Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA

Programme structure

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

The BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.

Year 1

Your core modules will provide you with an introduction to all three disciplines and will specifically explore issues relating to power and democracy, the philosophy of morality, philosophical analysis and economic principles. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules in each discipline.

Compulsory modules CodeModuleCredits POL1019Power and Democracy 15 PHL1013Philosophy of Morality 15 PHL1006Introduction to Philosophical Analysis 15 BEE1029Economic Principles 30 BEE1020Basic Mathematical Economics (If A Level Maths has not been taken)15 BEE1024Mathematics for Economists (If A Level Maths has been taken)15 Optional modules

Plus 30 credits of option modules chosen in Politics, Philosophy or Economics.

Year 2

You’ll explore how your three disciplines overlap in fields such as political philosophy (eg, considering topics such as liberty, justice, rights and citizenship), economic policy and the economics of politics. You’ll compare political systems and reflect on the nature of society, considering philosophical questions relating to inequality and power. You’ll also have a wide choice of optional modules enabling you to tailor your degree to your own interests.

Compulsory modules CodeModuleCredits PHL2012Social Philosophy15 POL2046The Economics of Politics15 BEE2024Economic Principles and Policy 30 Optional modules

Plus at least 60 credits of option modules chosen in Politics, Philosophy or Economics.

Year 3

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree.

Compulsory modules

You may choose one of the dissertation options below.

CodeModuleCredits POL3040Politics Dissertation 30 PHL3040Philosophy Dissertation 30 BUS3001Economics Dissertation 30 Optional modules

You can choose modules from Politics, Philosophy or Economics. Optional modules may cover topics such as business and politics, human rights, the political economy of globalisation, or money, ethics and power.