University of Brighton
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Philosophy, Politics and Ethics
BA(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 4 years (max 6 years)

    UCAS code LV25

    About the course

    Our Philosophy, Politics and Ethics degree investigates the ethical and political dilemmas of the modern world. You will critically analyse the political and cultural conditions in which modern individuals act. You will study the histories that contributed to these conditions, the philosophers that questioned them and explore alternatives to the dominant powers. Students on this degree are forced to confront their own prejudices, and to explore how they might contribute to changing this world.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2014. Entry requirements for students thinking about starting a course in 2013 can be found in the online prospectus. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBB.

    BTEC
    DDM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    32 points.

    Access to HE Diploma
    pass with at least 45 credits at level 3. Humanities, history or politics diploma preferred.

    GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

    Other:
    Applicants are required to attend an interview for this course as offers will be made primarily upon the interview.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    A critical and independent attitude is developed through small group teaching in seminars no bigger than 12 as well as in personal tutorials, lectures and research project work. You will take six core units in year 1. Each unit has two lectures and one seminar per week, and four personal tutorials.

    Areas of study

    In year 1 you will develop the philosophical, political and historical knowledge needed to explore ethical questions in the contemporary world. This lays the ground for year 2 when you select your option for the rest of your degree from a number of possible options including Politics, History, Ideology; Self and Society; Living the Good Life: Ethics and Politics Today or Race and Racism. You will complete a compulsory unit, Critical Traditions, which deepens your knowledge of the historical, and theoretical origins of the present, and you participate in the broader Humanities Programme selecting from a range of lectures. In your final year you continue your option, attend lectures on all other options of your choice, and undertake research for your dissertation. Here all your skills, knowledge, and research come together. You challenge received opinions in a persuasive extended argument in both written and oral form. This degree asks you to consider the oldest philosophical question, how to lead the good life in today?s world.

    Syllabus

    Year 1
    Historical inquiry
    Philosophical inquiry
    Studying cultures
    Democracy: from Athens to Baghdad
    Research methods
    Understanding globalisation
    Approaching narratives

    Year 2
    Critical traditions
    Research project preparation
    One of the following options: politics, history, ideology
    Race and racismSelf and society;
    Living the Good Life: Ethics, Politics and Philosophy in the Contemporary WorldElective lectures from eight courses on the Humanities Programme.

    Year 3
    Research project
    Continuation of your chosen option;
    eight optional lectures available on Humanities Programme.

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BA(Hons) Philosophy, Politics, Ethics  [H7EA001]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)10,900 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Grand Parade

    Our Grand Parade campus is located in Brighton city centre, in the heart of the cultural quarter. Grand Parade is home to the Faculty of Arts, the University of Brighton gallery and Sallis Benney theatre.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront

  • Career opportunities

    Our graduates take up careers in politics, in the public sector, teaching, journalism, law, social work and a variety of other areas including in business. Some students stay on to complete postgraduate study with us at the University of Brighton and commit to research careers. A number of our recent graduates work in politics, advising parliamentarians, and are involved in activist organisations.

    Visit the careers service website.

Applying for 2013 entry

We have limited places available on this course.

Please call us for advice 01273 644644

Application process
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 643047
Email humanities.pavilion@brighton.ac.uk

Visit the school that delivers this course