PPE, which stands for politics, philosophy and economics, is an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree combining three areas of study, each requiring distinct but complementary skills. Students are taught to draw on a range of underpinning theories and approaches, and apply them to the organisation and governance of global societies.
If you take this course, you’ll receive a grounding in solving the pressing issues of today’s world, such as climate change and inequality; you’ll use different perspectives to understand how we can effect positive change for the future and gain insight and skills which may influence your future career.
The availability of the course has come a long way from its 1920 University of Oxford origin. Initially founded to prepare students for senior public office, the Oxford PPE degree has developed a reputation for producing Whitehall movers and shakers (we’ll come back to this later in the article); by the 1980s, the University of York had launched its own PPE degree, and today the course is taught in over 30 UK establishments and 200 universities around the world.
In this article we’ll explore what to expect from a PPE degree in the UK, what to consider when choosing a course, and how a PPE degree can prepare you for your future career.
What to expect if you choose a PPE degree in the UK
If you’re excited by the idea of debating political ideas, exploring philosophical arguments and evaluating economic models then keep reading. Graduates of this course say they find it intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey) and are able to bring together information and ideas from different topics.
- In politics, you analyse how societies are governed and how policy decisions are made; you gain local, national and international perspectives on how to create change for the better. Modules could cover concepts of democracy, global politics and social policy.
- In philosophy, you use logical reasoning and critical analysis to explore fundamental questions about the human experience. Modules could cover ethics, the philosophy of morality and feminism.
- In economics, you learn how economies function and how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions around resource allocation - real-world challenges are frequently explored. Modules could cover macroeconomics and microeconomics, econometrics and statistics.
It’s likely that you’ll either have, or develop, a preference for one or two of the three subjects, but don’t be surprised if you start the course relishing the thought of getting stuck into economic modelling and end it philosophising everything!
Choosing a PPE course in the UK
As you might expect, not all PPE degrees are the same and it could be in the detail that you’ll find the right course for you.
Each programme may have a slightly different focus but all will encourage you to play to your strengths. You may want to consider:
- the weighting given to each subject (not all universities give equal weighting to all three)
- the flexibility of subjects studied (for example, the option of dropping one of the subjects after the first year)
- whether you wish to study a BSc or BA pathway (some courses allow you to choose after the first year)
- the number, variety and content of optional modules offered
- the level of maths required (see ‘Which subjects are useful for a PPE degree’ below)
- the focus of the course, such as looking at real-world challenges through a problem-based approach
- whether there is the option of adding a year of study abroad or in industry
Some PPE courses have notable characteristics:
- Hull University offers a placement in Westminster
- The BSc course at LSE is four years of study with an optional year abroad
- The University of Edinburgh offers PPE as a four-year Master’s degree
- Goldsmiths, University of London involves a range of departments in the teaching of the programme including: Sociology; English and Creative Writing; Media, Communications and Cultural Studies; and the Institute of Management Studies
- The Open University offers PPE as a full-time, four-year distance learning degree with no formal qualification requirements
When researching courses, you may also want to consider how the different subjects are integrated. If it’s the interdisciplinary aspect that really excites you, check how the different disciplines are taught – is there an interconnected approach or are they taught separately through different departments?
Some courses may intertwine the teaching of topics across the different disciplines more deeply than others; in these cases, where there’s the option to drop a subject in the second year, you’re less likely to completely lose a particular perspective by doing so.
University open days are a really good way of drilling down to the finer detail of how the course is taught and whether it will suit you. You can also explore Discover Uni which has data on a range of factors relating to specific courses.
Have you considered exploring courses similar to PPE?
The interdisciplinary nature of the PPE degree is one of its attractions. With fewer choices compared to a liberal arts degree, it can help you develop a valuable raft of skills. But there are a few courses which are close to studying politics, philosophy and economics together that may be worth knowing about.
Due to its origins in the University of Oxford, PPE isn’t offered at the University of Cambridge; instead you could opt to apply to study human, social, and political sciences there.
Some students find that a PPE degree helps them to develop the range of skills needed for a career in law. However, if you prefer your statutes over your market sectors, then you may be also interested in a degree in politics, philosophy and law, taught at King’s College London, the University of Surrey, and the University of Warwick.
