Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Your first year comprises foundation modules in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and quantitative techniques (mathematics, statistics and data analysis) plus one year long or two term-long optional modules. Choices include World Politics, Introduction to Ancient Philosophy, Ideas of Freedom or The World Economy, but you can also choose from outside areas such as Business, History or Psychology, or a language. In your second year, you select one of six pathways, depending on whether you wish to specialise in two subjects or continue studying all three. In your third year, you take two from a choice of three compulsory interdisciplinary modules. These focus on important areas of application, e.g. the ethics, politics and economics of global economic governance, or climate change policies. You can choose to write a dissertation on a PPE-related topic or undertake research in applied economics, politics or philosophy.

How will I learn?

You will study a set of core modules in all three disciplines, which amount to just over half of the required modules. In addition, you can choose optional modules in each of the three PPE departments or from other departments of the University.

Each department is slightly different in how teaching is organised and you will experience different teaching methods, including lectures and small-group seminars as well as independent study. Typically you will have 12–15 hours of contact time in your first year and 10–12 hours in your second and third years, with your third year dedicated more to individual research.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and exams, and in some modules you are allowed to choose the assessment method. The first year exams are qualifying exams are pass to proceed and do not count towards your degree classification. This will be determined on the basis of your second- and third-year results.