Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)

The PPE course is for people who want to be problem solvers. The programme focusses on training students in the diverse skills and tools of the three component disciplines, from policy analysis to data literacy, from cost-benefit analysis to rational argument, from conceptual analysis to social science research methods, and from textual analysis to face-to-face debate. Combined, these tools are more than the sum of their parts, allowing students to understand complex problems, evaluate available solutions and advance their views persuasively through robust argumentation.

The PPE degree is based in the Department of International Relations, Politics and History (IRPH) and cross-taught with the Loughborough Business School. In addition to scholars specialising in political science, political theory and international relations, IRPH includes philosophers with research expertise in areas of philosophy with deep practical and political significance, such as environmental philosophy, feminist philosophy and the ethics of activism.

Our PPE degree has been designed to empower students to shape their own learning, allowing them to specialise or continue to study all three disciplines equally. In their second and final years, students select from modules across politics, philosophy and economics, including modules designed to address their intersections (such as modules focussed on political philosophy or political economy). A final year dissertation provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.

Placement opportunities and study abroad schemes provide additional ways for students to take control of their learning and improve their employability. Many of our students choose to take a ‘sandwich’ year, meaning they spend their third year studying abroad, working in an industry of their choosing or even both. Study abroad options typically include universities in Continental Europe, North America and East Asia; placement opportunities include work in finance, technology, consultancy and beyond.

If you join us to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Loughborough, you will:

• Study the subjects that interest you. Our teaching offers a wide range of topics, styles of delivery and forms of assessment, meaning students can tailor the course to best fit their personal and academic development.
• Join a highly ranked university and department. We receive high rankings in university guides with commendations for our teaching, careers services and sport.
• Gain transferable skills valued by employers. All our students gain important transferable skills in critical thinking, data literacy, communication, analysis, research, and both independent and group work. These skills are essential for success across many careers.
• Be taught by world-leading experts. Our academic staff are internationally recognised experts in their fields of research and teaching. Students frequently work at the cutting edge of ongoing research into pressing social issues.
• Be supported to fulfil your potential. We recognise that our students have different backgrounds and approach learning in different ways. All students are supported in IRPH by Personal Academic Tutors, and all have access to wider systems of support as part of the Loughborough University community.
• Become part of a supportive and inclusive community. Students of IRPH are mainly based in the newly refurbished Morag Bell building, featuring work and hang-out spaces for students down the corridor from staff offices. All teaching staff hold weekly feedback hours to offer help and support.
• Attend exciting events organised by our staff and students. Our regular community events include Q&As with MPs, roundtable discussions on events of global significance, lectures from visiting scholars, student-led social events and competitions, and the annual School of Social Sciences and Humanities Ball.
• Have the opportunity to undertake a placement, year abroad, year in enterprise or combination. All our students are encouraged to take advantage of these options, which make them eligible for a Diploma in International Studies or a Diploma of Professional Studies alongside their degree. Students often decide to add a placement or year abroad in their first or second year of study if they’re unsure when first applying.