Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy and Politics (Including Year Abroad) (LV2M)

Some of the most fundamental questions about political life, its principles and ideals, are philosophical in character. This University of Essex course brings these disciplines of philosophy and politics together, and provides a sound academic grounding in both. Students are given plenty of opportunities to bring the resources of moral and political philosophy to bear on the issues of political life. The study topics include: ethics, political philosophy, European philosophy, concepts in political science, obligations, freedom, rights and equality.

Education extends beyond the university campus. Essex supports students in expanding their education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of their partner universities. The four-year version of the degree allows students to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course. Studying abroad allows students to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden their degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that they are mature, adaptable, and organized.

The School's open-minded and enthusiastic philosophy staff have an exceptionally broad range of research interests, so whatever questions in philosophy catch hold of student's imaginations, there is certain to be someone they can approach to find out more. The politics academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections, and from the obligations of the younger generation to why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters.

Essex's School of Philosophy and Art History has been ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for research excellence. While their Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. They are rated top in the UK for research, and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Many employers want graduates with critical thinking skills who can think logically and creatively about practical problems.

Essex's students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including law, PR, project management, journalism and the media, teaching, librarianship, the Civil Service, banking, the police and fashion design. Recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies.