Philosophy with Politics

Philosophy with politics is a degree that places philosophy as its primary subject while also developing a grounded understanding of political thought and institutions. Philosophy occupies 75% of the course, giving it the depth and rigour of a philosophy specialism: you will engage with the fundamental questions of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of mind and language, developing the analytical skills to construct clear arguments and evaluate competing positions with precision. The politics element adds a 25% complement of political study, connecting philosophical questions about justice, rights, authority, and democracy to the concrete world of political institutions, parties, and policy.

At Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, this three-year programme develops your philosophical thinking within one of London's distinctive universities, with access to a strong research culture and the intellectual resources of a major institution. The politics dimension provides grounding in political theory, comparative government, and the analysis of political behaviour, which complements and enriches the philosophical work by connecting abstract argument to real political questions.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to develop professionally in relevant contexts and to encounter different intellectual and political cultures through time spent abroad.

Graduates from philosophy with politics degrees are highly versatile. The combination of philosophical rigour and political understanding is valued across the civil service, policy research, think tanks, journalism, law, finance, consultancy, and public affairs. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in philosophy, political science, public policy, or law.

The analytical and communication skills that philosophy develops, combined with an understanding of how political systems work, make this a degree with wide professional applicability.