Philosophy and Politics BA

University of York · honours · 3 years · optional placement year · optional year abroad · UCAS 7291course page ↗

AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £27,500 three years on.

Typical A level offer
AAB

90% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni

Year 13 · applying

What do you need to get in?

AABtypical A level offer

Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile

Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 5% with the IB, 5% with other higher education. Based on 25 entrants.
Other qualifications5
QualificationTypical offerRequired subjects
Access36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher—
BTECDDDDDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma—
IB35 points—
T LevelDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in AccountingDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital BusA in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting
Scottish HighersAABBB—
Years 1–3

What do you study?

2compulsory modules in year 1, 10 optional

Compulsory modules this year: arts & humanities 50% · social & cultural skills 25% · transversal skills 25%.

Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.

York course page · optional modules vary by year

Year 1 · 2 core, 10 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
  • Philosophical Analysis
    What you learn (4)
    • identify basic forms of argument such as deduction, induction and abduction
    • apply logical tools such as contraposition to philosophical arguments
    • construct clear and charitable interpretations of philosophical texts
    • explain the different aims philosophical texts or arguments may pursue
    PHI00015C 20 cr
  • Political Analysis
    What you learn (2)
    • identify core concepts and debates in political analysis history and development
    • gather and interpret political data using analytic approaches to justify conclusions
    POL00014C 20 cr
10 optional modules
  • Logic
    What you learn (6)
    • explain core logical concepts including validity, consistency and necessity
    • translate simple arguments into truth-functional logic notation
    • apply truth-tables to assess tautological validity of arguments
    • translate complex arguments into first-order logic notation
    • construct a counter-interpretation to refute validity of a first-order logic argument
    • construct a formal proof demonstrating validity of a first-order logic argument
    PHI00005C 20 cr
  • Ethics
    What you learn (6)
    • describe the main debates in meta-ethics
    • explain the principal positions held within meta-ethics
    • describe the content of various normative ethical principles
    • compare contrasting normative ethical principles
    • identify major ethical challenges facing contemporary society
    • apply ethical theories to contemporary moral challenges
    PHI00007C 20 cr
  • Knowledge and Perception
    What you learn (2)
    • explain differing theories of the nature of knowledge
    • explain differing accounts of how knowledge is acquired
    PHI00008C 20 cr
  • Metaphysics and Humans
    What you learn (8)
    • communicate metaphysical ideas in clear accessible language
    • generate alternative solutions to metaphysical problems using course content
    • present differing viewpoints on metaphysical issues open-mindedly
    • construct arguments supporting alternative views on metaphysical problems
    • critique weaknesses and potential improvements in philosophical arguments
    • justify a personal position on a metaphysical problem with argument
    • assess own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    PHI00017C 20 cr
  • Power and Consent
    What you learn (4)
    • explain how different forms of consent are used in social contract theories
    • identify objections to philosophical arguments studied on the module
    • articulate objections to philosophical arguments in a clear manner
    • evaluate how power dynamics complicate the notion of consent across contexts
    PHI00018C 20 cr
  • Introduction to Political Theory: States, Liberty and Revolution
    What you learn (9)
    • identify key concepts in political theory
    • describe major historical and contemporary debates in political theory
    • construct arguments using conceptual analysis
    • formulate normative judgements on political questions
    • present reasoned arguments on political theory topics
    • write clearly about political theories and concepts
    • translate theoretical ideas into accessible written language
    • evaluate arguments critically and reflectively
    • recognise cultural differences in political perspectives
    POL00011C 20 cr
  • Global Challenges: From Theory to Practice
    What you learn (5)
    • identify core concepts and debates on global challenges
    • apply political theories and concepts to case studies
    • propose solutions to political problems using theoretical perspectives
    • communicate political arguments to non-expert audiences
    • evaluate differing visions of the public good critically
    POL00012C 20 cr
  • Introduction to Comparative Politics
    What you learn (8)
    • identify core theoretical approaches used in comparative politics
    • describe key issues associated with comparative political analysis
    • analyse how concepts of state and institutions explain political problems
    • evaluate how collective action problems shape political outcomes
    • compare how institutions emerge differently across countries
    • evaluate the consequences of institutional differences for governance and stability
    • construct evidence-based arguments on comparative politics topics
    • present comparative politics arguments orally using academic conventions
    POL00013C 20 cr
  • Introduction to Global Politics
    What you learn (13)
    • identify key issues shaping contemporary world politics
    • describe explanations and policy responses to global political issues
    • identify major theoretical debates in international relations
    • explain how different theories frame responses to global issues
    • analyse how power and hierarchy shape global political order
    • evaluate the role of inequality in shaping world politics
    • explain how framing of issues shapes research questions asked
