Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Most learning takes the form of lectures and small-group seminars, complemented by subject-specific tutorials and dedicated economics workshops. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills. 

We place great importance on research-led teaching. This approach integrates new and cutting-edge developments into the curriculum and introduces you to a variety of research-oriented skills and research-based projects.

We prioritise small-group teaching, with tutorials often including between eight and 20 students. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from your personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to enhance the quality of learning and encourage you to become an independent thinker.

As you progress to the final year there's an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.

Assessment

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations and unseen essay questions, essays and group projects.

The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking skills, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

The Year 3 dissertation, which should be based around a relevant philosophy, politics or economics topic of your choice, makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

A level offer – A*AA including an arts/humanities or social sciences subject and Mathematics.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including an arts/humanities subject and Mathematics.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

• We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further two Advanced Highers are necessary.

• For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics. Mathematical Studies is not acceptable.

• One Arts/Humanities subject at A level or equivalent is required. In the past successful applicants have commonly satisfied this condition, by studying one or more of the following subjects: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Literature; any ancient or modern language; Geography, Religious Studies. Such a list cannot be comprehensive, so if you are unsure over whether the subjects that you are currently following or are planning to take, meet our standard requirements please contact our Admissions Selector for further details.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics will equip you with a distinct skill set that will be valuable across a range of professions. Skills such as critical thinking, independent thought and the ability to express your ideas clearly - both verbally and in writing. And with our global business connections, you’ll build world-class foundations whether you’re looking to start your career or progress to further study.

Our graduates work across a diverse range of professions including investment analysts, chartered and certified accountants, civil servants, management consultants, economic analysts, global sales and development roles and teachers. Some have set up their own businesses and others have progressed to higher level study.

Take a look at some of the roles taken up by recent graduates from the course:

• Tax Analyst at Deloitte
• Trainee Accountant at EY
• Engagement Executive at Alzheimer's Research UK
• Tax Associate at KPMG
• Policy Advisor at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• Statistician at the Department for Work and Pensions
• Financial Analyst at Barclays
• Research Analyst at Integrum ESG

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

• 84% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 94% are in a professional or managerial job
• With an average salary of £33,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Explore philosophy, politics and economics in all their connections and depth.

PPE is a flexible joint honours degree, offering you the opportunity to explore philosophy, politics and economics – their connections, influences and impact. You will gain an understanding of how and why they have been so inextricably linked historically, and the ways in which they have developed and diverged over the course of the last two centuries, both in content and in method.

Rankings

• Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2023
• Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the relevant web pages for Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

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