BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics

politics

Undergraduate

BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics

PPE degrees produce political leaders, thinkers and commentators. Opt to spend time on placement in Westminster or studying abroad.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

L0V0

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

PPE degrees have produced political leaders, thinkers and commentators – from David Cameron to Christopher Hitchens to Robert Peston.

Hull’s version is one of the best established, with the chance to be selected for a placement in Westminster. Take on the challenge of this classic combined programme to gain a wider perspective on modern society.

This is one of the longest-running courses of its kind in the country and a flagship programme for the University. It attracts some of our highest-calibre students, many of whom go on to a political career.

We'll train you not merely to absorb information but to engage, to debate, to influence and to lead. The aim is to develop your portfolio of skills and knowledge relevant to public life through small-group tutorials and one-on-one supervision.

You'll benefit from the option to spend three months on a fully-integrated placement at Westminster or studying abroad with one of our partner institutions. 

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Philosophy

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Six reasons to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Hull

  1. Top 10 in the UK for overall student satisfaction*
  2. Up to 100% graduate employability rating†
  3. One of the largest Westminster placement schemes
  4. Opt to spend time in Year 3 studying abroad
  5. Debate the big issues and challenge assumptions
  6. Economics at Hull is ranked 1st in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction*

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    British Political History since 1945

    The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.

    Introduction to Political Ideologies

    Political action is collective action among people who share beliefs. This module explores the most important formulations of these collective views. It explores political ideologies that defend the status quo, those who wish to reform it, and those that seek a radically different political reality.

    Introduction to Economics

    This introduction covers both microeconomics (the affairs of individual consumers, firms and government) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole).

    Introduction to Policy-Making

    This module provides an introduction and explanation of the plural theories and models of policy making before applying these theories and models to the practice of policy-making, via a series of case studies of policy-making in practice.

    Introduction to Global Political Economy

    You'll gain the tools to understand and explain developments in the global political economy and be introduced to international political economy, one of the main sub-disciplines of politics and international relations. You will trace the evolution of ideas, institutions and policies related to global financial markets, transnational production, global division of labour, gender and climate change.

    Reason, Logic and Argument

    In this module you will begin to formally develop a key set of philosophical skills – competence in logical reasoning and the ability to distinguish good from bad arguments. Week by week you'll work through case-studies, applying logical and argumentative theory and reasoning towards well-thought through responses and conclusions. 

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    History of Political Thought

    You'll learn about the thoughts and historical context of some of the world's most important philosophers and political theorists Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Marx (among others).

    BPLS British Government

    In the age of Brexit, who governs Britain? Discover the institutions of the British state, from Downing Street to the devolved assemblies, and from the Conservatives to Labour.

    Paths of Research

    Discover the research techniques and skills used in the study of politics. This module unpacks everything you'll need for conducting research in your own area of interest.

    Macroeconomics: Managing the Economy

    You’ll learn the ways that government policy affects the course of the economy through its influence on the rate of inflation, economic growth, and the level of employment.

    Understanding and Rethinking Political Economy

    Discover the history of ideas in political economy, and their modern relevance. You’ll explore the work of Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Friedrich Hayek and Joseph Stiglitz.

    Creation, Persistence and Destruction: Problems in Metaphysics

    Metaphysical questions apply to everything you can think of: natural objects, living organisms, human beings, human artefacts, imaginary objects, abstract entities, timeless universals, and supernatural phenomena. You'll consider up-to-date versions of classical metaphysical problems by analysing interesting contemporary arguments and identifying a breadth of examples of that are relevant to the world around us. Sensitively exploring different perspectives and sharing ideas will help us notice how fundamental metaphysical perspectives are often the basis of deep disagreements in ethics, aesthetics, and religious belief, particularly when the metaphysics of the mind, body and self are in question.

Final year modules

  • Choose one

    Contemporary Political Philosophy

    How should we think about justice, equality, liberty and democracy? Explore ways of addressing these topics through critical readings of leading political philosophers.

    One-Trimester Internship

    Apply knowledge learned on your degree in a real working environment on one of our unique internship opportunities - enhance your chance of getting a job at the same time.

    One Trimester Abroad

    An opportunity to study for a semester abroad at any of our partner institutions. Select a number of modules on offer from the host institution to count towards your degree.

  • Optional

    Dangerous Minds

    Study the relationship between ideas, the people who promote them, and political practice. From Plato, to Machiavelli, explore just how influential and dangerous ideas can be.

    UK Politics in an Age of Austerity and Brexit

    Examine contemporary debates on economic, social and political renewal. You'll cover topics such as: Brexit, austerity, foreign policy and the future of the welfare state.

    Short Dissertation

    This module enables you to undertake independent research on a question of your choice. Working with an academic across your final semester, you'll write a 6,000-word dissertation.

    Culture Wars

    What causes the culture wars? Explore the controversies. From identity politics to free speech and BLM to transgenderism.

    Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union

    This module focuses on the theoretical and empirical context in which democracy and legitimacy have become existential challenges for the European Union.

    Gender, Science and Knowledge

    This is an overview of the ways of theorising the relationship between gender, science, and knowledge. It explores the concepts of objectivity, rationality and nature. 

    Economics of Government

    In many countries, the state's share of spending is more than 30 per cent. This module explores how governments decide on their spending and how they raise the money to pay for it.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

20%
80%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

67%
12%
21%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

54%
46%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Ellie Palmer Philosophy

The lecturers were incredible and treated me with such respect and friendliness.

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Westminster placement

Spend a trimester on an internship in Westminster. You'll have access to our exclusive seminar series presented by senior parliamentary officials.

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Study abroad

Spend time in your third year of your degree studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe, from USA to Hong Kong.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our lecturers

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Take a tour of the facilities

Students on this programme benefit from 24/7 access to the Brynmor Jones Library which boasts more than a million books.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£15,400 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,978 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Politics
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Finance
  • Civil service
  • Business management

This degree is targeted at those at those aiming at leadership in public service. It's taken by students with a variety of professional career destinations in mind, including politics, finance, law and journalism.

Other career paths pursued by our graduates include teaching, lecturing, media production, publishing, the Civil Service, business and the charity sector.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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* (Philosophy 5th, Politics 9th, Economics 1st in UK for overall student satisfaction) National Student Survey (NSS) 2022, HEIs only

†100% of philosophy students, 89% of politics students and 96% of economics students in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2017/18, published by HESA 2020.