BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economic

Our BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a prestigious programme offering you the opportunity to explore three subjects – their connections, influences and impact. You’ll gain an understanding of how and why they’ve been so inextricably linked historically, and the ways in which they’ve developed and diverged over the course of the last two centuries, both in content and in method.

Throughout the course you’ll investigate the subjects in theory and practice, gaining the knowledge and skills to pursue different lines of inquiry and interrogate your own ideas. All this provides a rigorous academic framework which is highly-regarded as excellent preparation for a successful career, no matter what path you take. 

Year 1
In the first year, two modules will be studied in each of the three departments providing the specific foundations for the subsequent years at an appropriate depth.

In Philosophy, the compulsory modules have in the past included Ethics and Values, and Knowledge and Reality.  In Politics there is one core theory module plus one from a list of options to be studied.  In Economics introductory micro- and macro-economic theory is covered as well as a quantitative module which provides students with the necessary mathematical and statistical skills for subsequent studies in Economics.

Year 2
Whilst the first year is dominated by the necessity to build the foundations for all three subjects, the choice opens up quite substantially in the second and third year. The basic rule that needs to be met is that for each of the three subjects a minimum of two modules must be studied in the second and third year. At no stage can any one of the three be dropped altogether. In Years 2 and 3 combined, you will take two core modules in Economics looking at the principles of Macro and Microeconomics; either The Philosophy of Economics or Political Philosophy and one further module in Philosophy; and two modules in Politics. Aside from these, and provided that individual module requirements are met, you can specialise and tailor your choices from a wide selection of optional modules in the three subjects. This gives the degree the flexibility and eclecticism that are its defining characteristics.

At this stage, you can choose to add an extra dimension to your studies, by extending your course with a work placement or an international exchange, which can help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Year 3
In the third year, the Dissertation (double module) must be done in one of the three departments and it must be associated with another third-year module of the same subject.

Please note: the economics degree is currently under review and details may have changed by October 2021.