    • explain how theoretical choices influence data collection and conclusions
    • reflect on the complexity of global political phenomena
    • contextualise one's own position within global political processes
    • discuss the basis for conceptions of the global public good
    • construct a well-organised argument using relevant sources
    • communicate political concepts and facts clearly and concisely
    POL00015C 20 cr
  • York Policy Lab
    What you learn (12)
    • identify categories of public policy and the actors involved in shaping them
    • describe influences that affect the development of public policies
    • frame a real-world issue as a defined policy problem
    • evaluate alternative policy options using analytical criteria
    • justify the selection of a preferred policy option
    • describe difficulties encountered when carrying out policy analysis research
    • locate and apply relevant empirical data to a policy question
    • identify tools used in applied policy analysis
    • analyse how policy analysis tools have been applied to evaluate policies
    • write a policy brief presenting recommendations for a professional audience
    • deliver an oral presentation of policy recommendations to policy-makers
    • reflect on personal development achieved through collaborative teamwork
    POL00016C 20 cr
Year 2 · 0 core, 27 optional
27 optional modules
  • Religious Ethics
    What you learn (10)
    • explain key problems and debates in religious ethics clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to religious ethics problems
    • present alternative viewpoints with an open mind
    • construct arguments supporting different ethical positions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
    • judge the most defensible position on an ethical issue
    • defend a chosen ethical position with reasoned argument
    • appraise own work against assessment criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    • evaluate contemporary ethical and cultural issues critically
    PHI00072I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Language
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in philosophy of language clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to philosophical problems using module content
    • construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
    • judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
    • evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    PHI00073I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Metaphysics
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in metaphysics clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to metaphysical problems
    • construct arguments supporting alternative metaphysical positions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in a philosophical argument
    • evaluate competing metaphysical views to form a reasoned judgement
    • defend a chosen position on a metaphysical question
    • assess own academic work against assessment criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    PHI00074I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Mind
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in philosophy of mind clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to philosophy of mind problems
    • construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical positions
    • identify weaknesses and potential improvements in an argument
    • evaluate competing views to determine the most defensible position
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
    • assess own work against academic marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    PHI00078I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Applied Ethics
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in applied ethics clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to applied ethics problems
    • construct arguments supporting alternative ethical solutions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
    • justify a personal judgement on an applied ethics problem
    • evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
    • analyse contemporary social and political issues using ethical reasoning
    PHI00079I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Science
    What you learn (10)
    • explain key problems and debates in philosophy of science
    • express philosophical understanding in clear accessible language
    • generate alternative solutions to philosophy of science problems
    • present alternative viewpoints in an open-minded manner
    • construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
    • judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
    • evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
    PHI00080I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Ethical Theory
    What you learn (11)
    • explain key problems and debates in ethical theory
    • communicate ethical arguments clearly and accessibly
    • generate alternative solutions to ethical problems using course materials
    • present multiple viewpoints on ethical issues impartially
    • construct arguments supporting alternative ethical positions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
    • formulate a reasoned position on an ethical problem
    • defend a chosen ethical position with supporting arguments
    • evaluate own academic work against marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
    • evaluate contemporary issues using social and ethical perspectives
    PHI00082I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • The Limits of Reason: Kant's Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
    What you learn (10)
    • explain Kant's theory of a priori knowledge and the phenomena/thing-in-itself distinction
    • describe Kant's account of pure and practical reason, free will and determinism
    • explain Kant's concepts of the good will and the categorical imperative
    • interpret primary philosophical texts in translation
    • reconstruct philosophical arguments from historical source texts
    • evaluate Kant's claims and arguments using secondary literature
    • formulate original critiques challenging Kant's philosophical arguments
    • articulate personal philosophical ideas on the module's themes
