Undergraduate

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Two Hull Politics students sit smiling on a bench outside the Houses of Parliament while on placement in Westminster.
Philosophy students, Ellie Palmer and Ben John Campion, sit smiling at a desk in the Brynmor Jones Library.
Statue of Winston Churchill in London with Big Ben nearby.
Hull Politics student, Lucy Dunwell, stands smiling outside the Houses of Parliament while a crowd of people walk by.
This is one of the longest-running courses of its kind in the UK, and a flagship programme for Hull. We attract some of the highest-calibre students.
We'll train you to engage, debate, influence and lead. PPE degrees have produced leaders and thinkers from Christopher Hitchens to David Cameron.
Our Westminster placement scheme has been running for over 35 years, and is one of the most extensive of its kind in the UK.
Our graduates also go on to work in the Civil Service, HM Armed Forces, intelligence services, teaching, publishing, the media, PR, and charities.
Two Hull Politics students sit smiling on a bench outside the Houses of Parliament while on placement in Westminster.
Philosophy students, Ellie Palmer and Ben John Campion, sit smiling at a desk in the Brynmor Jones Library.
Statue of Winston Churchill in London with Big Ben nearby.
Hull Politics student, Lucy Dunwell, stands smiling outside the Houses of Parliament while a crowd of people walk by.

Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • September 2024

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Join one of the most prestigious PPE degrees in the UK. And get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be selected for our Westminster placement.

Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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. And ours offers the chance to study abroad or work with an MP in Parliament. Take on the challenge of this classic combined programme to gain a wider perspective on modern society.

  • Spend three months

    on a Westminster placement

  • 4th in the UK

    for Overall Student Satisfaction in Economics 1

  • Debate big issues

    with staff, students and speakers

  • 100%

    of Philosophy students in work / study 15 months after graduating 2

  • Study abroad

    in Europe, the USA or Hong Kong

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

This is one of the longest-running courses of its kind in the UK, and a flagship programme for Hull. We attract some of the highest-calibre students. And many of them go on to successful political careers.

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

All our 3-year courses offer the option to study abroad for a trimester. Whether in Europe, the USA or Hong Kong. And through our internship opportunities, you’ll get access to Parliament or another politics-related placement. These include the Hansard Society, the Humber Local Economic Partnership, and the Royal Armouries Museum.

At Westminster, you spend three months working with an MP or peer. Our links with a large pool of MPs mean we can likely match you with a politician whose role reflects your area of political interest. While on placement, you'll enjoy access to our exclusive seminar series presented by senior Parliamentary officials including Black Rod and the Speaker.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

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 is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules are worth more - in these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Study in the Humanities

This module equips you with a suite of analytical and theoretical tools to support you as you progress along your academic journey. You'll develop an interdisciplinary understanding of approaches to study in the humanities by working with a variety of resources, including novels, films and aspects of the visual arts.

Core•20 credits

Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting their findings to your peers.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Humanities)

Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artifacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory•20 credits

Academic Writing Skills

Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which also aims to familiarise you with submission and assessment procedures in the context of Higher Education. This is a clear building block onto your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.

Compulsory•20 credits

The foundation year has been designed to prepare you for entry onto the degree.

The modules below are for the BA (Hons) Politics foundation year. You can choose to study the BA (Hons) Philosophy foundation year if you'd prefer. You will transfer to Philosophy, Politics and Economics after successful completion of the foundation year.
6 Modules

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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).

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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. 

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Rethinking Political Economy

Rethinking Political Economy enables students to explore plural perspectives drawn from the history of ideas in political economy from its early development in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the contemporary rethinking of political economy. Particular focus is placed upon the confrontation both of historical power imbalances, notably the relocation of the previously marginalized perspectives of female political economists to the very centre and cutting edge of the discipline, and urgent issues of human development, notably inequalities in income and wealth, and mitigation of and adaptation to human-induced climate change

Compulsory•20 credits

Political Research

In this module you will begin the journey of becoming an independent and autonomous political researcher. You will learn more about how Political Research – especially that conducted within the School of Politics and International Studies – is produced, and be equipped with the understanding and skills necessary to design your own political research project. This module will prepare you for the Final Year Project and for putting into practice your own programme of research.

Compulsory•20 credits

History of Political Thought

The history of political thought provides us with experiences of a wealth of perspectives on issues that still occupy central places in human life: the role of power in our collective relationships; the duties of the citizen and the obligations of the state; what it means to be free or equal or oppressed. This module explores some of the most influential and challenging positions from ancient Greek times to the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The module explores the feminist thinkers and others who were and are viewed as radicals, as well as more moderate figures, whose influences remain today.

