Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Key features of the course

• Understand the debates that dominate the daily news and look beyond the headlines
• Learn skills and techniques to help you analyse, present and contribute to discussion
• Explore how arguments and public policies are constructed in theory and tested in practice
• Increase your employability across the private and public sectors
• Enjoy synergies among three complementary disciplines while studying a full curriculum in each

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

To get the best from this qualification you’ll need some basic study skills at higher education level. You can use our online diagnostic quiz Are you ready for DD103? to help you decide if you’re ready, or if you need some extra preparation.

Skills for career development

In addition to specialist knowledge of politics, philosophy and economics, this degree course will help you develop valuable transferable skills for employment, including:

• using a range of communication technologies to independently research, select and present information
• analysing and critically evaluating information and data
• writing and communicating concisely and clearly
• assembling reasoned arguments for particular audiences
• using a range of formats: essays, presentations, reports, collaborative working, online forums
• reflecting on your own learning and developing strategies to update your knowledge
• valuing critical feedback to reflect on progress and improve your work
• working on your own initiative and managing your time.

Career relevance

A degree in politics philosophy and economics is internationally recognised as providing a set of conceptual and quantitative skills particularly relevant for many areas of public service, such as the civil and diplomatic services and local government. In particular, you’ll develop skills enabling you to express your ideas clearly and logically; understand and analyse complex information; and study independently.

Other careers

This degree course is also good preparation for a wide variety of other careers, including banking and finance, politics, journalism and broadcasting, law, industry, teaching, social work, accountancy, business management, consultancy, marketing and advertising – and many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

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