political communication, and regional studies in Latin America or South Asia. You can also undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice.