Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Do you question what drives human actions and decisions? Are you curious about the ways in which government policies impact society? Or the ethics of global production and consumption?  Philosophy is the study of the important questions that arise in all areas of human life. By combining the study of philosophy, politics and economics you’ll gain insight into the thinking behind some of the big ideas that shape contemporary society.

This prestigious degree offers you the opportunity to explore these three important disciplines – their connections, influences and impact. You’ll gain an understanding of how and why they’ve been so inextricably linked historically, and the ways in which they’ve developed and diverged over the course of the last two centuries, both in content and in method.

Using a combination of academic theory and real-world practice, you’ll examine issues such as global politics, ethics and economic growth, gaining the knowledge and skills to pursue different lines of inquiry and the confidence to question your own thinking. 

While the first year provides a foundation in all three areas, the choice broadens substantially in subsequent years. Across Years 2 and 3, you’ll study a minimum of two modules for each discipline, and you can tailor the remainder of your choices from a wide selection of option modules. 

The course offers the opportunity to add a placement year or spend a year abroad, increasing the degree from three years to four. This extra dimension, coupled with the variety of option modules gives the degree the flexibility and eclecticism that are its defining characteristics.

The rigorous academic framework opens the door to a wide range of career options including policy making, journalism, the financial sector, the legal profession, consultancy, education and the civil service.

Course Structure

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. 

Additional pathways

Students on BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year.  Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.

Placement