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Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)

The study of individuals and society through three fundamental disciplines

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Course Overview

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a multidisciplinary programme that explores many intersecting topics, such as how societies function, how political and economic decisions are made, and the ethical frameworks behind them. It also covers more abstract areas, such as the nature of justice and knowledge.

This degree blends three distinct but interrelated disciplines:

  • Philosophy sharpens your critical thinking and ethical reasoning. You will tackle questions about morality, justice, logic, truth and reality.
  • Politics examines power, governance and public policy. It covers political theory, international relations, and the workings of institutions and groups such as governments, political parties and the United Nations.
  • Economics focuses on how resources are allocated, how markets operate, and how policies affect wealth and welfare. It includes both micro and macroeconomic theory, often with quantitative analysis.

As a PPE student, you will learn to analyse complex problems from multiple angles, debate ideas rigorously, and to communicate with clarity and precision. The degree is intellectually demanding, rewarding, and enables you to develop a variety of skills and abilities, while providing you with a unique perspective on a wide range of practical and theoretical issues and debates. 

Awards and Rankings

* Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide
** Economics
*** Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 - 26
**** Philosophy
**** Philosophy
****** Philosophy
******* Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.
** Economics
********* Politics
** Economics
********** Politics & International Relations
********* Politics

Your Philosophy, Politics and Economics Experience

This PPE degree aims to provide you with a firm grounding in the core topics of philosophy, politics and economics, as well as an appreciation of how these subjects intersect. This is achieved through a careful selection of compulsory modules that ensure you can cover central issues in each subject area, along with a sufficient range of optional modules, that allow you to focus on your preferred areas of study.

In year 1, your studies will provide you with an introduction to economics. Alongside this, you will be introduced to philosophical analysis and argument, as well as examining how philosophical, political and economic issues intersect. You can choose whether to study two modules in philosophy, politics or economics, which is crucial as many 2nd and 3rd year economics modules require you to have studied earlier economics modules.

In your second year, you will learn about some of the most influential philosophers within western philosophy, as well as developing your critical reasoning and analysis. You will also learn how to apply key economic principles to the contemporary economy.

In your final year, you will complete a dissertation, as well as studies that combine philosophical, political and economic perspectives. You can choose to balance your study of the three subjects through your optional module choices.

We have a long-standing collaboration with the Senedd, which enables us to offer an educational work placement for students with an interest in policymaking within the Welsh context. The Senedd module runs across two terms in the final year and serves as a selective option instead of the dissertation. You will be placed with a Senedd Member (MS) and their team for one day a week and experience the workings of the office of a representative as well as the Welsh Parliament itself.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Modules

We've enhanced our modules to deliver an engaging learning experience, designed to help you develop the skills employers are looking for. Discover what's on offer and feel inspired by the modules you can study.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Careers and Employability

This programme embeds opportunities for you to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking, teamwork and communication through assessments, presentations and collaborative projects. As a first-year student, you will attend an introductory employability session, designed to orient you towards career pathways and the support available at Swansea University.

Modules also include integrated skills-development sessions, designed in collaboration with our Centre for Academic Success, to help you to build core academic, digital, and professional competencies from the outset of your studies.

We maintain strong links with departments across the University, to promote joint events and opportunities. You will have opportunities to undertake research internships within the department through short, medium, and long-term funded schemes and competitive opportunities, which support your involvement in ongoing staff research projects.

The employability prospects for PPE students in the UK are strong, as the degree has a long-standing reputation for producing well-rounded, analytically skilled graduates. PPE graduates are valued for their:

  • Analytical and data-based research skills
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Ethical reasoning and critical thinking
  • Intellectual autonomy

PPE graduates enter a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Public sector and policy (civil servant, political analyst, parliamentary assistant, political consultant, environmental policy analyst)
  • Finance and business (investment banking analyst, economist, business analyst, data analyst)
  • Media and communications (journalist/reporter, editorial assistant, public relations specialist)
  • Education and academia (teacher, postgraduate study)
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Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)

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