Philosophy with Sociology BA
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £24,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
100% of entrants came with A levels · 92% 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/a*bb/a*ac
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: 100% with A levels. 15% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 15 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD 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 | — |
| IB | 35 points | — |
| 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 | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
5compulsory modules in year 1, 2 optional
Compulsory modules this year: arts & humanities 35% · social & cultural skills 35% · language & communication 30%.
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 · 5 core, 2 optional · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Theorising the Social World
What you learn (5)
- explain key concepts and debates in social theory
- discuss the development of social theory concepts in historical context
- apply theoretical ideas to analyse the social world
- evaluate methodological implications of social theory concepts
- communicate complex social-theory ideas in oral and written form
- Cultivating a Sociological Imagination
What you learn (8)
- explain the sociological imagination as a way of analysing social life
- situate the sociological imagination within broader academic debates
- apply sociological concepts to interpret personal experiences
- apply sociological concepts to interpret everyday social objects
- describe different sociological approaches to analysing contemporary society
- critique contemporary social life using sociological perspectives
- produce written work that conveys complex sociological ideas
- deliver oral presentations that convey complex sociological ideas
2 optional modules
- 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
- 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
Year 2 · 2 core, 14 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- 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
- Inequality, Intersectionality, and Resistance
What you learn (6)
- explain key social divisions and forms of inequality using sociological concepts
- apply sociological theories to analyse case studies of inequality
- analyse how different social divisions intersect to produce inequality
- evaluate strategies used to challenge inequality and promote social change
- construct a critical written argument supported by relevant evidence
- critically evaluate a sociological text in depth
14 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
- 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
- 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
- Aesthetics
What you learn (7)
- communicate philosophical ideas clearly and accessibly
- generate alternative solutions to problems in philosophy of art
- present varied perspectives on aesthetic issues with open-mindedness
- construct arguments supporting alternative views in philosophy of art
- identify weaknesses and potential improvements in philosophical arguments
- evaluate competing views to determine the strongest position on an aesthetic problem
- defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
- 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
- Working in the Criminal Justice System
What you learn (7)
- describe various job roles within criminal justice agencies
- compare different occupational roles in the criminal justice system
- evaluate current debates surrounding criminal justice employment
- analyse sociological concepts relevant to criminal justice work experiences
- apply criminological theories to practitioners' lived experiences
- present a scholarly argument using visual materials
- produce a written scholarly argument
- Societies and the Climate Crisis
What you learn (9)
- summarise key sociological literature on climate change
- evaluate the social consequences of the climate crisis
- evaluate societal responses to the climate crisis
- apply sociological theory to analyse environmental issues
- analyse links between climate change and global economic inequality
- analyse links between climate change, coloniality and injustice
- collaborate effectively within a team on shared tasks
- solve problems using structured reasoning approaches
- communicate ideas clearly in written and spoken form
- Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities
What you learn (8)
- differentiate theoretical approaches to gender and sexuality
- evaluate competing frameworks for explaining gender and sexuality
- explain how social, cultural and historical factors shape gender expectations
- argue against biological determinism as an explanation for gender inequality
- identify how gender, sex and sexuality intersect with other social inequalities
- assess the interplay of structure and agency in bodily decision-making
- apply theoretical concepts to real-world global case studies
- critically evaluate conflicting positions on gender and sexuality debates
- Body and Society
What you learn (12)
- explain core sociological concepts and theories of the body
- compare sociological perspectives on the body
- summarise key empirical studies on the sociology of the body
- describe case studies relevant to bodily sociology
- discuss key debates on the body in written form
- present debates on the body collaboratively in spoken form
- apply sociological concepts of the body to personal experience
- relate module theories to everyday life examples
- describe historical changes in embodiment practices
- compare contemporary embodiment practices across cultures
- critique eurocentric assumptions about bodily norms
- evaluate non-western perspectives on the body
Year 3 · 3 core, 23 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Short Dissertation : Take one core module, four option modules and write a Philosophy short dissertation.
What you learn (5)
- evaluate a chosen philosophical topic in depth
- relate chosen topic to current scholarly debates
- analyse complex philosophical material critically
- synthesise ideas from diverse scholarly sources
- work autonomously and self-critically on a project
- Long Dissertation : Take one core module, three option modules and write a Philosophy long dissertation.
