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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSSBE01
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad 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.

You spend the third-year in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme.

By fourth-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

The programme aims:

  • 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 with Study Abroad programme is a 4-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘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

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 with Study Abroad 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 4 modules must 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 options.

30 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules from the 4 modules 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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL1006 Introduction to Philosophical Analysis 15No
PHL1013 Philosophy of Morality 15No
POL1019 Power and Democracy 15No
BEE1024 Mathematics for Economists [If A Level Maths or equivalent has been taken]15No
BEE1029 Economic Principles 30Yes
BEE1035 Basic Quantitative Methods [If A Level Maths or equivalent has not been taken]15Yes
PHL1002A Knowledge and Reality 1 15No
PHL1002B Knowledge and Reality 2 15No

Optional Modules

15 credits from

View option modules here (PHL)

View option modules here (POL)

Or BEE options.

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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Economics S1 opt 2019-0
BEE1029 Economic Principles 30 No
BEE1034 Economics for Management 15 No
BEE1032 History of Economic Thought 15 No
BEE1022 Introduction to Statistics 15 No
BEE1031 Macroeconomics I 30 No
BEE1024 Mathematics for Economists 15 No
BEE1030 Microeconomics I 30 No
BEE1021 Personal Finance Management 15 No
BEE1025 Statistics for Business and Management 15 No
BEE1015 Philosophy of Economics 15 No

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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL2046 The Economics of Politics 15No
POL2050 Political Philosophy 15No
PHL2010A Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note a above]15No
PHL2043 Philosophical Research [see note a above]15No
PHL2015 Body and Mind [see note a above]15No
PHL2016 Metaphysics [see note a above]15No
PHL2018 Philosophy of Language [see note a above]15No
PHL2118 Moral agency in social context [see note a above]15No
BEE2038 Intermediate Microeconomics 15Yes
BEE2039 Intermediate Macroeconomics 15Yes

Optional Modules

30  credits from either Stage 1 Politics (POL) View option modules here. Philosophy (PHL) View option modules here

or Economics (BEE) options.

 

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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Economics S2 opt 2019-0
BEE2021 Policy Issues in the Global Economy 15 No
BEE2030 Economics and Ethics 15 No
BEE2010 Philosophy of Economics 15 No
BEE2037 Money and Banking 15 No
BEE2033 Public Finance 15 No

Stage 3


Study abroad

Compulsory Modules

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SSI3999 Year Abroad Year Abroad 120Yes

Stage 4


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.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL3040 Dissertation [see note b above]30No
BEE3068 Economics Dissertation [see note b above]30Yes
PHL3040 Philosophy Dissertation [see note b above]30No

Optional Modules

90 credits from either Stage 1 Politics (POL) View option modules here. Philosophy (PHL) View option modules here

or Economics (BEE) options.

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 4 modules must be taken from each discipline.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Economics SF opt 2019-0
BEE3027 Economics of Management Strategy 30 No
BEE3015 Econometric Analysis 30 No
BEE3032 Futures and Options 15 No
BEE3037 Industrial Organisation 1 15 No
BEE3042 International Political Economy 15 No
BEE3044 Money and Banking 2 15 No
BEE3045 International Economics 15 No
BEE3047 Public Economics 1 15 No
BEE3049 Behaviour, Decisions and Markets 15 No
BEE3052 Development Economics 15 No
BEE3053 Economic Growth 15 No
BEE3054 Advanced Mathematics for Economists 15 No
BEE3057 Labour Economics 15 No
BEE3058 Political Economics 15 No

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.
2. Analyse and evaluate different political systems operating at the national, European and international level.
3. Demonstrate a familiarity with philosophical ideas and arguments concerning the nature of moral values, the complexity of moral judgment, and the social embeddedness of human beliefs and agency.
4. Apply the knowledge of those ideas and arguments in such a way that they can be seen to provide guidance in a variety of real-life situations.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of economics, at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic level.
6. Display and apply knowledge of basic statistical and econometric techniques.

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.
8. Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information, and critically analyse subject material.
9. Demonstrate articulacy in identifying underlying issues in all kinds of debate.
10. Demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems.
11. Acquire and use data from a range of sources.
12. Evaluate evidence critically and synthesise a range of information.

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;
14. Use information and communication technology (ICT) for the retrieval and presentation of information;
15. Listen attentively to complex presentations;
16. Read carefully a variety of technical and non-technical material;
17. Demonstrate competence in quantitative, numeracy and problem solving skills
18. Use basic statistical and econometic techniques with data.

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

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.

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. 

As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies.  In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilise and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). 

You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

 

Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:

The Library offers you core services for learning and research.  Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitise reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). 

Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials

available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements. 

The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card.  The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system. 

All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card).  At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.   

Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf

Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses. 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

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 with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

L0V1

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

22/09/2016

Date of last revision

05/04/2018