LSE teaches a BSc in philosophy, logic and scientific method; several universities teach economics, politics and international relations (or studies) degrees, and history, philosophy and politics is offered at Lancaster University.
People with language skills are in high demand, and universities such as the University of York, offer a language elective for all degree courses including PPE.
What will I need to get accepted?
If you have a real motivation to study PPE, there will be a course for you. Don’t worry if you’ve never studied philosophy, politics or economics at school or college, universities don’t expect it, instead they look for curiosity and a genuine interest in the disciplines.
Which subjects are useful for a PPE degree?
Mathematical ability is useful for economics, but also sometimes other components of the course. Requirements vary significantly between institutions: some ask for A level maths up to A* (or Scottish Higher up to grade A or similar equivalent), others ask for grade 6 or 7 in GCSE maths, and some don’t specify a maths qualification. It may be worth considering AS level maths if you aren’t planning on taking it as a full A level. Additional maths support is usually given to students if needed.
Students wishing to apply for PPE at the University of Oxford will need to take the Thinking Skills Assessment as part of the application.
The University of Durham asks for an arts, humanities or social sciences subject at A level or equivalent, and if you want to study PPE at Oxford, the university recommends history as a helpful subject (but not essential). Subjects which develop key skills, such as the ability to analyse complex information, construct well-reasoned arguments, and critically evaluate different sources and interpretations, along with essay writing, are particularly valuable for the politics and philosophy components of PPE.
Admissions requirements should be considered a guide, and contextual offers may also be given so don’t immediately dismiss a course if you think you won’t meet the criteria without first checking with the university.
Please check the university websites for more details about the specific requirements and which qualifications are accepted including T levels, International Baccalaureate and specific qualifications for Scotland and beyond.
Why study a PPE degree course?
The Open University declares that by studying politics, philosophy and economics together, “you'll gain a combination of skills that’s in high demand across the private, public and non-profit sectors.”
Skills are developed through various academic activities such as essay writing, data analysis, seminar discussions, debating, and research projects, and can include:
- critical thinking and analytical skills
- quantitative analysis (working with data, statistics, and economic models)
- ethical reasoning
- verbal communication skills
- policy analysis
- logical reasoning
- independent learning and time management
The interdisciplinary nature of PPE will help you to develop a useful skill set that can be applied across a variety of professional contexts and which has relevance in today’s world. PPE, for example, can deepen your understanding of business practices without studying for a business degree
What do PPE students go on to do?
PPE is a highly academic degree which opens the door to a wide range of career options including roles within journalism and media, financial services, politics and public policy, regulation and law, business, education, and the civil service.
I want to go into politics – should I study PPE?
You may have heard it said that PPE is the perfect degree if you have a yearning to go into politics and indeed, it has a notable track record in British political circles (and even globally). A significant number of influential UK politicians and civil servants have studied PPE at Oxford University, including Rishi Sunak, Rachel Reeves, David Cameron, Liz Truss, Ed Davey and Tony Benn.
Depending on your own personal position, both praise and criticism can be levelled at this trend as it sometimes raises questions about diversity, meritocracy, and the mechanisms for political leadership in the UK. However, it’s important to recognise the breadth of political backgrounds amongst Oxford PPE graduates who have ended up in government or strategic leadership roles.
It’s also worth highlighting the many notable alumni of PPE outside the sphere of politics, including educational activist and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, novelist Naomi Alderman, and medical and scientific broadcaster Dr Michael Moseley.
When choosing a university course there are many factors to consider, and there are many different courses and experiences which can lead to a career in politics.
Finally…
For some students, their first year at university studying PPE is also the first time they’ve studied one, two or even all three of the subjects in any depth. If this is the case then be prepared for a thought-provoking time of discovery and exploration.
This course would suit you if you’re curious, interested in current affairs and ethical reasoning, and have a desire to shape our future world. Opening many doors to a wide range of careers, a PPE degree can provide you with a versatile skill set that’s highly valued in today’s complex world.
Helen Janota
Helen is an experienced information and careers professional working as a freelance writer and trainer. She writes about careers and the labour market for a wide range of audiences and organisations and aims to produce easily accessible, informative content that reflects the current jobs and careers landscape.