What you learn (5)
- critically analyse a chosen philosophical topic in depth
- relate current research debates to the chosen topic
- analyse complex philosophical material with critical awareness
- synthesise ideas and information from diverse scholarly sources
- produce a substantial piece of independent research work
- Creating Sociological Alternatives
What you learn (6)
- critically analyse how thinkers have envisioned alternatives to existing societies
- evaluate analytical frameworks as tools for driving social change
- formulate original ideas addressing contemporary social problems
- apply sociological concepts to sharpen critical thinking
- collaborate effectively within a team to investigate a social issue
- present complex ideas using varied creative contemporary formats
23 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
- Philosophy of Physics
What you learn (6)
- explain key concepts of classical mechanics such as inertial frames
- explain relativistic concepts including space, time and simultaneity
- explain quantum phenomena such as wave-particle duality and entanglement
- analyse how key physical concepts interact within physical theories
- evaluate the influence of these concepts on the scientific world-view
- apply core philosophical reasoning skills to analyse arguments
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Philosophy of Christianity
What you learn (6)
- explain core christian doctrines such as the trinity and incarnation
- describe differing interpretations of christian doctrines
- evaluate competing interpretations of christian doctrines against each other
- justify the most convincing interpretation of a given doctrine
- critique philosophical and theological texts from multiple perspectives
- formulate a personal reasoned position on theological debates
- 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
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making and Democracy
What you learn (6)
- explain research on cognitive biases affecting rational decision-making
- describe philosophical perspectives on the implications of cognitive biases
- identify ethical implications arising from cognitive effects and biases
- evaluate views on how cognitive biases affect individual and group decisions
- relate cognitive bias research to broader debates in philosophy of mind and ethics
- present philosophical arguments in both collaborative and individual written formats
- 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
- Property and Self-Ownership
What you learn (5)
- explain major theories justifying property rights and self-ownership
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories of property and self-ownership
- critically appraise historical and contemporary philosophical texts
- integrate ideas drawn from diverse philosophical sources and topics
- construct a reasoned written argument evaluating a key module issue
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Morbidity, Culture and Corpses
What you learn (6)
- evaluate sociological links between death, culture and society
- apply sociological analysis to interpret the broader relevance of death studies
- synthesise theoretical and empirical research on mortality
- collaborate with others to organise and present ideas
- communicate ideas clearly to an audience
- reflect on personal strengths and motivations to identify areas for improvement
- Spiritual Realities
What you learn (8)
- describe the variety and frequency of spiritual and paranormal experiences
- identify characteristic features of spiritual and anomalous experiences
- evaluate social science approaches used to study spiritual experiences
- assess research methods applied to anomalous experience studies
- apply social science theories to analyse spiritual experience cases
- use social science methods to examine examples of paranormal phenomena
- locate relevant sources of information for academic assessment tasks
- evaluate the credibility of varied sources used in coursework
- Working in the Criminal Justice System
What you learn (7)
- describe various job roles within criminal justice agencies
- compare different occupational roles in the criminal justice system
- evaluate current debates surrounding criminal justice employment
- analyse sociological concepts relevant to criminal justice work experiences
- apply criminological theories to practitioners' lived experiences
- present a scholarly argument using visual materials
- produce a written scholarly argument
- Talk at Work
What you learn (7)
- evaluate the significance of social interaction in workplace settings
- justify the value of analysing authentic recorded workplace talk
- apply conversation analysis techniques to examine recordings of workplace talk
- assess how research findings can inform interventions improving workplace communication
- design an evidence-based workshop to enhance workplace communication
- analyse complex material critically using conversation analytic methods
- communicate complex ideas clearly in written and spoken formats
- Crime, Gender and Sexuality
What you learn (11)
- explain sociological approaches to gender and sexuality
- explain criminological approaches to gender and sexuality
- apply sociological theories to issues of gender and sexuality
- apply sociological concepts to analyse sexual offences
- evaluate formal social responses to gender- and sexuality-related crimes
- evaluate informal social responses to gender- and sexuality-related crimes
- explain how formal control strategies shape gender and sexual identities
- explain how informal control strategies shape gender and sexual practices
- analyse how legislation regulates gender and sexuality
- analyse how state policies regulate gender and sexuality
- analyse how policing strategies regulate gender and sexuality
“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?
£24,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£20k
Median£24k
Upper quarter£29k
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 165 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, 24, 23
Half of graduates earned between £19,500 and £28,500. Five years on, the median is £29,000. 93% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 55% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 15% left | 92% | 190 |
| In work or study, 15 months on13% studying | 93% | 65 |
| Professional or managerial job | 55% | 45 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £25,500 | 30 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £24,000 | 165 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £29,000 | 175 |
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?
85%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 73% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 190 students answered
Highest: 96% agreed on question 20; lowest: 62% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 93% |
| Question 2 | 85% |
| Question 3 | 82% |
| Question 4 | 75% |
| Question 5 | 87% |
| Question 6 | 77% |
| Question 7 | 81% |
| Question 8 | 74% |
| Question 9 | 75% |
| Question 10 | 69% |
| Question 11 | 80% |
| Question 12 | 79% |
| Question 13 | 91% |
| Question 14 | 62% |
| Question 15 | 91% |
| Question 16 | 90% |
| Question 17 | 80% |
| Question 18 | 81% |
| Question 19 | 86% |
| Question 20 | 96% |
| Question 21 | 86% |
| Question 22 | 89% |
| Question 23 | 86% |
| Question 24 | 73% |
| Question 25 | 71% |
| Question 26 | 85% |
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.