phd philosophy politics economics

School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

PhD in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Take the chance to explore multiple disciplines within your research, challenged by experts in the field.

October 2023 ( semester dates )

Apply for this PhD

International fees

2022/23 international fees

Meet us online or on campus and find out more about postgraduate study at York.

Our PhD programme offers high-quality training and a supportive environment in which to pursue your passion for research with internationally respected experts in the field from different disciplines.

Your research

Our PhD programme offers you the chance to become an agent of change, having the chance to explore multidisciplinary opportunities in research. You will be supported in your research by internationally respected experts in the field who will challenge you academically to enhance your PPE knowledge, skills, and experiences.

The PhD programme is aimed at those who wish to research areas such as:

• Political economy
• Economic philosophy
• Political philosophy

Supervision for your research projects will be across disciplines, meaning you will have access to support across at least two of our three highly regarded departments; Philosophy , Politics and Economics .

You should speak to potential supervisors before making your application, and you should say in the application who they are. If you need help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Professor Greg Currie, who is in charge of admissions to the programme. He is happy to talk through your ideas with you.

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 324167

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International reputation

As one of the first universities to offer a Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) degree, we have an established and strong reputation around the world.

Inspiring and innovative

We combine intellectual rigour with a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. You will have access to support, resources, and facilities across our three innovative departments.

Explore funding for MPhil/PhD researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

You will be supported by academic supervisors. Supervisors will normally share or complement your research interests.

Training and support

The PhD programme is undertaken over three years (full-time), with progression points at the end of the first and second year.

Throughout this time, your supervisors will guide you through the process of clarifying and completing your doctoral thesis.

In addition, during the first year, a range of subject-specific research training modules will be available to support your through the exploratory phase of this programme.

Course location

You will be based in the  School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)  located on  Campus West . 

You should live in or near York during your PhD programme, whether part-time or full-time. We do not offer distance learning arrangements for this programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a 2:1 at undergraduate degree level, and have or be completing a Masters degree. Fields of previous study may be Philosophy, Politics or Economics (singularly or in combination).

Other fields of study may be considered, however, it should be clear from your academic record that you are suitably prepared for the research that you propose to do. If your area of previous study is another field, please make sure to discuss this with potential supervisors to ensure you are suitable to apply for this PhD programme.

You should also be able to demonstrate proven interdisciplinary PPE skills and experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.

Apply for the PhD in Philosophy, Politics and Education (PPE)

Take a look at the  supporting documents  you may need for your application.

Identify a supervisor

You should speak to potential supervisors before making your application, and you should say in the application who they are. They should be academics whose research overlaps with the area you wish to study.

You can find details on the research interests of our academic staff and how to contact them by using the following:

• Staff research interests for Philosophy
• Staff research interests for Politics
• Staff research interests for Economics

If you need help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Professor Greg Currie , who is in charge of admissions to the programme. He is happy to talk through your ideas with you. 

If your application is unsuitable for interdisciplinary supervision, we may encourage you to submit a single-subject application instead. 

Submitting your application

You will be required to submit the following documents:

• Application form
• Research proposal
• Academic transcripts
• Details of two referees
• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement

You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save and finish it later.

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MPhil/PhD Philosophy

• Graduate research
• Department of Philosophy Logic and Scientific Method
• Application code V7ZP
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

The Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method is a world-leading centre for research in three broad areas of philosophy: rational choice theory and formal epistemology; philosophy of science; and moral and political philosophy.

We accept MPhil/PhD students wishing to work in any field of research in which the department has special expertise, including philosophy of the natural sciences (especially physics and biology); distributive justice and normative ethics; philosophy and public policy; philosophy of the social sciences (especially economics); decision theory, evolutionary and game theory; and formal epistemology.

We are committed to research that makes a difference not only to philosophy and the philosophies of the various sciences, but also to the practice of the sciences themselves – from economics and political science to physics, biology and medicine – as well as to the wider world. The Department’s teaching is research-led: courses cover cutting-edge material and are taught by some of the field’s leading scholars.

