RGS

UCAS code

  • L2V5

Duration of study

  • 3 years or 4 years with international, placement or entrepreneurship year

Philosophy and Politics - BA (Hons)

Course summary

Who are we? Why is the world the way it is? How can we change society for the better? Explore life’s big questions from a global perspective with our Philosophy and Politics BA. Analyse key philosophical concepts including ethics, religion, and the nature of reality, while developing a deep understanding of political systems, justice and the dynamics of power. You'll gain essential critical thinking skills, core knowledge, and real-world experience through opportunities including placements and entrepreneurship, preparing you for exciting careers in government, law, diplomacy, and beyond. 

Why study Philosophy and Politics at Keele University?

Philosophy at Keele is ranked Top 10 in the UK for student positivity* NSS 2023 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS  
Top 20 in England for Philosophy (Guardian University Guide, 2025)
Discover new ideas, debate big questions with your lecturers and peers, and better appreciate the views of others
Research-led teaching, provides insight into traditional and modern topics, developing your critical thinking skills
Enhance your employability with study abroad, work placement and entrepreneurship opportunities
insert-i start

Studying Politics and International Relations at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of studying and teaching at Keele.

View video transcript

insert-i end
insert-a start
Picture of Parliament

Parliamentary studies module

A total of just 23 UK universities including Keele have been granted the right to offer the unique and highly regarded Parliamentary Studies module from the academic year 2024/25, with Keele academics and officials from both Houses of Parliament co-delivering the module. Parliamentary Studies will be an optional module choice for final year undergraduate students on select SPGS courses.

Read more about the Parliamentary Studies module

insert-a end
insert-d start
Picture of Simon

"My time at Keele was fantastic. I had three incredible years there and have made life-long friends whom I am still in regular contact with. Philosophy in particular taught me how to be a critical thinker and that there aren’t always straightforward answers to some of the questions we face in life and at work. I now work in Artificial Intelligence within medicine (specifically within breast cancer detection) which was not even a concept when I graduated in 2001. Through managing increasingly more complex and bigger projects over the years and adapting as technology has evolved, I have ended up where I am. I love my job. I love that I am helping make a difference to patients and clinicians. I love pushing the boundaries as to what is possible and helping design and decide ethical, political and social policy and agenda for the greater good."

Simon, Philosophy

Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
insert-d end

Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.

Enhance your learning

Parliamentary Studies

In your final year, you can apply to take our Parliamentary Studies module, delivered through a partnership between the Houses of Parliament and Keele Politics. Keele is one of only 23 universities delivering the course and has done so successfully since 2019.

The module provides detailed insights into how Parliament works in both theory and practice. Keele provides academic and theoretical content, whilst Parliament provides practical teaching about the work, processes and business of Parliament. Upon successful selection, you will have the opportunity to visit Parliament and develop a wide range of analytical skills, benefiting from bespoke research-skills training from parliamentary staff, providing advice on how to write policy briefs and construct parliamentary questions.

Royal Institute of Philosophy Lecture Series

Hear from guest speakers about their philosophical research and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers and visitors from other universities. You will have the opportunity to network with professionals and share your knowledge and opinions as well as experience debates on a larger scale to gain a wider insight into different theories and explanations of philosophy. This experience builds your awareness of new research and allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

Work Placement Year

You will also have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in the School of Social Sciences between Year 2 and 3. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and practical skills in a workplace environment enabling you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.

You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.

Entrepreneurship year

Showcase your innovative abilities and ideas to develop your business aspirations. If you’ve ever wanted to establish your own start-up or have been inspired by your studies this entrepreneurship year is an amazing opportunity to develop your own business idea.

Study Abroad

International Year or Semester

At Keele there are a variety of opportunities for you to study abroad. You can choose to take an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between Years 2 and 3 can help you to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons.

This experience will expose you to a different culture and society where you will be able to reflect on your learning and apply your knowledge further. On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and interests within society.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

Student societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to politics is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your interest in the area and can be beneficial for your future career prospects, as well as being a great way to make friends and share interests with fellow students.

Learn a language

Discover languages at Keele, whether you are a complete beginner or already have a foundation of knowledge. Keele's Language Centre offers a flexible and guided route to developing your skills, and the opportunity to learn a variety of modern languages, including British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French and Spanish.

Entry requirements

These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.

A Level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.

General information

The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.

Social life, societies and sports

Find out more

Accommodation

Find out more

Local area and travel

Find out more

Boost your employability

Find out more
insert-b start insert-b end
insert-c start
Picture of Shivani

"I loved studying Politics at Keele. The range of modules on offer really helped me develop an in-depth understanding of British and international political systems, elections, and the policy-making process, all of which have been really valuable to me in my current role in influencing legislation and working with policymakers in government. The teaching staff in the Politics department at Keele are just amazing. I always felt so supported throughout - they always made time for me, and no question or query was ever too big. The smaller class sizes really helped to create an open and collaborative learning environment. I always felt so comfortable contributing to discussions and asking any questions I may have had. "

Shivani, Policy Adviser, Money at Which?, History and Politics Graduate

insert-c end
insert-e start insert-e end
insert-f start insert-f end

Foundation year

Foundation year overview

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

insert-g start insert-g end insert-h start insert-h end

Discover the Keele difference

Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.