Philosophy and Sociology, BA (Hons), with study abroad

This degree enables you to combine the complementary disciplines of Philosophy and Sociology, taking differing perspectives on the human condition. This four year programme also includes a year abroad studying through the Erasmus scheme in Europe or with one of our partner institutions elsewhere in the world.Studying Philosophy will give you the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge (how do we know what we know?), science (does science provide us with a special kind of knowledge?), reality (does the world out there really exist?), ethics (how should we act?), art and beauty (who decides what counts as beautiful?), the mind-body relationship (how can the brain produce the mind?), the meaning of life (why is there something rather than nothing?) and more.From the beginning you will be encouraged to develop your own views on all these topics, and to assess other philosophers’ take on them. Studying philosophy will teach you to think rigorously, to defend your views in a clear and consistent way, to understand the why and what-for of different points of view, and ultimately to develop a sharp, analytical and open mind.Sociology will offer a critical exploration of all aspects of society and social life. This highly relevant discipline is particularly concerned with social transformation and in developing an insight into the major challenges facing contemporary society. You’ll develop an understanding of the contemporary world, human behaviour and the forces shaping society. You’ll examine social, political, historical, cultural and economic issues and study topics as diverse as class and social inequality, health and disability, globalisation, crime, counter-cultures, family life, gender and the development of cities.