On this programme you will work towards producing a substantial piece of work that makes an original contribution to the subject and is of a sufficient standard to give rise to publications in professional academic journals.

You will benefit from the department’s close association with the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science , which hosts leading visiting scholars and supports a range of research projects, seminars and lecture series, and The Forum for Philosophy , which runs a full and varied programme of philosophy and interdisciplinary events. You will also have the opportunity to attend and take part in the Department’s regular seminar and lecture series, including the Choice Group on decision theory and social choice, and the Sigma Club on the philosophy and foundations of modern physics.

As a Philosophy MPhil/PhD student you will be given the chance to teach the undergraduate discussion classes that are run in parallel with lectures. An essential part of becoming a good philosopher is learning how to teach, share and discuss ideas with those interested in philosophy at all levels, and the discussion classes you lead at LSE will provide ample opportunity.

The department  is currently recruiting one research student for a fully funded 4-year PhD degree, as part of the ‘Not in My Name!’ project . Applications close on 15 January 2024 for a September 2024 start date.

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd philosophy.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in philosophy (or a sufficiently relevant discipline). We normally accept only those who achieve the equivalent of a distinction overall and in the dissertation component of their master's degree.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - outline research proposal - sample of written work.

Research proposal

This is an important document, which should provide a description of your likely research topic for your PhD. (There is scope for changes in this topic during the first year. In consultation with your academic supervisor, you will need to settle on a definite research topic by the end of that year.) So long as you provide a brief summary of your entire research project at the outset, it is not a problem to exceed the suggested 1,500 word limit even by a significant amount. If you already have a well-worked-out PhD project, you are in fact encouraged to supply a detailed description, which may include chapter by chapter summaries. If you would like your project to be supervised by a particular member or members of the Department, please indicate this in your proposal. Contrary to LSE's general guidance on research proposals, you do not need to provide either a description of the methodology you will employ or case studies, as these particular guidelines are for dissertations in the social sciences rather than philosophy.

Please note that a precise research topic can be accepted only if someone in the Department is well-placed to supervise such a project.

Writing sample

This is another important document. It is not a problem to include a writing sample that exceeds 3,000 words even by a significant amount, so long as you indicate, at the outset, a 3,000 word subset of this longer piece of writing on which the selection committee should focus their attention. It is not necessary to provide a scanned copy of your writing sample. You may, for example, simply upload a Word file.

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements  for further information.

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 15 January 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.  The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Philosophy

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status​

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships . Selection for the PhD Studentships is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. 

The department is also currently recruiting one research student for a fully funded 4-year PhD degree, as part of the ‘Not in My Name!’ project . 

Funding deadline for the LSE PhD Studentships and the fully-funded 'Not in My Name!' project: 15 January 2024 . 

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

In addition to making progress on your PhD project, you are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. You may take courses in addition to those listed and should discuss this with your supervisor. All programmes of study should be agreed with your supervisor at the start of the year.

The first “coursework” year prepares students for research in philosophy and the completion of a central thesis chapter. At the end of this first year the progress of students is reviewed, to establish that they are on track to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status. In consultation with their academic supervisors, PhD students also settle on a definite research topic by the end of the first year.

Training courses

Compulsory (examined/not examined)  Philosophical Problems Seminar Examines a range of classic papers in contemporary analytic philosophy that might not otherwise be covered in LSE Philosophy Department courses.  Either Logic and Probability Aims to give a precise formulation of correct deductive reasoning – of what it means for a sentence to follow from a set of other sentences taken as premises – and to investigate on this basis other important logical notions such as that of consistency.  Or One further master's-level course not already taken

Either one further  master's-level course not already taken And Courses to the value of one unit of PhD Seminars Or   Three term units of PhD level seminars with associated coursework

Optional (not examined) Transferable skills courses offered by the Teaching and Learning Centre or the Methodology Institute.

