BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics
| UCAS code | L0V0 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB |
Why study BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Exeter?
- You’ll learn how government is constituted, how being and truth are deliberated and how goods, services and peoples are economically organised
- Challenge yourself by exploring some of the major questions facing human society including war and peace, democracy, resource scarcity and distribution, the natural environment and faith and reason
- Our flexible programme, with a wide range of optional modules, means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions
- Get involved with the Politics, Philosophy and Economics student society, meet likeminded people, attend socials, go on trips and hear from guest speakers
- You’ll be well prepared for careers in business, finance, journalism and politics – many past PMs have been PPE graduates!
Top 15 in the UK for Politics and Philosophy
14th for Politics and 9th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2026
Top 15 in the UK for Economics
11th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and 12th in The Guardian University Guide 2026
Top 15 for graduate prospects
Joint 11th for Economics graduate prospects in The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA | n/a |
| IB | 36/666 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 and A or 7 | Grade C or 4 in English Language and Grade A or 7 in Mathematics |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
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 and a maximum of 150 credits should come from each discipline. At least 15 credits of stage 3 modules must be from each discipline.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
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.
Optional Modules
15 credit option module from either:
PPE Politics Optional
PPE - Economics Optional
Philosophy Optional
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Mathematics for Economists | 15 | |
| Economic Principles | 30 | |
| Basic Quantitative Methods | 15 | |
| Power and Democracy | 15 | |
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Knowledge and Reality 1 | 15 | |
| Knowledge and Reality 2 | 15 | |
| Introduction to Philosophical Analysis | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Morality | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPE Economics Optional | ||
| Introduction to Finance | 15 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | 15 | |
| Statistics for Business and Management | 15 | |
| History of Economic Thought | 15 | |
| Introduction to Data Science in Economics | 15 | |
| Introduction to Behavioural Economics | 15 | |
| Personal Finance | 15 | |
| PPE Philosophy Optional | ||
| Philosophical Problems 1 | 15 | |
| Evidence and Argument 1 | 15 | |
| Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Film | 15 | |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 | |
| PPE Politics Optional | ||
| Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 | |
| Globalisation of World Politics | 15 | |
| The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 | |
| Classical Political Thought | 15 | |
| Early Modern Political Thought | 15 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 | |
| International Politics of the Global South | 15 | |
| The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 | |
| Global Sustainability Policy and Governance | 15 | |
| The Politics of Development | 15 | |
| Introduction to Public Policy and Administration | 15 | |
| Population and Society | 15 | |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 | |
| Introduction to Social Data | 15 | |
| Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Compulsory Modules
90 credits of compulsory modules made up of:
30 credits of Politics modules.
30 credits of Philosophy modules, selected from Stage 2 Philosophy compulsory modules list (2 x 15 credit modules).
30 credits of Economics modules.
Optional Modules
30 credits from either Stage 2:
PPE Politics Optional
PPE - Economics Optional - Students that take BEE1024 at stage 1 can opt to do the 30-credit modules BEE2025 (Microeconomics II) instead of the 15-credit BEE2038 (Intermediate Microeconomics).
Philosophy Optional
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Intermediate Microeconomics | 15 | |
| Intermediate Macroeconomics | 15 | |
| The Economics of Politics | 15 | |
| Political Philosophy | 15 | |
| Philosophy Compulsory Choice | ||
| Philosophy of Mind 1 | 15 | |
| Body and Mind | 15 | |
| Metaphysics | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Language | 15 | |
| Philosophical Research | 15 | |
| Moral Agency in Social Context | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy Optional | ||
| Phenomenology | 15 | |
| Existentialism | 15 | |
| Symbolic Logic | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Science | 15 | |
| Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 | |
| Aesthetics | 15 | |
| History of Philosophy | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Law | 15 | |
| The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 | |
| Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 | |
| Mind and World in Contemporary Japanese Philosophy | 15 | |
| Plato's Dialogues | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Music | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Games | 15 | |
| Digital Worlds and Social AI | 15 | |
| The Holocaust: Explanation, Understanding and Responsibility | 15 | |
| Cyborg Studies | 15 | |
| PPE Economics Optional | ||
| Philosophy of Economics | 15 | |
| Policy Issues in the Global Economy | 15 | |
| Economics and Ethics | 15 | |
| Public Finance | 15 | |
| Environmental Economics | 15 | |
| Family Economics and Policy | 15 | |
| Behavioural Insights for Business and Management | 15 | |
| Economics of Diversity and Inclusion | 15 | |
| PPE Politics Optional | ||
| Islamist Movements: From the Muslim Brothers to the Islamic State | 15 | |
| Gender-Identity and Modernity in the Middle East | 15 | |
| Islamic Law and Society | 15 | |
| Ethnography of the Middle East | 15 | |
| Conflict and Peacemaking Palestine/Israel | 15 | |
| Muslims in Britain | 15 | |
| A History of the Modern Middle East, 1900-2014 | 15 | |
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
| Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 | |
| The Politics of the World Economy | 15 | |
| American Politics | 15 | |
| Security Studies | 15 | |
| Political Thought of Modernity | 15 | |
| Explaining Public Policies | 15 | |
| Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 | |
| Comparative Electoral Systems | 15 | |
| Environmental Governance | 15 | |
| Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 | |
| Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 | |
| Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 | |
| Data Analysis in Social Science 3 | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
If you choose a study abroad or employment experience option, this will take place in your third year. Find out more about placement options.
With Study Abroad
120 credit placement module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credit placement module.
Students will spend the third year of their studies on a work placement abroad. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on a number of assignments completed during the year.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory modules.