    • paraphrase Kant's ideas using one's own words
    • describe the significance of Kant's work within the history of philosophy
    PHI00116I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
    What you learn (5)
    • describe the core beliefs of various conservative and anarchist traditions
    • explain the reasoning underlying different conservative and anarchist positions
    • explain the philosophical arguments that motivate conservatism and anarchism
    • identify value-theory issues underlying debates on conservatism and anarchism
    • articulate the central questions in debates on political authority, tradition and liberty
    PHI00118I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Logic and Paradox
    What you learn (6)
    • describe a range of logical paradoxes
    • evaluate proposed solutions to logical paradoxes
    • apply non-classical logical systems to problems
    • judge the relative merits of different non-classical logics
    • discuss module topics constructively with peers
    • defend a reasoned position on course topics in writing
    PHI00121I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Knowledge and the Social Sciences
    What you learn (5)
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social research methods
    • explain theories of how social reality is constructed
    • justify a personal position on the extent and boundaries of social knowledge
    • identify hidden conceptual and normative assumptions in social theories
    • analyse the assumptions underlying social science methods and arguments
    PHI00122I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
    What you learn (4)
    • describe major debates and arguments in the philosophy of recognition
    • evaluate the strength of arguments supporting recognition theory positions
    • formulate a personal philosophical position on recognition debates
    • present a reasoned philosophical argument clearly in writing or discussion
    PHI00123I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Society
    What you learn (5)
    • communicate complex philosophical ideas clearly to non-specialists
    • explain debates on inclusion and diversity within philosophy
    • evaluate the appropriateness of different philosophical methodologies
    • argue a reasoned position on what counts as philosophy
    • argue a reasoned position on who counts as a philosopher
    PHI00124I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Being and Reason: Spinoza’s Metaphysics
    What you learn (11)
    • explain key issues in Spinoza's philosophical system
    • express philosophical understanding clearly and accessibly
    • formulate alternative solutions to problems in Spinoza's philosophy
    • present alternative philosophical solutions with open-mindedness
    • construct arguments supporting alternative solutions to philosophical problems
    • identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
    • judge the most convincing view on a Spinozist problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
    • appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    • interpret philosophical texts with sensitivity to cultural and historical context
    PHI00127I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • British Politics
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key concepts used in the study of UK politics
    • describe major theories relevant to UK political analysis
    • apply political concepts and theories to historical developments in UK politics
    • apply political concepts and theories to current developments in UK politics
    • construct a coherent written argument on a UK politics topic
    • present a clear oral argument on a UK politics topic
    POL00062I 20 cr
  • Politics of Development
    What you learn (8)
    • differentiate between competing theories of development
    • critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of development theories
    • describe current debates and issues within development studies
    • explain the theoretical basis underlying proposed development solutions
    • analyse the political consequences of development policy choices
    • explain the role of domestic institutions in shaping development outcomes
    • explain the role of international institutions in shaping development outcomes
    • apply empirical evidence to assess institutional influence on development
    POL00064I 20 cr
  • The Politics of Gender
    What you learn (10)
    • explain major theoretical approaches to gender studies
    • analyse domestic and international political issues through a gender perspective
    • evaluate the political significance of gender in policy debates
    • design independent research into gender and politics topics
    • apply suitable research methods to gender-related political questions
    • identify solutions to gendered problems in domestic and international politics
    • work independently to address gender-related political challenges
    • communicate gender studies concepts clearly in a political context
    • describe diverse perspectives within gender studies and politics
    • assess the broader social implications of differing gender perspectives
    POL00066I 20 cr
  • Things Fall Apart: Political Thought in Times of Crisis
    What you learn (7)
    • describe key historical debates about what constitutes politics
    • evaluate competing theoretical arguments on political legitimacy
    • identify strengths and weaknesses in theories of legitimate political order
    • construct written arguments using module concepts and theories
    • plan independent study goals to address research problems
    • analyse primary and secondary sources to inform argument
    • reflect critically on the ethical implications of different political theories
    POL00067I 20 cr
  • Justice, Equality, and Difference
    What you learn (10)
    • analyse competing theoretical positions on justice
    • critique key arguments within justice theory
    • construct a reasoned argument in political theory
    • counter opposing arguments in political theory debates
    • apply theoretical frameworks to real-world political debates
    • examine political issues from multiple perspectives
    • evaluate the broader social consequences of political issues
    • select suitable theories and concepts for independent research
