Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
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BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
VL52
VL52
Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
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.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
Do you question what drives human actions and decisions? Are you curious about the ways in which government policies impact society? Or the ethics of global production and consumption?
Philosophy is the study of the important questions that arise in all areas of human life. By combining the study of philosophy, politics and economics you’ll gain insight into the thinking behind some of the big ideas that shape contemporary society.
This prestigious degree offers you the opportunity to explore these three important disciplines – 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.
Using a combination of academic theory and real-world practice, you’ll examine issues such as global politics, ethics and economic growth, gaining the knowledge and skills to pursue different lines of inquiry and the confidence to question your own thinking.
While the first year provides a foundation in all three areas, the choice broadens substantially in subsequent years. Across Years 2 and 3, you’ll study a minimum of two modules for each discipline, and you can tailor the remainder of your choices from a wide selection of option modules.
The course offers the opportunity to add a placement year or spend a year abroad, increasing the degree from three years to four. This extra dimension, coupled with the variety of option modules gives the degree the flexibility and eclecticism that are its defining characteristics.
The rigorous academic framework opens the door to a wide range of career options including policy making, journalism, the financial sector, the legal profession, consultancy, education and the civil service.
Course structure
Year 1
Core modules:
Principles of Economics provides a sound foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics. You will cover areas including methodology of economics, supply and demand, consumer spending choices, competition and growth theories.
Economic Methods familiarises you with the use of mathematical and statistical tools in solving economic problems. You will look at equations, matrix algebra, calculus, statistics, distribution, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
Ethics and Values provides a structured introduction to moral philosophy, including applied ethics, by exploring key moral concepts and showing how they influence moral practices and theories.
Knowledge and Reality introduces philosophical problems in epistemology (the study of knowledge), and metaphysics (the study of reality and ourselves).
Examples of optional modules:
- Researching Politics and International Relations
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Introduction to International Relations
- Perspectives of Political Economy.
Year 2
Examples of optional modules:
- The Philosophy of Economics and Politics: Theory, Methods and Values
- Political and Social Philosophy
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Economic Theory.
The fourth module is chosen from a wide selection of politics modules.
Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad)
The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of either philosophy, politics or economics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions.
Plus four additional options from an extensive selection of modules across the three subject areas.
Additional pathways
Students on BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more./prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/500-x-300-px-(2).png)
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Learning
Students on this degree learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials (Politics and Economics), workshops (Economics only), informal but scheduled one-to-one support, and self-directed learning, such as research, reading, and writing. All of these are supported by a virtual learning environment, Learn Ultra.
Seminars, tutorials, and workshops are much smaller groups than lectures, with tutorials often involving between eight and 20 students working with a member of staff; seminars and workshops can be larger but are still small enough to allow interaction with the tutors.
This emphasis on small-group teaching reflects a conscious choice to enhance the quality of the learning experience rather than the number of formal sessions. In fact, the degree is designed to feature fewer formal sessions and more independent research as you move from your first to your final year.
Small-group teaching and meetings with a personal academic advisor (provided for all students when they enter the course) are part of the learning experience throughout, but by the final year, classroom time gives way, to some extent, to independent research, including a capstone dissertation that makes up a third of final year credits.
In this way, the degree systematically transforms you from a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, ready for professional or postgraduate life. These formal teaching arrangements are supported by “drop-in” surgeries with teaching staff and induction sessions that begin in the week before the start of the degree and continue at key times during each year of the course.
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA including an arts/humanities or social sciences subject and Mathematics.If you are taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics, a further two subjects must be taken at A2 level.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.
IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including an arts/humanities subject and Mathematics.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.
- We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further two Advanced Highers are necessary.
- For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics. Mathematical Studies is not acceptable.
- One Arts/Humanities subject at A level or equivalent is required. In the past successful applicants have commonly satisfied this condition, by studying one or more of the following subjects: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Literature; any ancient or modern language; Geography, Religious Studies. Such a list cannot be comprehensive, so if you are unsure over whether the subjects that you are currently following or are planning to take, meet our standard requirements please contact our Admissions Selector for further details.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
| Home students | £9,250 per year |
|---|---|
| EU students | £26,250 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £26,250 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 84% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 94% are in a professional or managerial job
- With an average salary of £33,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Explore philosophy, politics and economics in all their connections and depth.
PPE is a flexible joint honours degree, offering you the opportunity to explore philosophy, politics and economics – their connections, influences and impact. You will gain an understanding of how and why they have been so inextricably linked historically, and the ways in which they have developed and diverged over the course of the last two centuries, both in content and in method.
Rankings
- World Top 100 for Philosophy in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2021
- Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2022
- Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2022.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the relevant web pages for Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
VL52
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
Most learning takes the form of lectures and small-group seminars, complemented by subject-specific tutorials and dedicated economics workshops. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.
We place great importance on research-led teaching. This approach integrates new and cutting-edge developments into the curriculum and introduces you to a variety of research-oriented skills and research-based projects.
We prioritise small-group teaching, with tutorials often including between eight and 20 students. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from your personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to enhance the quality of learning and encourage you to become an independent thinker.
As you progress to the final year there's an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.
Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations and unseen essay questions, essays and group projects.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking skills, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.
The Year 3 dissertation, which should be based around a relevant philosophy, politics or economics topic of your choice, makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA including an arts/humanities or social sciences subject and Mathematics.If you are taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics, a further two subjects must be taken at A2 level.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.
IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including an arts/humanities subject and Mathematics.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.
- We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further two Advanced Highers are necessary.
- For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics. Mathematical Studies is not acceptable.
- One Arts/Humanities subject at A level or equivalent is required. In the past successful applicants have commonly satisfied this condition, by studying one or more of the following subjects: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Literature; any ancient or modern language; Geography, Religious Studies. Such a list cannot be comprehensive, so if you are unsure over whether the subjects that you are currently following or are planning to take, meet our standard requirements please contact our Admissions Selector for further details.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics will equip you with a distinct skill set that will be valuable across a range of professions. Skills such as critical thinking, independent thought and the ability to express your ideas clearly - both verbally and in writing. And with our global business connections, you’ll build world-class foundations whether you’re looking to start your career or progress to further study.
Our graduates work across a diverse range of professions including investment analysts, chartered and certified accountants, civil servants, management consultants, economic analysts, global sales and development roles and teachers. Some have set up their own businesses and others have progressed to higher level study.
Take a look at some of the roles taken up by recent graduates from the course:
- Tax Analyst at Deloitte
- Trainee Accountant at EY
- Engagement Executive at Alzheimer's Research UK
- Tax Associate at KPMG
- Policy Advisor at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Statistician at the Department for Work and Pensions
- Financial Analyst at Barclays
- Research Analyst at Integrum ESG
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 84% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 94% are in a professional or managerial job
- With an average salary of £33,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Explore philosophy, politics and economics in all their connections and depth.
PPE is a flexible joint honours degree, offering you the opportunity to explore philosophy, politics and economics – their connections, influences and impact. You will gain an understanding of how and why they have been so inextricably linked historically, and the ways in which they have developed and diverged over the course of the last two centuries, both in content and in method.
Rankings
- Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2023
- Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the relevant web pages for Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
VL52
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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