Second year

Years 2–4 is the time when PhD students dive deep into the research and writing of their thesis. While writing the thesis students attend the Department’s Popper Seminar, but also any of the wealth of regular research seminars that may be relevant to their research.

Students in their 2nd year aim to write two or three further chapters beyond the chapter they completed in their first year.

Optional (not examined) Research Seminar in the Philosophy of Natural Sciences This is a special topics course on the philosophy of physics. It meets weekly, and has two components. The first component (roughly half the meetings) will consist in lectures on the philosophy of physics. The remaining component will consist in attending cutting-edge lectures by professional philosophers of physics, and in some cases by other philosophers of science.

Research Seminar in the Philosophy of Economics and Social Sciences Covers philosophical issues in economics and the social sciences. Research Methods in Philosophy Covers topics in contemporary philosophy. Optional (examined/not examined)  Transferable skills courses offered by the Teaching and Learning Centre or the Methodology Institute.

In the 3rd year students produce a draft of the entire thesis, while writing papers, submitting to conferences, and getting to know the dynamic field of philosophy and their place in it. In the 4th year, students polish their material and prepare to go on the job market.

Optional (not examined)

Research Seminar in the Philosophy of Natural Sciences This is a special topics course on the philosophy of physics. It meets weekly, and has two components. The first component (roughly half the meetings) will consist in lectures on the philosophy of physics. The remaining component will consist in attending cutting-edge lectures by professional philosophers of physics, and in some cases by other philosophers of science.

Research Seminar in the Philosophy of Economics and Social Sciences Covers philosophical issues in economics and the social sciences. Research Methods in Philosophy Covers topics in contemporary philosophy.

Optional (examined/not examined)  Transferable skills courses offered by the Teaching and Learning Centre or the Methodology Institute.

Fourth year

Optional (examined/not examined)  Transferable skills courses offered by the Teaching and Learning Centre or the Department of Methodology.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.  

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression, and assessment

Supervision.

PhD students in the Department work with two supervisors from the  academic faculty , to ensure a wide range of advice. The choice of secondary supervisor can be quite flexible (and occasionally includes academics from outside the Department). The primary supervisor is a senior member of staff. Both primary and secondary supervisory arrangements can change in the course of the degree as your thesis develops. 

Progression and assessment

Successful completion of work required for each year is a necessary condition for re-registration in the following year; and for upgrading from MPhil to PhD status. During the first year you must write a first chapter of the thesis as well as an outline (research plan) of the rest of the thesis. The chapter should be around 40 pages; the research plan around ten pages. This upgrading will normally take place after the successful completion of Year One requirements in Case A, and after the successful completion of Year Two requirements in Case B. In both cases, once you are registered for the PhD that registration will be backdated to the start of your MPhil/PhD studies.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £34,500

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Government, Public Sector and Policy   
• Consultancy      
• Health and Social Care  
• International Organisations

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. Recent doctoral graduates have also gone into careers in consulting, teaching and business. 

The Department maintains a placement record of its former PhD students.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Visit the Philosophy website

Related Programmes

Msc philosophy and public policy.

Code(s) V7U8

MRes/PhD Political Science

Code(s) M1ZN

MSc Philosophy of Economics and the Social Sciences

Code(s) V7U1

MPhil/PhD Sociology

Code(s) L3ZS

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Welcome to PPE

The Department of Philosophy, in conjunction with the Department of Economics and the Department of Political Science, offers the Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics as an interdisciplinary major in political economy. The program will stress analytic rigor and critical reasoning, and is unique in combining normative inquiry, empirical methods, and formal tools of analysis. It integrates the study of the relationships of government, political processes, property, production, markets, trade and distribution from the standpoint of assessing these arrangements with respect to the interests and progress of humanity.

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Philosophy politics and economics.

