Philosophy and Sociology, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to key topics and approaches in philosophy and sociology, as you apply sociological principles to today's society and explore topics like ethics, political philosophy and how to construct arguments. You'll also choose from optional modules across topics such as the philosophy of the mind, and the history of scientific thought.

Once you have this grounding, you'll be able to expand your knowledge with a wider range of choice in both subjects. You'll choose a central philosophy module to study and then be free to focus on whichever area suits you, ranging from political philosophy and ethics to philosophy of science and religion. You'll also choose from an array of optional modules covering sociological topics like global terorism, drugs, racism, protest movements and disability studies.

Throughout your degree, you'll develop subject knowledge alongside skills in research, interpretation, critical thinking and analysis. You'll be able to put these into practice in your final year, when you'll conduct independent research on a topic of your choice for your research project.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  GCSE: grade 4/C in Mathematics.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Philosophy and Sociology will equip you with diverse subject knowledge as well as a wide range of transferable skills, all of which are very attractive to employers in a range of sectors.

    You'll be a confident communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, both verbally and in writing. You'll work well in a team or independently and have strong research skills, as well as the ability to analyse different types of information from multiple sources. Because you've handled two different subjects, you'll also have good organisational skills.

    Graduates have gone on to succeed in a range of careers that reflect the diversity of the degree, such as social work, the charity sector, education, journalism, law, marketing, the creative industries and the civil service. Many also progress to postgraduate study in related disciplines.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.