Birkbeck, University of London
Politics, Philosophy and History BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 15 graduates of Politics, Philosophy and History BA (Hons) and other courses in Politics & International Relations at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Politics & International Relations.

Overall student satisfaction
90 /100
15 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH15

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Politics & International Relations at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £32000 £25500 £29500
25-75 percentile range £26000 - £39000 £17500 - £32000 £20000 - £35000


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH15

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25085 £23502 £28694
25-75 percentile range £21234 - £29321 £18146 - £29667 £21652 - £37735

Course Description

Our BA Politics, Philosophy and History (PPH) draws together the three disciplines in a distinctive combination and uses them to interrogate one another. This innovative degree is unified by the following cross-disciplinary core modules taught by academics from all three subject areas:

  • Rise of the Modern State
  • Conceptions of the Human from the Enlightenment to Today
  • Problems of Explanation and Interpretation

These three modules distinguish PPH from other tripartite degrees by providing a unique intellectual spine from which you can then branch out to take individual options in each of the three subject areas. This structure produces a distinctive kind of student, one keen on questions and willing to think across and sometimes against conventional disciplinary boundaries. The course prepares you to undertake a higher degree or to move into a range of careers, including in education, the arts, politics, or journalism.

Highlights

  • Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London.
  • Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.
  • Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.
  • We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • The PPH Society, run by students, organises regular study skills days, a weekend away, a journal and regular social events.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in local and national government, policy work, research or journalism. Possible professions include:

  • diplomatic service operational officer
  • civil service fast-streamer
  • charity officer
  • newspaper journalist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Politics, Philosophy and History BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London

15% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Secretarial and related occupations
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
10% Animal care and control services
10% Welfare Professionals
10% Administrative occupations
5% Design occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Written examinations in the summer term of the year in which modules are taken, or a mixture of essay and examination-based assessment.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Politics & International Relations

Qualification requirements

Access to HE Diploma

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Students who have completed Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Politics and International Studies may be given entry to the second year of the degree.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Politics, Philosophy and History, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #25 
    • #151 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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