Philosophy and Politics with a Year Abroad BA

Some of the major issues in recent times, such as the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit, the American presidency of Trump, climate change and Covid-19, have not only generated substantial interest in politics, but have also prompted reflection on key philosophical concepts such as democracy, freedom, truth and justice. <br/><br/>The BA Philosophy and Politics degree at Swansea University enables you to explore fundamental questions about the world around us and the kind of society that we want to live in. These include what it means to be free, the most desirable form of democracy, the nature of the self, and how to live a morally good life. You will also be able to engage with more theoretical issues, such as debates about truth and reality, whilst learning about political methodologies and political institutions.<br/><br/>The programme also offers you opportunities to develop a range of important skills, such as critical reasoning, argument development, and ethical and political analysis. By exploring the ways that philosophy and politics connect, and how they can be combined, you will be able to understand, and engage with, the major social challenges that we face.<br/><br/>You will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. <br/><br/>You will be joining a high-performing department, where <strong>Philosophy</strong> is currently ranked:<br/><br/>• 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)*<br/>• 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)<br/>• 7th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)<br/><br/>*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1-26, NSS 2025.<br/><br/><strong>Politics</strong> at Swansea is also ranked:<br/><br/>• 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*<br/>• Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)<br/>• Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*<br/>• In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)<br/><br/>*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.<br/><br/>You will spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.