Philosophy, Politics and Economics BSc
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £35,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
95% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab plus mathematics gcse grade 7(a)
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: 95% with A levels, 5% via Access courses. Based on 20 entrants.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher plus Mathematics GCSE36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher plus Mathematics GCSE 7(A) | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD including Mathematics or plus Mathematics GCSE 7(A) | Mathematics or plus Mathematics GCSE 7 |
| IB | 35 points35 points including Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or Mathematics GCSE 7(A) | Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics |
| T Level | Distinction 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 Bus | A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting |
| Scottish Highers | AABBB including Mathematics | Mathematics |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
2compulsory modules in year 1, 12 optional
Compulsory modules this year: mathematics & statistics 63% · green & sustainability 38%.
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, 12 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Quantitative Methods
What you learn (5)
- apply algebraic techniques to solve economic problems
- calculate terms and sums of sequences and series
- apply differential and integral calculus to economic functions
- apply estimation procedures to determine quantities of interest
- apply hypothesis testing procedures to evaluate claims
- Principles of Economics
What you learn (4)
- produce written analysis of economic issues
- construct numerical and graphical representations of economic models
- explain key concepts of economic theory
- evaluate real-world economic problems using economic theory
12 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
- 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
- Knowledge and Perception
What you learn (2)
- explain differing theories of the nature of knowledge
- explain differing accounts of how knowledge is acquired
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Year 2 · 1 core, 32 optional · 20 credits ≈ 200 hours
- Topics in PPE
What you learn (9)
- identify core concepts in politics, philosophy and economics
- explain the value of studying across disciplinary boundaries
- analyse material using perspectives from politics, philosophy and economics
- analyse complex problems by combining insights from multiple disciplines
- synthesise interdisciplinary texts into coherent arguments
- evaluate material from multiple theoretical angles
- describe theoretical and practical issues in social choice theory
- explain key topics such as democracy, well-being and justice in relation to social choice
- compare disciplinary perspectives on social decision-making problems
32 optional modules
- Environmental Economics
What you learn (6)
- explain how economic theory contributes to understanding environmental problems
- describe alternative policy instruments used to address pollution and resource depletion
- evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental policy approaches
- critique the methods economists use to assign value to environmental goods
- apply economic tools and methods to analyse real environmental issues
- identify key literature and concerns relevant to environmental economics
- Development Economics
What you learn (3)
- identify theories explaining economic development
- discuss theories of economic development
- evaluate empirical methods for determining development factors
- Topics in Economic History
What you learn (3)
- discuss major topics in economic history
- assess the quality of applied-economics literature
- explain world economic history from early periods to the present
- Microeconomic Theory
What you learn (2)
- explain core concepts used in microeconomic analysis
- apply standard analytical tools to economic problems
- Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
What you learn (15)
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse short-run economic issues
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse medium- and long-run growth issues
- explain causes of inflation and unemployment using macroeconomic theory
- evaluate the effectiveness of monetary policy measures
- evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures
- contribute actively to problem-based learning tutorials
- design a research strategy to investigate macroeconomic issues
- evaluate macroeconomic theories and policies relevant to a given issue
- adapt problem-solving techniques to tackle unfamiliar economic problems
- communicate economic arguments clearly in written form
- communicate economic arguments clearly in verbal form
- work independently to complete economic analysis tasks
- collaborate effectively within a problem-based learning group
- evaluate personal contribution to team-based learning activities
- evaluate peers' contribution to team-based learning activities
- Alternative Perspectives in Economics
What you learn (6)
- distinguish between different heterodox schools of economic thought
- compare alternative economic schools in terms of their assumptions and methods
- explain the central arguments underpinning heterodox economic approaches
- evaluate the validity of alternative economic theories and ideas
- apply non-neoclassical frameworks to interpret contemporary economies
- evaluate economic policy using perspectives beyond neoclassical economics
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Year 3 · 0 core, 28 optional
28 optional modules
- Bubbles, Panics and Crashes: A long period analysis of the causes and consequences of financial crises
What you learn (7)
- describe the recurring patterns across historical financial crises
- explain the causes and development of speculative asset booms
- evaluate the significance of the lender of last resort function
- analyse how regulation, liquidity and credit constraints influence financial instability
- assess the extent to which monetary expansion drives financial crises
- estimate the economic costs resulting from financial crises
- evaluate the appropriateness of policy responses to historical crises
- Game Theory
What you learn (6)
- define core game-theoretic concepts including strategy, best-response and equilibrium
- explain the purpose and relevance of game-theoretic concepts
- evaluate a strategic game using game-theoretic methods
- predict the likely outcome of a strategic game
- apply game-theoretic methods to analyse real-world economic problems
- evaluate economic policy using game-theoretic analysis
- International Economics
What you learn (17)
- explain why countries engage in international trade
- assess the economic effects of international trade on nations
- describe patterns of trade flows between countries
- analyse how market structure influences trade outcomes between nations
- identify different policy tools used to regulate trade