    • justify research conclusions with supporting reasoning
    • present arguments and ideas according to academic writing conventions
    POL00068I 20 cr
  • Capitalism: Beyond States and Markets
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the historical development of political economy
    • explain contemporary international dynamics of political economy
    • apply political and international relations theories to specific cases independently
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical frameworks using critical reasoning
    • test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where relevant
    • analyse empirical data relevant to political economy problems
    • present complex arguments clearly through suitable communication formats
    POL00072I 20 cr
  • War and Peace
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the historical origins and development of conflict and peace processes
    • explain current national and international dynamics of conflict and peace
    • apply relevant theories and concepts to analyse issues of war and peace
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches using critical reasoning
    • test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where appropriate
    • analyse empirical data relating to conflict and peace issues
    • present complex arguments clearly through appropriate communication media
    POL00073I 20 cr
  • The US and Global Politics after the Cold War
    What you learn (10)
    • explain the importance of US power in global politics post-Cold War
    • identify differing grand strategy perspectives in US foreign policy debates
    • explain rival interpretations of US power within grand strategy debates
    • apply these concepts to analyse US foreign policy since the Cold War
    • identify forms of resistance to US global power
    • explain broader critiques challenging US power
    • identify key trends in US foreign policy since the Cold War
    • evaluate debates on the future of US power and global order
    • present findings clearly both individually and collaboratively
    • communicate evaluative arguments through structured academic writing
    POL00074I 20 cr
  • Global Political Economy
    What you learn (7)
    • explain key concepts and debates in global political economy
    • apply theoretical concepts such as power and institutions to real-world cases
    • use empirical evidence to support analysis of political economy issues
    • collect and interpret information relevant to a political economy question
    • plan personal goals to complete assigned academic tasks
    • construct a coherent argument supported by detailed evidence in written form
    • present ideas clearly through different communication formats
    POL00075I 20 cr
  • Critical Global Security Studies
    What you learn (4)
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of security theories
    • describe key problems and debates in contemporary security
    • apply security theories and concepts to analyse specific security problems
    • assess the comparative merits of different security approaches
    POL00077I 20 cr
  • The Rising Powers
    What you learn (9)
    • select and justify appropriate theories and concepts for a research question
    • gather and interpret data relevant to a research topic
    • formulate justified conclusions from research findings
    • lead a team towards achieving a shared objective
    • collaborate with peers on group projects and problem-based tasks
    • deliver a group presentation summarising joint findings
    • explain key concepts of international relations theory
    • debate global issues using international relations perspectives
    • apply international relations frameworks to real-world problems
    POL00078I 20 cr
  • European Union Politics
    What you learn (10)
    • explain political and legal processes driving European integration
    • describe distinctive features of the EU institutional order
    • analyse major policy areas of the European Union
    • evaluate how recent crises challenge the EU political system
    • identify problems arising in EU policy-making processes
    • propose solutions to policy issues using theoretical frameworks
    • analyse official EU sources to support policy recommendations
    • present arguments on the value of EU policy-making theories
    • explain how official EU sources can test policy theories
    • evaluate competing visions of European integration against shared values
    POL00079I 20 cr
  • Elections and Voting Behaviour
    What you learn (11)
    • explain the historical origins and development of electoral politics
    • analyse current international dimensions of voting behaviour
    • apply political theories and concepts independently to voting behaviour cases
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of political methods using empirical testing
    • formulate independent research questions on election topics
    • select appropriate methods to collect and interpret electoral data
    • justify research conclusions based on gathered evidence
    • develop solutions to political problems using theoretical and empirical analysis
    • present complex political arguments clearly through appropriate media
    • reflect critically on personal assumptions about political values
    • compare differing cultural perspectives on the public good
    POL00084I 20 cr
Year 3 · 1 core, 22 optional · 20 credits ≈ 200 hours
  • Philosophy and Public Policy
    What you learn (5)
    • identify key areas of shared concern between philosophy and politics
    • compare analytical methods and assumptions used in philosophy and political science
    • critique philosophical texts through structured argument
    • construct reasoned arguments during seminar discussion
    • apply philosophical reasoning to analyse political questions
    PEP00005H 20 cr
22 optional modules
  • Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
    What you learn (5)
    • describe recent advances in biomedicine
    • apply philosophical theory to issues in biomedicine
    • critically read philosophical texts
    • present written philosophical arguments
    • participate in philosophical discussion
    PHI00002H 20 cr
  • Foundations of Maths
    What you learn (7)
