BA (Hons) Philosophy with Sociology

Course content

Studying philosophy is an engaging yet demanding activity that will challenge your thinking, giving you a greater understanding of your own nature and that of the world around you. In sociology you will build on this by exploring issues such as globalisation, inequalities and social change and how these relate to individual and social identities.

Benefiting from the expertise of two large and diverse departments you have a wide range of options to choose from. We offer modules in all the central areas of philosophy and sociology and you can tailor your degree to reflect your own areas of interest. The modules on offer may change from year to year

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Fees and funding

The fees and funding information here is for students starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.

Annual tuition fees

The UK government has announced its intention to increase tuition fees from £9,535 to £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year. We expect this to apply to new UK (home) undergraduate students starting their studies in September 2026.

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

• UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
• International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

This course gives a great deal of flexibility in terms of the modules you may choose to study. You may choose to buy your own copies of texts, although course books will be available from the library, and online reading packs are available for most modules. 

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

• UK government loans
• UK scholarships and bursaries
• International scholarships
• Country-specific funding
• US loans

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

As a student of Philosophy with Sociology, you need to be an active participant in your own learning, asking questions and evaluating your own thoughts, beliefs and responses. You will take part in discussions with your peers and academic staff and develop your knowledge and skills through:

• Small group seminars (12 - 20 students)
• Reading groups
• Lectures
• Debates
• Written work with written feedback
• Visiting speakers

Every member of staff has weekly feedback and advice time, and students are actively encouraged to use this opportunity for one-to-one contact and informal discussion.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Teaching location

You will be based in the departments of Philosophy and Sociology. You will be taught at a variety of locations across Campus West and Campus East.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

You will be assessed by a combination of essays and examinations, critical literature reviews, exercises that test analytical skills, research methods exercises, a podcast, and the Philosophy dissertation/project. We give feedback on your ideas in class, and provide written feedback on all your submitted work.

Entry requirements

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.