- evaluate the effects of trade policy instruments on markets
- explain political factors shaping trade policy decisions
- explain short-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- explain long-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- analyse how international transactions influence domestic economic conditions
- evaluate how international transactions affect national policy choices
- evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative exchange rate regimes
- assess implications of exchange rate regime choice for an economy
- identify common characteristics of financial and currency crises
- evaluate policy measures designed to prevent financial crises
- compare economic theories of trade with empirical evidence
- compare international macroeconomic theory with empirical evidence
- Monetary Economics
What you learn (3)
- explain conditions under which money has an economic role
- analyse monetary policy implications for the optimum quantity of money
- describe factors influencing liquidity in financial markets
- Health Economics
What you learn (7)
- explain why health economics emerged as a specialised branch of economics
- describe major theories used in health economics
- evaluate empirical studies within health economics
- interpret findings from health economics research
- apply economic frameworks to health and health care problems
- explain how economic models inform health policy debates
- evaluate current health policies using economic analysis
- Political Economics
What you learn (5)
- construct theoretical models to represent political economy questions
- assess how empirical data can confirm or refute hypotheses
- critically evaluate published research in political economy
- formulate a personal position on political economy issues
- communicate views on political economy topics in speech and writing
- Ethics and Economics
What you learn (7)
- approach problems using multiple disciplinary perspectives
- analyse issues using concepts from ethics and economics
- describe key concepts of decision and social choice theory
- explain the structure of different ethical theories
- identify philosophical assumptions underlying economic theory
- apply economic theory to ethical analysis of current issues
- engage with professional research literature in ethics and economics
- Ethics 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Mind and Morality
What you learn (8)
- explain key problems and debates in moral psychology clearly
- formulate alternative solutions to moral psychology problems
- construct arguments supporting alternative solutions in moral psychology
- identify weaknesses and development points in proposed arguments
- judge the most convincing position on a moral psychology issue
- defend a chosen position with supporting argument
- appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
- apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- The European Far Right
What you learn (16)
- explain core theoretical frameworks used to analyse far right politics
- evaluate the ideological positions of far right parties
- assess the policy platforms adopted by far right parties
- evaluate electoral campaigning strategies used by far right parties
- compare models explaining far right voting across European countries
- contrast far right dynamics between Eastern and Western Europe
- assess the impact of far right politics on contemporary democracy
- apply theoretical concepts independently to diverse European case studies
- construct balanced academic arguments on far right politics
- judge what evidence is required to support an argument
- conduct independent research on far right politics
- evaluate the suitability of different research methods for studying far right politics
- write essays critically engaging with academic literature and evidence
- collaborate effectively within a team on shared tasks
- manage individual study tasks independently
- participate in class discussions to strengthen communication skills
- 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
- 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
- International Crisis Diplomacy
What you learn (8)
- explain how information shapes the outcomes of international crises
- apply theoretical debates to analyse current international crises
- identify strengths and weaknesses of rival crisis diplomacy approaches
- evaluate key debates on coercive diplomacy
- apply leader behaviour theories to real-world crisis situations
- evaluate diplomatic efforts made during crises
- formulate solutions to resolve international crises
- discuss factors determining the effectiveness of force and sanctions
- Critical Challenges in Political Economy
What you learn (9)
- identify societal issues analysable through economic and political concepts
- apply economic and political theories to real-world situations
- distinguish distinct themes within academic and professional research literature
- synthesise ideas from economics and politics across disciplinary boundaries
- apply interdisciplinary thinking to contemporary socio-economic issues
- organise own study time and tasks effectively
- incorporate feedback to improve individual and group performance
- communicate complex ideas clearly in written form
- present complex ideas clearly using verbal and technical formats
- Social and Economic Order Without Law
What you learn (1)
- apply game theoretic models to analyse real-world social institutions
“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?
£35,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£28k
Median£36k
Upper quarter£43k
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 265 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 13, 14, 23
Half of graduates earned between £27,500 and £43,000. Five years on, the median is £51,000. 87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 73% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 20 |
| In work or study, 15 months on9% studying | 87% | 90 |
| Professional or managerial job | 73% | 65 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £30,000 | 50 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £35,500 | 265 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £51,000 | 280 |
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?
89%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 77% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 20 students answered
Highest: 95% agreed on question 1; lowest: 55% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 95% |
| Question 2 | 90% |
| Question 3 | 90% |
| Question 4 | 85% |
| Question 5 | 95% |
| Question 6 | 90% |
| Question 7 | 85% |
| Question 8 | 80% |
| Question 9 | 85% |
| Question 10 | 60% |
| Question 11 | 80% |
| Question 12 | 90% |
| Question 13 | 79% |
| Question 14 | 55% |
| Question 15 | 90% |
| Question 16 | 85% |
| Question 17 | 85% |
| Question 18 | 95% |
| Question 19 | 95% |
| Question 20 | 90% |
| Question 21 | 95% |
| Question 22 | 95% |
| Question 23 | 90% |
| Question 24 | 65% |
| Question 25 | 65% |
| Question 26 | 89% |
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.