    • explain the historical crisis in mathematical foundations
    • describe the emergence of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
    • describe the core claims of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
    • explain debates between Platonism and anti-Platonism in mathematics
    • evaluate the indispensability argument against anti-Platonism
    • critically analyse complex philosophical texts
    • construct and defend a reasoned philosophical argument
    PHI00017H 20 cr
  • Consciousness
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the explanatory problem posed by consciousness
    • explain major theories proposed to account for consciousness
    • write clearly and coherently on a chosen consciousness topic
    • identify key debates relevant to a chosen consciousness topic
    • analyse how arguments support or undermine opposing positions
    • formulate competing philosophical positions on consciousness
    • evaluate the relative merits of these positions to reach a conclusion
    PHI00018H 20 cr
  • Action and Agency
    What you learn (6)
    • explain why action is a central concept in philosophy of mind
    • articulate the implications of action's central role in philosophy of mind
    • explain how reasons relate to actions
    • evaluate competing philosophical theories of action
    • interpret complex philosophical texts critically
    • construct a sustained written argument defending a position on action theory
    PHI00049H 20 cr
  • German Idealism: Moral, Legal & Political Philosophy
    What you learn (6)
    • explain the moral, legal and political theories of key german idealist philosophers
    • evaluate the arguments of german idealist philosophers on ethics and politics
    • describe core concepts used in german idealist philosophy
    • relate german idealist philosophy to current debates in moral and political thought
    • critically analyse challenging philosophical texts
    • construct and justify a personal position on complex philosophical issues
    PHI00073H 20 cr
  • Causation and Laws
    What you learn (3)
    • explain key theories of causation and natural laws
    • analyse the relationship between causal laws and natural laws
    • evaluate how theories of causation relate to moral responsibility
    PHI00095H 20 cr
  • Theories of Social Justice: Rawls and Beyond
    What you learn (8)
    • describe the key features of Rawls's theory of justice
    • identify major scholarly responses to Rawls's theory
    • compare areas of agreement and disagreement among theories of social justice
    • explain what is at stake in theoretical disputes over social justice
    • relate philosophical theories of social justice to real-world policy issues
    • critically analyse complex texts in contemporary political philosophy
    • formulate a reasoned personal position on questions of social justice
    • defend a personal position on social justice using philosophical argument
    PHI00112H 20 cr
  • Happiness, Utility and Wellbeing
    What you learn (5)
    • evaluate competing philosophical accounts of happiness and well-being
    • articulate a personal position on the role of happiness in one's own life
    • evaluate how happiness informs ethical theory and moral reasoning
    • evaluate how considerations of happiness shape public policy decisions
    • discuss how other academic disciplines contribute to philosophical theories of happiness
    PHI00122H 20 cr
  • The Nature of Time
    What you learn (7)
    • construct arguments supporting particular theories of time
    • construct arguments opposing particular theories of time
    • evaluate competing theories of time to judge their plausibility
    • justify a reasoned position on the most plausible theory of time
    • critically appraise contemporary philosophical literature on time
    • produce well-structured philosophical arguments in writing
    • participate effectively in philosophical discussion
    PHI00127H 20 cr
  • Buddhism as Philosophy
    What you learn (8)
    • describe key teachings of the Buddha
    • identify major schools of Buddhism
    • identify philosophical problems arising from Buddhist teachings
    • assess whether analytic philosophy can resolve Buddhist philosophical problems
    • evaluate proposed solutions using scripture, tradition and reason
    • argue for a preferred solution or for the absence of one
    • explain key philosophical concepts and views in Buddhist philosophy
    • critique philosophical arguments and defend a personal position
    PHI00139H 20 cr
  • Experimental Philosophy: The Psychology of Philosophy
    What you learn (2)
    • explain the distinguishing features of the experimental philosophy approach
    • communicate philosophical ideas clearly to a mixed-discipline audience
    PHI00143H 20 cr
  • World and Mind
    What you learn (4)
    • describe the Cartesian view of thought and knowledge
    • explain major objections to the Cartesian account of mind
    • evaluate the strength of these objections to Cartesianism
    • justify a personal position on which Cartesian claims remain tenable
    PHI00144H 20 cr
  • Nine Artworks, Nine Philosophical Problems
    What you learn (4)
    • describe major topics in the philosophy of art
    • explain how philosophical topics relate to specific artworks
    • construct and justify a reasoned argument in an extended essay
    • participate constructively in critical peer discussions on aesthetics
    PHI00146H 20 cr
  • Topics in Feminist Philosophy
    What you learn (3)
    • identify key arguments within a philosophical text
    • critically analyse philosophical arguments for validity and assumptions
    • present analysis of philosophical arguments in structured written or spoken form
    PHI00148H 20 cr
  • Global Governance: Purpose, Power, and Performance
    What you learn (5)
    • explain key debates surrounding the character of global economic governance
    • summarise academic literature on specific global economic governance institutions
    • critique established theoretical concepts in global economic governance scholarship
    • formulate independent arguments in response to claims in the literature
    • construct written arguments using sophisticated political science concepts
    POL00009H 20 cr
  • Green Politics