PPE's curriculum is designed to foster an interdisciplinary perspective. A good PPE student should be able to look at the world through different disciplinary windows - including economics, psychology, and ethics - so that they can better understand how political and economic systems shape human welfare. In other words, PPE helps us model problems that arise when we interact with each other and then evaluate the tradeoffs among the economically/politically feasible and morally desirable set of solutions.

For which careers and graduate programs Penn PPE students pursue after graduation, see this overview from Career Services which is updated every year (select the year you are interested in and keyword search "Philosophy, Politics, & Economics" in the document).

Arc of the major

The progression of courses generally begins with common foundations, proceeds through Core PPE classes, and culminates with courses in the student's elected thematic concentration. Students finish with a Capstone seminar.

Stage 1: What disciplines are we connecting?

At the first stage in the major, students take a variety of courses in the allied disciplines to develop a foundational understanding of each. These courses constitute the major's  Common Foundation  courses (7 credits). In addition, students must complete either the formal reasoning or quantitative data analysis foundational approaches in the college, in order to fulfill PPE's Rigorous Reasoning Pre-requirement .

Stage 2: How are we connecting them?

The PPE Core courses (3 credits) serve an integrative role after the breadth in the common foundations emphasizing PPE's coherent interdisciplinary perspective. These PPE-specific interdisciplinary courses enhance a student's ability to look at a problem through several possible analytic lenses. 

Stage 3: Developing a focus

Building on the Foundations and Core, students develop a coherent Thematic Concentration (5 credits). Here students fashion a course of study, choosing five interdisciplinary, complimentary courses developing a concentration within a theme to study. Students are encouraged to do research or take additional advanced interdisciplinary seminars as appropriate when developing the theme.

Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminars : PPE 4500-4950 (1 credit) Students may take more than one Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminar and count the additional courses as electives in their thematic concentration.

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Political Economics

The political economics field is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the collective, political activity of individuals and organizations.

The PhD Program in political economics prepares students for research and teaching positions by providing rigorous training in theoretical and empirical techniques. The intellectual foundation for the program is positive political economy, which includes formal models of rational choice, collective action, political institutions, political competition, and behavioral political economy. Development and extensions of theories are often combined with empirical analysis, including the identification of causal effects.

Students become involved in research early in the program. They begin their own research during the first year and are required to write research papers during the summers following the first and second years. The program is flexible and allows ample opportunity to tailor coursework and research to individual interests. The program is small by design to promote close interaction between students and faculty.

Fields of Inquiry

Specific fields of inquiry include:

• Bureaucratic politics
• Comparative institutions
• Constitutional choice
• Government and business
• Interest groups
• Judicial institutions
• Law and economics
• Legislative behavior and organization
• Macro political economy
• Political economy of development
• Political behavior and public opinion

Cross-Campus Collaboration

The program, embedded in the larger community of political economics scholars at Stanford University, combines the resources of Stanford GSB with opportunities to study in the departments of economics and political science .

Drawing on the offerings of all three units, students have a unique opportunity to combine the strengths of economic methods and analytical political science and to apply them to the study of political economy. The program involves coursework in economic theory, econometrics, game theory, political theory, and theories of institutions and organizations.

Preparation and Qualifications

Faculty selects students on the basis of predicted performance in the PhD Program. Because of the rigorous nature of the program, a substantial background or ability in the use of analytical methods is an important factor in the admission decision.

In many instances, successful applicants have majored in economics, mathematics, or political science as undergraduates. However, this background is not a prerequisite for admission.

Students are expected to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skill at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra, analysis, probability, optimization, and statistics.

The successful applicant usually has clearly defined career goals that are compatible with the purposes of the program and is interested in doing basic research in empirical and/or theoretical political economics.