Compulsory•20 credits

British Government

In the age of Brexit who governs Britain? Discover the workings of the British state and where power lies. From the uncodified constitution, the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet government to Whitehall, English local government, Scottish and Welsh devolution to the great parties of state: the Conservative Party and the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. Encounter the traditions, institutions and political parties which govern Britain.

Optional•20 credits

The Global South and Development

Explore the challenges of development for the Global South from a cross-regional comparative political economy perspective. You'll gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical debates around development, and their implications for international relations. You'll also examine the role of states, markets, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and civil society in fostering (or inhibiting) development. 

Optional•20 credits

Understanding Terrorism

In this module you will examine the roots of contemporary terrorism and counterterrorism and be introduced to critical terrorism studies. You will assess the justifications terrorist, extremist and politically violent groups have offered for their actions, as well as the ethics of state and other responses. You will examine how terrorism relates to military action and war, and to violent and non-violent protest, and you will hear and read about terrorism across a range of international, political and cultural contexts. The module will seek to equip you to make informed and critically reflective analyses of terrorism as a contemporary issue.

Optional•20 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

Questioning Rights and Wrongs: Thinking About Ethics

Examine 21st century ethics through a range of case studies from topical issues concerning race relations, gender inclusivity, the environment and animal rights, immigration and nationalism, postcolonial reparations, and disability issues. You'll become increasingly familiar and fluent with this wider range of philosophical insights and gain the skills to understand, articulate and promote dialogue between the often-competing views on the issues we encounter.

Optional•20 credits

Minds, Brains, and Machines

What is it to be minded? What is it to be a person? You'll consider the relation of the mind to the body, explore what being conscious or embodied means and examine the place of mindedness in a natural world apparently devoid of its attributes.

Optional•20 credits

Microeconomics in Context: Learning Through Games and Simulations

Discover microeconomics: You’ll use games and simulations to understand the behaviour and interactions of individuals, businesses and the government.

Optional•20 credits

Theorising Gender

Examine theories of gender relations, looking at masculinity and femininity, the relationship of gender and sexuality and the intersections of gender with other social divisions. 

Optional•20 credits
11 Modules

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•60 credits

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.

Compulsory•60 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

Culture Wars

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

Optional•20 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

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. 

Optional•20 credits

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.

Optional•20 credits

In your final year, you'll choose one compulsory module.
10 Modules

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Course Overview 1 min

Lucy Dunwell

Student story 2 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

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.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

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.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

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.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. 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:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want 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, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. 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:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want 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, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

We're here to inspire you to realise your potential. And to leave the world in a better condition than you found it.

Economics at Hull is rated 4th in the UK for Student Satisfaction,1 while Philosophy scored 5th for Student Experience.3 Politics is 5th for Student Experience,4 and Top 10 for Value Added.5

See more academics for this subject
Dr Christopher Fear
Featured academic

Dr Christopher Fear

Christopher’s recent research focused on conservative political thought; historical and contemporary. Some of his publications in this area have appeared in the Journal of Political Ideologies, History of European Ideas, and The Review of Politics.

Dr Dawn Wilson
Featured academic

Dr Dawn Wilson

Dawn’s multi-stage account of photography was internationally recognised as a new direction in the philosophy of photography. She works with research networks on photography, art, perception, image-theory, and cultural conservation projects.

Take a look at our facilities

Bloomberg Financial Markets Laboratory

Our industry-standard suite offers simulated financial trading activities in real time. So you can practise trading in realistic scenarios before you do it for real.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

Rare Books

Our collection includes a variety of titles published between 1473 and 2002. Texts are in 18 languages. Places of publication range from Amsterdam to Zwickau, covering 26 countries on 5 continents.

Allam Lecture Theatre

One of the largest lecture theatres on campus. Comfortable seating and modern equipment make this a fantastic environment for learning. It also often hosts external speakers and special guests.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

Look around

Bloomberg Suite
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Brynmor Jones Library Rare Books Room
Allam Lecture Theatre
The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben at sunset with leafy grounds and flowers below.

Future prospects

This degree is for those aiming at leadership in public service. Our students have a variety of professional career destinations in mind. Finance, law, journalism and, of course, politics. In fact, so many of our graduates now work in Westminster that they’ve become affectionately known as ‘the Hull Mafia’.

You’ll gain the skills to research and examine information, and critically analyse evidence and construct robust arguments, so many of our graduates also go on to work in the Civil Service, HM Armed Forces, and intelligence services. Graduate also go on to work in teaching, publishing, the media, public relations, charities, and international organisations.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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  1. (Economics) The Complete University Guide 2024.
  2. (Philosophy) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023.
  3. (Philosophy) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
  4. (Politics) The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
  5. (Politics, Joint 8th) The Guardian University Rankings 2024.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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