(Full time) 2022 start
Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Bringing together three disciplines, this PPE degree provides you with skills in critical reasoning, analysis, and planning, as well as core insights across economics, politics, and moral philosophy. This will equip you with the knowledge and understanding needed to understand how human societies work, how they might be changed for the better, and how they might adapt in response to the global challenges that they face.
Core modules will introduce you to key concepts and approaches in philosophy, economics and politics, plus enable you to develop the technical and mathematical abilities you’ll need to succeed in your future career or further study.
We offer an impressive range of optional modules across the three subject areas, so you can tailor your degree to suit you. This means you could develop your understanding of subjects as wide-ranging as the ethics of life and death, UK macroeconomic policy, ancient philosophy, economic development or African politics.
This diverse selection of modules, spanning continents and millennia, means you’ll graduate with a remarkable amount of knowledge – and also be equipped with the skills needed to become a future leader.
Course content
In your first year you’ll take core modules in key areas such as economic theory and comparative politics, and you'll work towards the mathematical skills you’ll need for economic study.
You’ll also take the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) First Year Seminar, which is offered only to PPE students. This will train you in analytical thinking and classic philosophical texts.
Core modules in your second year will develop your understanding of topics like macroeconomics and microeconomics. In philosophy, you’ll choose between modules on political and moral philosophy, and in politics, you’ll choose between a module on justice, community, and conflict and a module on 20th century political problems. You’ll also choose from a wide selection of optional modules across all three subjects. In addition, you’ll be able to explore discovery modules from across the University.
By your final year, you’ll be able to apply the critical, interpretive and research skills you’ve acquired when you undertake a final year project. You will also have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your particular ambitions and interests to an even greater extent. You will have the liberty to pursue your interests in Discovery modules outside of the three disciplines if you so choose, and to focus more centrally upon two of the three disciplines in your final year of study where you might plan to specialise further.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Economic Theory and Applications 30 credits
- PPE First Year Seminar - Semester 1 20 credits
- PPE First Year Seminar - Semester 2 20 credits
- Comparative Politics 20 credits
- Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A 10 credits
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Intermediate Microeconomics 10 credits
- Intermediate Macroeconomics 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Introduction to Health Economics 10 credits
- Science, Culture and Society in the Industrial Age 20 credits
- Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution 10 credits
- Industrial Economics 10 credits
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 10 credits
- The International Economic Environment 10 credits
- International Economics 10 credits
- Economics Research Methods 10 credits
- Statistics and Econometrics 20 credits
- Labour Economics 10 credits
- How to be a Successful Policy Economist 10 credits
- Ethics and Economics 10 credits
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Language 20 credits
- History of Modern Philosophy: Leibniz and Hume 20 credits
- Ancient Philosophy 20 credits
- Ethics of Life and Death 10 credits
- Political Philosophy 20 credits
- Moral Philosophy 20 credits
- Introduction to Epistemology 20 credits
- Philosophy of Religion 20 credits
- Introduction to Metaphysics 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Biology 20 credits
- How Biology Works 10 credits
- The Labour Party Since 1945 20 credits
- Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
- North-South Linkages 20 credits
- Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
- Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits
- State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
- United States Politics 20 credits
- Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
- Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
- Thinking About Race 10 credits
- Augustine of Hippo: A Key Thinker in Philosophy and Theology 20 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project 30 credits
- Dissertation 40 credits
- Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, Leeds University Business School and the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) are all home to tutors at the forefront of research in their fields.
We use a range of teaching and learning methods so you can benefit from their knowledge and experience. Normally these methods involve lectures, seminars and tutorials, though workshops are also used on occasion.
Independent study is also a vital part of this degree, since it allows you to form and test your own ideas while developing your skills in research, interpretation and analysis.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment, which are usually a mixture of exams and essays. However, some modules may also assess you on oral presentations or group work. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique and public speaking.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: 7/A in Mathematics is required as a minimum. Although it is not a formal requirement, many of the strongest applicants for PPE will also be taking AS or A level Mathematics. However, all applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be AAB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required. 7/A in Mathematics at GCSE is also required.
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BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 17 at Higher Level with 5 in Mathematics at Standard Level or 4 in HL Maths
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR A in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AAAAAA in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 85%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time students starting in 2022, the fee for 2022/23 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Gaining a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics requires you to study varied and challenging subjects. This course will equip you with impressively broad subject knowledge as well as transferable skills that are valued by many different types of employer.
You’ll be an excellent communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, and you’ll be comfortable working independently or as a team. You’ll also have strong research skills and highly developed skills of analysis and interpretation.
All of these qualities are attractive to employers, and graduates from all three schools involved in delivering the course have gone on to succeed in areas such as politics, management, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Many have also pursued postgraduate study.
We do everything we can to support your career ambitions. Our students particularly benefit from events within the School which give you the chance to meet and learn from entrepreneurs in the world of business, charities or elsewhere in the third sector.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.
The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.
Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.