BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics ,with Placement Year

What is the BA Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)?

The BA Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll tackle the big questions shaping the world - from the ethics of policy and the mechanics of democracy to how markets and ideas drive global change - while developing the tools to think critically, act strategically, and respond to complex societal challenges.

Why this course

A BA Philosophy, Politics, and Economics gives you a unique blend of skills that few other degrees offer. You’ll receive extensive training in research and data methods to analyse complex ethical questions, policy choices, and economic trends. You’ll learn from academics who advise governments and international organisations, gaining first-hand insight into how theory shapes real-world decisions.

You can choose to add an extra year on placement or study abroad to put your learning into practice, gain hands-on experience, and broaden your global perspective before graduation.

By the end of the degree, you will have developed the critical thinking, analytical insight, and practical skills to put you on the path toward careers in policy, government, economics, or global advisory roles.

Who should apply

• Those who refuse easy answers and want to interrogate the forces shaping societies and global decisions
• Future policymakers, strategists, or analysts ready to disrupt conventional thinking and influence real-world outcomes
• Students drawn to careers spanning government, business, NGOs, and international organisations where bold ideas matter
• Critical thinkers who thrive on combining ethical reasoning, political insight, and rigorous quantitative analysis

What you’ll learn

• Philosophy and ethics: Explore major philosophical approaches and their relevance to politics and policy
• Politics and governance: Study political systems, democracy, globalisation, and comparative politics
• Economics and markets: Understand macro- and microeconomics, political economy, and international development
• Applied insight: Analyse how philosophical, political, and economic forces interact to shape real-world outcomes
• Methods and analysis: Develop research design, statistical, and data analysis skills

Your learning experience

• Optional study abroad year: Experience a new culture, expand your horizons, and gain a global perspective on politics and society
• Optional placement year: Apply your learning in a professional environment, develop real-world skills, and build valuable industry connections
• Research in action: Join staff-led projects and contribute to cutting-edge research, with opportunities for independent study or joint publications
• Specialist facilities: Access computer labs, political analysis software, and an industry-leading behavioural science laboratory
• Expert teaching: Learn from world-leading academics who advise governments, international organisations, and global businesses

Careers and outcomes

A BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics prepares you for careers in government, policy, business, and global organisations, combining analytical, economic, and political insight valued worldwide.

• Government and public service: Civil Service, policy analysis, public affairs, or political advisory roles
• International organisations: UN, NATO, World Bank, EU institutions, and global NGOs
• Policy and research: Think tanks, social research, data analysis, and strategic consultancy
• Business and finance: Economic analysis, corporate strategy, and regulatory or public policy roles
• Media and communications: Journalism, political reporting, public relations, and campaign management

Employers of graduates from this course

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in national and international organisations, including:

• HM Treasury
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Barclays Investment Bank
• Save the Children UK
• World News Media