Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics | Programme code | UFA3HPSSBE02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Other Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Politics, Philosophy and Economics enables students to study an inter-disciplinary programme of the social sciences and humanities across three outstanding and distinctive disciplines at Exeter. You will study how government is constituted, how being and truth are deliberated and how goods, services and peoples are economically organised. You will explore the philosophical, political and economic foundations of order and justice. You will interrogate the meaning and practice of the market economy on a global scale. You will examine the various forms of democracy through history. You will interrogate the questions of human society including war and peace, resource scarcity and distribution, the natural environment, faith and reason. You will take modules of study that introduce them to these big questions under the guidance of leading scholars in their fields. By your third-year you will focus on the specific manifestations of these questions in modules on certain regions and themes of politics, on certain texts, issues and thinkers of philosophy, and on certain aspects and dimensions of the economy. You will also undertake a dissertation in their choice of one of the three disciplines.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To provide you with an excellent education across disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research.
- To enable you to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories of these disciplines; to analyse, interpret and evaluate philosophical ideas and political and economic behaviour, events and institutions; and to relate the academic study of politics, philosophy and economics to questions of public concern.
- To develop your competence in discipline-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
- To offer you a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
- To equip you to be a questioning and productive member of society.
4. Programme Structure
Your BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics programme is a 3-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=economics
The BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Within the programme as a whole a minimum of 90 credits should be taken in each of the three disciplines. At least 15 credits of stage 3 modules should be taken from each discipline.
Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.
Since this is a programme comprised of three separate subjects, it is not possible for you take elective modules from other parts of the University on this programme.
Stage 1
Your core modules will provide you with an introduction to all three disciplines and will specifically explore issues relating to power and democracy, the philosophy of morality, philosophical analysis and economic principles.
Compulsory Modules
105 credits of compulsory modules made up of:
30 credits of compulsory Politics modules, including 1 x 15 credit module from Stage 1 Politics (POL1xxx) options.
30 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules, chosen from the 4 x 15 credit core modules (PHL1xxx) listed here.
45 credits of compulsory Economics modules made up of BEE1029 (30 credits) and EITHER BEE1024 for holders of A-level maths or equivalent qualification OR BEE1035 for those without A-Level Maths or equivalent.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis | 15 | No |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality | 15 | No |
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 | 15 | No |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 | 15 | No |
| BEE1029 | Economic Principles | 30 | Yes |
| BEE1035 | Basic Quantitative Methods If A Level Maths or equivalent has not been taken | 15 | Yes |
| BEE1024 | Mathematics for Economists If A Level Maths or equivalent has been taken | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
15 credit option module from either:
Politics modules (POL1xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Philosophy modules (PHL1xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Economics modules (BEE1xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=economics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
Stage 2
You’ll explore how your three disciplines overlap in fields such as political philosophy (eg, considering topics such as liberty, justice, rights and citizenship), economic policy and the economics of politics. You’ll compare political systems and reflect on the nature of society, considering philosophical questions relating to inequality and power.
Compulsory Modules
90 credits of compulsory modules made up of:
30 credits of Politics modules.
a - 30 credits of Philosophy modules, selected from Stage 2 Philosophy compulsory modules list (2 x 15 credit modules).
30 credits of Economics modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| BEE2038 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 15 | Yes |
| BEE2039 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
30 credits from either Stage 2:
Politics modules (POL2xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Philosophy modules (PHL2xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Economics modules (BEE2xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=economics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
Compulsory Modules
30 credits of compulsory modules.
b - You must take POL3040 or BEE3068 or PHL3040.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL3040 | Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | No |
| BEE3068 | Economics Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | Yes |
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
90 credits from either:
Politics modules (POL3xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Philosophy modules (PHL3xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Economics modules (BEE3xxx) https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=economics
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
At least 15 credits of stage 3 modules must be taken from each discipline.
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a human activity | These ILOs are developed across all programme stages, moving from broad themes in stage 1 to progressively more specialised aspects at stages 2 to 3. The skills are mainly developed through lectures, seminars, and formatively and summatively assessed essay work, practical exercises and special close reading seminars. | ILOs 1-2 are assessed in Politics modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. ILOs 3-4 are assessed in Philosophy modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. ILOs 5-6 are assessed in Economics modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources | Skills are developed throughout the degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and Level 6 optional modules selected by the student. | Skills are assessed through coursework essays (11-12), assessed oral presentations (8-9) and examinations (10-11) at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation at stage 3. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
13. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing; | All skills are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in many modules at all levels in both sides of the programme. They are further developed through one-to-one or small-group tutorials giving feedback on written work, discussion in seminars, written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules. | Skills are assessed through formatively assessed seminar presentations (14-15), written work at all levels and in all modules (13, 16, 17), examination in many modules (13 17, 18) and the dissertation (13-16). |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic Tutoring
It is University policy that all departments should have in place a system of academic personal tutors. Their role is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of your programme, and this support extends to signposting you to sources of support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The role of subject tutors is to support you with your studies in individual modules.
Information on the Faculty Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to Faculty support services can be found on the Faculty webpages for current students.
Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/index.html)
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics
19. UCAS Code
L0V0
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 11/03/2021 |
|---|
