Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The Philosophy and Politics programme at Exeter allows you to develop into graduates who are useful, productive and questioning members of society. You will become grounded in the main themes of Philosophy and Politics through a combination of modules which will enable you to develop a deep understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves. You will study combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
This degree programme will enable you to become competent in the specific skills required in Politics and in Philosophy, and in core academic and personal and key skills. You will be offered a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To produce graduates from the programme who are knowledgeable, curious, critical members of society.
2. To produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Philosophy through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves.
3. To produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Politics through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
4. To develop students competence in the specific skills required in Politics and in Philosophy, and in core academic and personal and key skills.
5. To offer a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
The programme aims:
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
The Philosophy and Politics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.However, you must take 150 credits from each of Philosophy and Politics by the end of your degree.
Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.
Stage 1
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophical and political theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Compulsory Modules
Philosophy - 45 credits of core
a - For Philosophy you must choose 3 of the core modules listed
Politics - 30 credits of core
You must take both POL1025 and POL1026
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 | No |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Politics: 30 credits of option modules
Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| PHL1004 | Philosophical Problems 1 | 15 | No |
| PHL1007 | Philosophical Reading 1 | 15 | No |
| PHL1009 | Philosophies of Art | 15 | No |
| PHL1010 | Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL1112 | Philosophy of Film | 15 | No |
| Politics and Philosophy - Stage 1 Politics options 2025-6 | |||
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 | No |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| POL1020 | Politics in Europe | 15 | No |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1045 | International Politics of the Global South | 15 | No |
| POL1046 | The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 | No |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 | No |
| POL1048 | The Politics of Development | 15 | No |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | No |
| SPA1002 | Population and Society | 15 | No |
| SPA1001 | Animal Politics | 15 | No |
| SPA1004 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 | No |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | No |
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARA1041 | Religious Communities of the Middle East: Culture, Endangerment and Survival | 15 | No |
Stage 2
In the second year you will advance your grasp of philosophical and political knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
Compulsory Modules
As part of your 120 credits for the year, you must do the following:
Philosophy - at least 45 credits of core
b - Choose 3 of the core Philosophy modules listed
Politics - 15 credits of core
POL2059 must be taken
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [see note b above] | 15 | No |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Politics: 45 credits of option modules
Philosophy: 15 credits of option modules
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| PHL2001 | Phenomenology | 15 | No |
| PHL2002 | Existentialism | 15 | No |
| PHL2020 | Virtues and Vices | 15 | No |
| PHL2021 | Symbolic Logic | 15 | No |
| PHL2038 | The Self | 15 | No |
| PHL2040 | Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 | No |
| PHL2042 | Philosophical Frontiers | 15 | No |
| PHL2045 | Aesthetics | 15 | No |
| PHL2052 | Epistemology | 15 | No |
| PHL2053 | History of Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL2054 | Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 | No |
| PHL2060 | Philosophy of Emotion | 15 | No |
| PHL2096 | Cyborg Studies | 15 | No |
| PHL2111 | The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 | No |
| PHL2112 | Practical Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL2114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL2117 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 | No |
| PHL2119 | Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL2123 | Philosophy of Medicine | 15 | No |
| PHL2125 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 | No |
| PHL2127 | Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL2130 | Plato's Dialogues | 15 | No |
| PHL2131 | Philosophy of Music | 15 | No |
| Politics and Philosophy - Stage 2 Politics options 2025-6 | |||
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2026 | Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas | 15 | No |
| POL2027 | The Politics of the World Economy | 15 | No |
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2047 | American Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| POL2076 | Rising Powers, Peace and Conflict | 15 | No |
| POL2079 | Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics' | 15 | No |
| POL2081 | Thinking about Race: Perspectives from the Biological and Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| POL2082 | Changing Character of Warfare | 15 | No |
| POL2098 | What is Law? Jurisprudence from Stone Tablet to Brain Imaging | 15 | No |
| POL2107 | Gender and Comparative Public Policy | 15 | No |
| POL2115 | British Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL2122 | The Politics and Policies of Youth Engagement | 15 | No |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL2130 | Comparative Electoral Systems | 15 | No |
| POL2131 | Environmental Governance | 15 | No |
| POL2132 | Decolonising Global Justice | 15 | No |
| POL2164 | The Politics of Humanitarian Emergencies | 15 | No |
| POL2165 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 | No |
| POL2166 | Gendering World Politics | 15 | No |
| HAS2010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 | No |
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
Compulsory Modules
Philosophy or Politics Dissertation
c - As part of your 120 credits for the final year, you must choose one of the two dissertation modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note c above] | 30 | No |
| POL3040 | Dissertation [see note c above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
Philosophy - Choose 30 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if POL3040 chosen
Politics - Choose 30 credits of options if POL3040 chosen. Choose 60 credits of options if PHL3040 chosen
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| PHL3001 | Phenomenology | 15 | No |
| PHL3002 | Existentialism | 15 | No |
| PHL3013 | Virtues and Vices | 15 | No |
| PHL3014 | Symbolic Logic | 15 | No |
| PHL3038 | The Self | 15 | No |
| PHL3045 | Aesthetics | 15 | No |
| PHL3052 | Epistemology | 15 | No |
| PHL3053 | History of Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL3054 | Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 | No |