    What you learn (7)
    • explain ethical perspectives on how humans should relate to nature
    • distinguish green political thought from other political ideologies
    • describe the distinctive features of ecological political ideas
    • apply an ecological framework to analyse debates on political change versus continuity
    • evaluate strategies used by green parties to promote sustainability
    • assess how mainstream political parties address environmental sustainability
    • evaluate the role of environmental movements in collective action for sustainability
    POL00010H 20 cr
  • Karl Marx
    What you learn (3)
    • explain a major intellectual tradition in modern political thought
    • apply conceptual analysis to problems in political practice
    • explain connections between philosophy, economics, sociology, history and politics
    POL00014H 20 cr
  • Politics of the Middle East: Regimes and societies in transition
    What you learn (9)
    • identify main forms of political transition in the Middle East
    • identify recurring trends in Middle Eastern politics
    • explain the causes of recurring political trends in the region
    • explain economic factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain historical factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain social factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain the significance of recent political changes in the region
    • situate recent political events within the longer history of the region
    • explain how trans-national links shape regional politics
    POL00022H 20 cr
  • Africa and International Politics
    What you learn (8)
    • describe key dynamics shaping Africa's role in international politics
    • analyse case studies illustrating African international relations themes
    • identify strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches to African politics
    • evaluate the explanatory power of competing political theories
    • propose solutions to contemporary issues facing African states independently
    • apply theoretical and empirical knowledge creatively to political problems
    • communicate advanced political concepts clearly in written form
    • present advanced political ideas effectively in oral form
    POL00048H 20 cr
  • Morality and Modern Warfare
    What you learn (10)
    • explain the historical origins and development of international politics
    • analyse the ethical and legal dimensions of contemporary global affairs
    • apply political and international relations theories to specific cases
    • formulate independent research questions in politics
    • select and use appropriate methods to collect and interpret data
    • justify research conclusions based on gathered evidence
    • devise solutions to political problems using theoretical and practical perspectives
    • analyse empirical data to inform political arguments
    • present complex political arguments clearly through suitable formats
    • apply political and international relations perspectives to real-world challenges
    POL00052H 20 cr
  • Politics of Technology: From the Luddites to the Unabomber
    What you learn (9)
    • describe theories relating to the politics of technology
    • identify key case studies illustrating technology-politics debates
    • apply empirical analysis to case studies to support evaluation
    • set personal goals to structure independent research work
    • devise solutions to problems using theoretical and practical perspectives
    • analyse relevant academic literature to inform solutions
    • produce written work that conveys complex political ideas clearly
    • conduct independent study respecting tolerance and inclusivity
    • recognise ethical and political implications of differing theoretical positions
    POL00054H 20 cr
  • The Politics of (Post-) Colonialism
    What you learn (7)
    • explain how colonial history shapes today's global political structures
    • apply advanced theoretical frameworks to analyse colonial politics
    • critically evaluate theories explaining postcolonial continuities
    • construct arguments grounded in postcolonial political theory
    • reflect critically on how knowledge about colonialism is produced
    • describe alternative epistemologies originating from the Global South
    • identify links between colonial power structures and knowledge creation
    POL00060H 20 cr

“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.

After graduating

Where does it lead?

£27,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£23k
Median£28k
Upper quarter£35k

Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 180 graduates.

Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 24, 14, 13, 23

Half of graduates earned between £22,500 and £35,000. Five years on, the median is £37,000. 70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 60% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.

All outcome figures7
MeasureValueBased on
Continue after year 15% left90%15
In work or study, 15 months on10% studying70%15
Professional or managerial job60%10
Pay 15 months on, median£28,00065
Pay 3 years on, median£27,500180
Pay 5 years on, median£37,000200
Money

What does it cost?

£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry

Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.

York fees page · source

About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £27,800 a year (2027/28).

National Student Survey 2025-26

What do students say?

92%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)

NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 68% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.

National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered

Highest: 92% agreed on question 1; lowest: 58% on question 9.

All questions26
QuestionAgree
Question 192%
Question 269%
Question 385%
Question 469%
Question 592%
Question 677%
Question 785%
Question 883%
Question 958%
Question 1085%
Question 1192%
Question 1285%
Question 1377%
Question 1477%
Question 1585%
Question 1683%
Question 1785%
Question 1873%
Question 1992%
Question 2092%
Question 2167%
Question 2292%
Question 2385%
Question 2477%
Question 2569%
Question 2692%

Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.

Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.