Philosophy, Politics and Economics

What would I study and how do courses differ?

The degree of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is a fiercely competitive Joint Honours degree providing an exciting possibility of exploring the three subjects in all their connections and depth. Historically, the three subjects are inextricably linked with Economics, for instance, being an offspring of Moral Philosophy, and Politics having been informed in theory and in practice by Political Philosophy and Political Philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx

PPE at Oxford, which is where the degree originated, serves as a typical example of the content of a PPE course: Year One: • Philosophy: at least two of: general Philosophy; Moral Philosophy; Elementary Formal Logic. • Politics includes the study of current political institutions of Britain, the USA, France and Germany, in light of their recent history and sections on political theories and thinkers and on non-democratic movements. • Economics includes an introduction to Macro- and Micro-Economic Theory; optional study of elementary Mathematical Economics and Statistics.

Years Two and Three: • Students may continue with all three branches or concentrate on two (and even then major in one). • Philosophy core: History of Philosophy from Descartes to Kant; ethics. • Politics core: two of: Comparative Government; British politics and Government in the 20th century; Theory of Politics; International Politics since 1945; Political Sociology. • Economics core: Macroeconomics; Microeconomics, Quantitative Economics. Optional subjects are drawn from a wide range.

There are variations of emphasise in the content covered by the different universities so make sure to visit their websites and read the course content. Also note that York University offers two routes through the PPE programme with one of the routes focusing on Statistics and Economics.

What are the typical requirements?

PPE is a fiercely competitive degree. The requirements for the five most popular universities that offer PPE are as follows: Oxford requires AAA. Warwick and Durham require A*AA. York requires A*AA or AAA including Maths. Manchester requires AAB.

It should be noted that Oxford University places a very large premium on the ‘Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)’. It is unlikely that one will be considered for an interview if they do not score highly enough on this paper (see below).

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

There is a slight difference between the universities. As a rule, you should take Maths at A Level. Even though the university might not formally require you to do it, it could still disadvantage you if you do not take Maths. Also, if you haven’t taken Maths you might struggle with some of the Economics modules.

Durham advises its students that “Applicants for PPE should note that the selectors prefer to see a range of A-Level subjects that include an Arts or Humanities subject, in addition to science subjects to provide an adequate background for all the different skills required to cope with three so different subjects as PPE at university Level. You will need an A-grade in A Level Maths. Candidates who study Further Maths are expected to offer a minimum of four subjects (to include Maths) at A Level.”

Following Durham’s advice will also stand you in good stead with the other universities.

None of the universities require you to have studied Philosophy, Politics or Economics at A Level. However, you will be asked to demonstrate an interest and aptitude for each of the three subjects, and for that reason taking at least one or more of the subjects at A Level would be very helpful.

Which are the best universities for PPE?

Oxford, Warwick, Durham, York, Manchester and Exeter all have well established PPE courses. From 2015, LSE has started to offer a four-year PPE course. King’s College London (KCL) has followed suit and are also offering PPE from 2015.

You can also study PPE at Exeter University, Royal Holloway, University of Essex, Lancaster University, University of East Anglia, Stirling University, and University of Hull. If you drop one of the subjects and want to study Philosophy and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, or Politics and Economics, you will find that most of the Russell Group Universities will offer one or more of those courses as a Joint Honours degree.

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants?

For Oxford, you will need to take the TSA – the Thinking Skills Assessment. This is a test comprised of two parts. The first section contains elements of both critical thinking and problem solving, whilst the second is a 30-minute short essay on an unseen topic. The University places a very heavy emphasis on scores in the first section and the test largely informs the selection procedure.

Cambridge does not offer PPE. There is, however, some overlap between HSPS, which Cambridge does offer, and PPE. However, it would be wrong to say that HSPS is Cambridge’s version of PPE.

What is important for my personal statement or interview?

You will need to demonstrate interest, engagement, and aptitude for the subjects. This typically means that you will need to read and analyse relevant articles or books independently and include a discussion of what you have read in your personal statement. It is not enough to tell the Admissions Tutor what you have read. Your personal statement must attempt to give a well-structured analysis and discussion of one or more central topic(s).

Do I need work experience?

Work experience is not required – but if you could gain some work experience that is relevant for Philosophy (e.g. shadowing a university professor), Politics (e.g. working for an MP), and/or Economics (e.g. working for a think-tank) it would help to make you stand out.

Which jobs can I do with PPE?

Universities have become better at publishing what their graduates do. Durham reports that: recent PPE graduates have found success in a range of careers, including: Law, Banking and Finance; and Government.