| PHL3060 | Philosophy of Emotion | 15 | No |
| PHL3078 | Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 | No |
| PHL3080 | Philosophical Frontiers | 15 | No |
| PHL3096 | Cyborg Studies | 15 | No |
| PHL3111 | The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 | No |
| PHL3113 | Practical Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL3114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL3117 | Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 | No |
| PHL3118 | Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 | No |
| PHL3122 | Philosophy of Medicine | 15 | No |
| PHL3124 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 | No |
| PHL3126 | Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL3127 | Plato's Dialogues | 15 | No |
| PHL3131 | Philosophy of Music | 15 | No |
| International Relations and Politics Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| POL3054 | Nuclear Weapons in International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL3069 | Globalisation and the Politics of Resistance | 30 | No |
| POL3090 | Politics and Conflict in Deeply Divided Societies | 15 | No |
| POL3136 | Political Psychology | 30 | No |
| POL3168 | War and its Aftermath: Interventions and Contemporary Conflict | 30 | No |
| POL3180 | Latin American Parties, Politics and Elections | 30 | No |
| POL3196 | Democracy in the European Union | 30 | No |
| POL3234 | Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe | 30 | No |
| POL3240 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 15 | No |
| POL3247 | Politics of Biology | 15 | No |
| POL3248 | Marxism(s) and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL3250 | Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis | 15 | No |
| POL3256 | Trumping the Mainstream: The Populist Radical Right and Democratic politics | 30 | No |
| POL3259 | Climate Justice | 30 | No |
| POL3260 | Russian Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3263 | Political Economy of Development | 15 | No |
| POL3274 | Money, Lobbying, and Policymaking | 15 | No |
| POL3284 | Realism and Its Critics: Debating and Applying International Relations Theory | 15 | No |
| POL3291 | Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Policing of the Global and the Local | 30 | No |
| POL3292 | LGBTQ+ Policies and Politics in the UK | 15 | No |
| POL3293 | The Political Economy of Chinese Development | 15 | No |
| POL3294 | Land, Power and Politics: a critical problem-based approach | 15 | No |
| POL3296 | Political Economy of Populism | 15 | No |
| POL3297 | Comparative Political Economy: Varieties of Capitalism | 15 | No |
| POL3302 | Elections, Public Opinion and Parties in Britain | 15 | No |
| POL3303 | Protest, Activism and the Environment | 30 | No |
| POL3304 | Political Philosophies of Power | 15 | No |
| POL3306 | Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3307 | International Politics of the Body | 15 | No |
| POL3310 | War in the 21st Century | 30 | No |
| POL3311 | Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications | 15 | No |
| POL3312 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 15 | No |
| POL3316 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 15 | No |
| POL3317 | Authoritarian Resilience in the Global South | 15 | No |
| POL3318 | Transformation of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones | 15 | No |
| POL3319 | The Politics of Place | 15 | No |
| POL3320 | Politics Online | 15 | No |
| POL3321 | The Politics of Economic Policymaking | 30 | No |
| POL3322 | Artificial Intelligence and Democracy | 30 | No |
| POL3323 | International Relations in Global History | 30 | No |
| POL3324 | War, Culture and Society | 30 | No |
| POL3325 | Understanding Public and Nonprofit Management | 15 | No |
| POL3326 | International Politics of the Body | 30 | No |
| POL3327 | Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3328 | Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 | No |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 | No |
| POL3213 | Feminist Political Theory | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences | Philosophy In explicit terms, 1 and 2 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work in PHL1002A and PHL1002B,; 3 and 4 through similar methods and strategies in PHL1006A, PHL1005a, PHL201a, PHL2016, PHL2015, and PHL2018; 5 and 6 through similar methods in PHL1013 and PHL2118; and 7 through similar methods on PHL2010A, PHL2010B, and PHL2018. However, depending on the student’s chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, with increasing intensity as s/he progresses through the Stages, on the elective modules as well. 8 is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. Politics
| The assessment of these skills is through a combination of the following: |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
13. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). 27 is developed through peer and self assessment of assignments, staff feedback on formative assignments, and student self-appraisal, which are used in various Politics modules. | These skills are assessed through term-time essays, assessed presentations, and examinations. 27 is not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the Politics benchmark statement). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
28. Undertake independent study and ability to work to deadlines. | 28 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme. 29 is developed through the requirement to use digital research and writing resources. 30 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 31 is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 32 is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. 33 is developed through seminars, which form part of all modules 34 is developed throughout the Philosophy side of the programme. The skills in 35, 36 and 37 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. 38 is developed through the Dissertation at Stage 3, which has a single end of year deadline. | The skills in 28, 29 and 30 are assessed in all modules. 30 is covered by the fact that students write essays, which are formatively and summatively assessed, of differing lengths and in the Dissertation. 31 Is assessed implicitly throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal exercise conducted in the inter-semester week in Spring Term. 32 Timed examinations are used in all modules except dissertation. 33 is a continuous part of formative assessment. 34 Forms a basic tenet of examination throughout the Philosophy side of the programme. 35, 36 and 37 are part of formative assessment on all modules. 38 is covered by the Dissertation (in either subject). |
7. Programme Regulations
For UG programmes, assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilize and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitize reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.
The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory, based in the Law Library and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.
At St Luke’s there is also a college-based open access suite (South Cloisters 14) providing access to another 20 machines. Entry is again made by use of your university card and it is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.
Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf
Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
19. UCAS Code
VL52
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Philosophy
[Honours] Politics and international relations
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2000 |
Date of last revision | 29/08/2018 |
|---|
