School: College of Social Sciences. This three-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program allows you to meet the great minds of politics and philosophy on equal terms, engaging critically with their ideas and developing your own analytical and critical enquiry skills. Studying politics provides an understanding of how societies function, how political systems operate, and how policies are developed. Philosophy, on the other hand, helps you explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The curriculum is dynamic and interdisciplinary, combining theoretical learning with practical skills. You will delve into core political concepts and philosophical debates, including topics like ethics, justice, legitimacy, human rights, and the role of the state. Optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to your interests. You'll have opportunities to undertake a work placement through an integrated Professional Development Module and participate in events like International Model NATO Conferences, providing real-world experience.

Career options for graduates are broad and highly sought after, reflecting the strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills developed through this joint honours degree. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in various sectors, including politics, government (e.g., Civil Service, local government), policy analysis, research (think tanks), law, journalism, public relations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, teaching, and business. The University of Birmingham is the number one UK university targeted by the country's leading graduate employers (2024 High Fliers report), further enhancing career prospects. Philosophical training is particularly valued in fields requiring logical reasoning, ethical consideration, and clear argumentation.

The University of Birmingham is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, signifying its commitment to world-class research and an outstanding teaching and learning experience. It is a highly ranked 'red brick' university in the heart of England, known for its academic excellence. Birmingham is the UK's second largest city and very multicultural, offering a vibrant and diverse environment for students. The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and the Department of Philosophy are both highly regarded, with Philosophy ranked first in the country for research performance (REF 2021) and highly in various league tables, ensuring teaching by leading experts.