BAEcon Economics and Philosophy

Please note that you only need to have met ONE of the above pre-requisities to take POLI20602

This course will introduce students to a selection of recent work in political theory with particular focus on how these theoretical debates apply to current political controversies. Theoretical arguments about (among other topics) the interface between morality and politics, the nature of toleration, freedom of expression, group rights, and global justice will be applied to practical political problems.

On completion of this unit successful students will:
Have gained a deeper understanding of certain key normative debates in politics

Be able to apply theoretical arguments about abstract concepts to practical political controversies Be able to analyse normative arguments critically

Be able to construct and defend their own normative arguments in an analytically rigorous fashion

Tutorials are taken by the lecturers who lecture that week.

One seven-day open book exam: 60%
One 1800-word essay: 40%

Politics staff will provide feedback on written work within 15 working days of submission via Blackboard (if submitted through Turnitin).

Students should be aware that all marks are provisional until confirmed by the external examiner and the final examinations boards in June.

For modules that do not have examination components the marks and feedback for the final assessed component are not subject to the 15 working day rule and will be released with the examination results. This applies to Semester 2 modules only. Semester one modules with no final examination will have their feedback available within the 15 working days.

You will receive feedback on assessed essays in a standard format. This will rate your essay in terms of various aspects of the argument that you have presented your use of sources and the quality of the style and presentation of the essay. If you have any queries about the feedback that you have received you should make an appointment to see your tutor. Tutors and Course Convenors also have a dedicated office hour when you can meet with her/him to discuss course unit specific problems and questions.

On assessments submitted through Turnitin you will receive feedback via Blackboard. This will include suggestions about ways in which you could improve your work in future. You will also receive feedback on non-assessed coursework, whether this is individual or group work. This may be of a more informal kind and may include feedback from peers as well as academic staff

Information
Information
POLI 10702 (Introduction to Political Thought) is a pre-requisite. 

 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £33,100 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026