From Compulsory 1 -choose 1 30 credit module. Please note that BEE3068 has pre-requisites: BEE1038 or BEE2041 or BEE2032 (or one of the co-requisites: BEE3066 or BEE3071).
Optional Modules
90 credits from either:
PPE Politics Optional
PPE - Economics Optional
Philosophy Optional
At least 30 credits of stage 3 modules must be taken from each discipline. This is inclusive of the dissertation modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Economics Dissertation | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
| Philosophy Dissertation | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Honours Optional | ||
| Phenomenology | 15 | |
| Existentialism | 15 | |
| Virtues and Vices | 15 | |
| Symbolic Logic | 15 | |
| The Self | 15 | |
| Aesthetics | 15 | |
| Epistemology | 15 | |
| History of Philosophy | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Emotion | 15 | |
| Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 | |
| Philosophical Frontiers | 15 | |
| The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 | |
| Practical Ethics | 15 | |
| Aristotle's Ethics | 15 | |
| Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 | |
| Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Medicine | 15 | |
| Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 | |
| Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy | 15 | |
| Plato's Dialogues | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Music | 15 | |
| Philosophy Optional | ||
| Phenomenology | 15 | |
| Existentialism | 15 | |
| Symbolic Logic | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Science | 15 | |
| Aesthetics | 15 | |
| History of Philosophy | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Law | 15 | |
| Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 | |
| The Deep Past, History and Humanity | 15 | |
| Philosophy and Psychedelics | 15 | |
| Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 | |
| Mind and World in Contemporary Japanese Philosophy | 15 | |
| Plato's Dialogues | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Music | 15 | |
| Philosophy of Games | 15 | |
| Digital Worlds and Social AI | 15 | |
| The Holocaust: Explanation, Understanding and Responsibility | 15 | |
| Cyborg Studies | 15 | |
| Politics Optional | ||
| Drugs: Histories, Science, Policy | 15 | |
| Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15 | |
| The History and Political Development of Iraq | 15 | |
| The Kurds: History and Politics | 15 | |
| Iranian History, 1500-the Present | 15 | |
| Armed Islamist Movements: Jihadism and Beyond | 15 | |
| Britain in the Middle East, 1798-1977 | 15 | |
| Politics and Reform in the Gulf | 15 | |
| Gender, Sexuality and Violence in Palestine/Israel | 15 | |
| Queer Theory in a Global Context | 15 | |
| The Politics of Authoritarian Rule | 15 | |
| Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 15 | |
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
| Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications | 15 | |
| The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 15 | |
| Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 | |
| Authoritarianism, Democratization, and Regime Change | 15 | |
| Contemporary African Politics | 30 | |
| Chinese Political Economy and Foreign Policy | 30 | |
| LGBTQ+ and Gender in UK Public Policy | 30 | |
| Political Theory and the Future | 15 | |
| Radical Political Thinking: Power, Life, Progress | 15 | |
| Political Thought of the 20th Century: From Liberalism to Postcolonialism | 15 | |
| Political Psychology and the World | 30 | |
| Political Violence, Intervention, and the Aftermath | 30 | |
| The Politics of Feminism: Everyday Rebellions | 30 | |
| Race, Politics, and Policy | 15 | |
| Policy, Public Management, and Artificial Intelligence | 15 | |
| Public Opinion and Global Crises | 30 | |
| Russian and Eurasian Politics and Security | 30 | |
| Latin American Parties, Politics, and Elections | 15 | |
| Data Visualisation | 15 | |
| Social Networks | 15 | |
| PPE Economics Optional | ||
| Law and Economics | 15 | |
| Futures and Options | 15 | |
| International Political Economy | 15 | |
| Public Economics 1 | 15 | |
| Development Economics | 15 | |
| Economic Growth | 15 | |
| Advanced Mathematics for Economists | 15 | |
| Economics of Management Strategy | 15 | |
| Machine Learning for Economics | 15 | |
| Economic Analysis and Pandemics | 15 | |
| Applied Econometrics for Business | 15 | |
| Economics of Culture and Institutions | 15 | |
| Economics of Crime | 15 | |
| Environmental Economics and Sustainability | 15 | |
| The Economics of Financial Crises | 15 | |
| Blockchain, Money and Disruptive Payment Systems | 15 | |
Course variants
BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad
UCAS code: L0V1
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why study abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I study abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Employment Experience
UCAS code: L0V3
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.
A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.
We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
I am currently on my work abroad placement in Brussels working for a Think Tank in European economic policy called Bruegel. It’s been amazing so far. Being immersed in a different culture and meeting new people with completely different experiences of life has been incredible.
Working for a think tank has also immeasurably improved my research and academic skills – I regularly get to attend research meetings with scholars at the top of their field.
Saffron
BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Employment Experience Abroad
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Project and group work
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
We use a range of assessment methods including many designed to reflect the skills required by employers:
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Individual and small group presentations
- Dissertation in your final year
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Develop skills valued by employers
As a Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate you will have an understanding of the philosophical, political and economic foundations of order and justice as well as the ability to interrogate the meaning and practice of the market economy on a global scale. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills that are highly sought after by employers including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and collaborative working in diverse environments
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
- Understanding numerical and written information
Career paths
A degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics is highly respected by employers and PPE graduates can go on to work in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Local and national government
- Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
- Accounting, banking and finance
- Education
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Journalism and media
- Management consulting and business
- Law
Further study
The flexible nature of a Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree means that you could choose to specialise in several areas at postgraduate level such as:
- Conflict, Security and Development
- European Politics
- Political Thought
- Philosophy
- Behavioural Economics and Finance
- Financial Economics
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
