Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)

This degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics explores the fundamental questions driving human actions, government policies, and global ethics. It examines the historical interconnections and divergences among these disciplines, equipping students with insights into societal issues through a blend of academic theory and practical application. Students analyze topics like global politics, economic growth, and moral philosophy, fostering critical thinking and inquiry skills.The program begins with foundational modules in all three areas, allowing greater flexibility in Years 2 and 3 with a minimum of two modules per discipline and various optional choices. Opportunities for a placement year or study abroad extend the course to four years. Assessment includes exams, essays, projects, and a Year 3 dissertation, preparing graduates for careers in policy, journalism, finance, law, consultancy, education, and the civil service.

Year 1 Core modules: Principles of Economics provides a sound foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics. You will cover areas including methodology of economics, supply and demand, consumer spending choices, competition and growth theories. Economic Methods familiarises you with the use of mathematical and statistical tools in solving economic problems. You will look at equations, matrix algebra, calculus, statistics, distribution, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Ethics and Values provides a structured introduction to moral philosophy, including applied ethics, by exploring key moral concepts and showing how they influence moral practices and theories. Knowledge and Reality introduces philosophical problems in epistemology (the study of knowledge), and metaphysics (the study of reality and ourselves). In recent years, optional modules have included: Researching Politics and International Relations Introduction to Political Theory Introduction to Comparative Politics Introduction to International Relations Perspectives of Political Economy. Year 2 Year 2 offers a greater degree of flexibility in your choice of philosophy, politics and economics modules. In economics, you will study one or two core modules through either: Macroeconomics, which uses real-world examples to analyse the general equilibrium of an economy both in the short term, with a static model, and in the medium to long term, with a dynamic model. and Microeconomics, which aims to develop understanding of the essential components of microeconomics with a particular focus on the analytical skills relevant to consumer and production theories, general equilibrium and welfare. Or: Economic Theory, which develops understanding and applications of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory at an intermediate level. You will cover areas such as consumer theory, money and inflation, economic growth and fiscal policy. In philosophy, you will study one core modules in either: Political Philosophy, which introduces, assesses and discusses major philosophical questions concerning politics and political life, its structures and organisations. Or: The Philosophy of Economics & Politics, which introduces assesses and discusses both contemporary and historical philosophical issues at the intersection between economics and political theory. The remaining modules are chosen from a wide selection of optional modules in politics, philosophy and economics, including modules in econometrics, political theory, international relations, historical philosophy and logical analysis. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) The Dissertation is a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of either philosophy, politics or economics. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions. Plus four additional options from an extensive selection of modules across the three subject areas.