Politics and Philosophy

Politics and philosophy is a pairing that examines both how power is organised and exercised in human societies and the philosophical foundations on which questions of power, justice and authority rest. Politics investigates how governments function, how policies are made, how social change happens and how international affairs are structured, drawing on comparative analysis, political theory and empirical research. Philosophy brings the rigorous analytical toolkit for examining the concepts and arguments that underlie political practice, asking what justice requires, what the basis of political obligation is, how freedom and equality should be understood, and how we can reason clearly about deeply contested normative questions.

At Manchester Metropolitan University you will study for three years full-time, engaging with current events and political theory from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore social and public policy, international politics, digital politics, environmentalism and climate change, developing future-oriented skills for understanding the contemporary political moment. The philosophy component provides both analytical rigour and the depth to engage with questions that political analysis alone cannot settle.

A sandwich year in professional practice and a placement component are included, giving you direct professional experience.

Politics and philosophy graduates work in politics and government, the civil service, policy research, journalism, NGOs, think tanks, the charitable sector, international organisations and a wide range of other careers where analytical clarity, ethical awareness and the ability to engage with complex arguments are valued. The dual foundation is particularly strong preparation for law, public affairs, academic research and the growing range of roles in ethics, regulatory bodies and policy evaluation. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in politics, philosophy, law, public policy or related fields.