Philosophy and Politics

Philosophy and politics together address the most fundamental questions about how we should live and how societies should be organised. Philosophy asks about the nature of truth, knowledge, reality, morality and what makes reasoning valid. Politics examines how power is distributed and exercised, how governments are formed and constrained, how citizens participate and how societies navigate disagreement and conflict.

The two disciplines have always been closely related, since the great philosophical traditions have always included political philosophy, and the most important political debates rest on philosophical foundations about rights, justice, freedom and equality.

At the University of Reading, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad. The sandwich and placement elements give you structured professional experience, which might be in public affairs, government, policy, journalism, research or a wide range of other settings. The year abroad provides the opportunity to engage with different philosophical and political traditions in another country, which is genuinely enriching for subjects concerned with understanding human diversity and the range of ways societies can be organised.

You will study the history of philosophy, ethics, logic, metaphysics and epistemology alongside political theory, comparative politics, international relations and the empirical study of political behaviour and institutions. Both disciplines develop your ability to construct and evaluate arguments carefully, to read complex texts closely and to communicate your thinking clearly and persuasively.

Graduates go on to careers in the civil service, law, public affairs, politics, journalism, policy research, international organisations, NGOs, education and management. The philosophical and analytical training the degree provides is valued wherever rigorous thinking and clear communication matter. Many continue to postgraduate study in philosophy, political science, law or public policy.