Faculty in Political Economics

Jonathan bendor, steven callander, katherine casey, dana foarta, andrew b. hall, bård harstad, saumitra jha, daniel p. kessler, neil malhotra, gregory j. martin, condoleezza rice, emeriti faculty, david p. baron, david w. brady, keith krehbiel, recent publications in political economics, policy impact and voter mobilization: evidence from farmers’ trade war experiences, trading stocks builds financial confidence and compresses the gender gap, trading stocks builds financial confidence and compresses the gender gap, recent insights by stanford business, studying news junkies reveals insights into online reading and info bubbles, the gap between the supreme court and most americans’ views is growing, the federal government pays farmers. that doesn’t mean farmers are fans..

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Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Department of Economics

Program Requirements

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Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

"One of the most innovative and student-focused programs on campus"

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Politics, Philosophy and Economics

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Course Overview

It is impossible to fully understand the modern world without knowledge of politics, philosophy and economics. They have long been recognised as overlapping and informing one other and it was only relatively recently in intellectual history that the three subjects were separated from one another. Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) brings together these subjects to help you understand and engage with the world. You will develop essential skills of reasoning, inquiry and analysis that are applicable to a wide range of careers, including banking and finance, law, academia and teaching, journalism and politics. 

Birkbeck's interdisciplinary MSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics introduces you to the basics of the three subjects and it will hone your ability to understand, evaluate and analyse real-world information. The study of philosophy will introduce you to critical reasoning and some of the most profound questions it is possible to ask about humanity. The study of politics will acquaint you with modern governing structures in the UK, EU and further afield and with the concepts and ideas that underpin the theory and practice of politics. The study of economics will help you grasp how business, finance and politics intersect and determine how we live and work. 

You can choose from a wide range of option modules and your learning will be informed by the cutting-edge research and expertise of academics across the three subject areas at Birkbeck. 

You will also receive one-to-one dissertation supervision on a topic of your choosing.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Politics, Philosophy and Economics (MSc).

Key information and modules

Politics, philosophy and economics msc: 1 year full-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

Central London

Politics, Philosophy and Economics MSc: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2024

Find another course:

• This is the only PPE course available for part-time evening study in the UK. 
• Birkbeck has a strong international research reputation in politics, philosophy and economics.
• Birkbeck Library has large politics, philosophy and economics collections, including the major specialist journals, and provides you with access to an extensive range of online materials. 
• You can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including Senate House Library , which is right next door to Birkbeck, the British Library , which is five minutes’ walk away, and the British Library of Political and Economic Science at the London School of Economics, which is also walkable from Birkbeck.

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the Key Information section under Attendance.

Entry Requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject; prior exposure to at least one of the three component subjects would be a distinct advantage, but it might be possible for able students to acquire the relevant knowledge as part of this course.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now  to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement,  we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our  English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
• Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

If you have studied at university, you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Politics, Philosophy and Economics MSc: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Part-time home students: £6,075 per year Full-time home students: £12,150 per year Part-time international students : £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

Methods of teaching on this course

Lectures, guided reading and small-group seminars. You will also have one-to-one dissertation supervisions and intensive training in academic writing.

Teaching hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

Indicative class size

Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

Independent learning

On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

Study skills and additional support

Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

• academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
• written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
• numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

Methods of assessment on this course

Essays, or examinations supplemented with coursework assignments.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in:

• the Civil Service
• international development
• think tanks. 

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification .

When to apply

You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

Help and advice with your application

Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Related courses

• Politics (MSc, MRes)
• Philosophy (MA, MRes, PG Cert, PG Dip)
• Economics (MSc)
• Financial Economics (MSc)
• Government, Policy and Politics (MSc)

Course structure

Course structure listing, course structure and modules for politics, philosophy and economics msc: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

You complete modules worth a total of 180 credits comprising:

• one compulsory module in economics (30 credits)
• one option module in politics (30 credits)
• one option module in philosophy (30 credits)
• one option module chosen from politics, philosophy or economics (30 credits)
• a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation due in September (60 credits).

Compulsory module

• Economics: Theory, Policy and Institutions

Politics option modules

• Emerging Powers in World Politics
• Food, Politics, and Society (Level 7)
• Global Politics, Governance and Security
• International Political Economy
• Middle East Politics
• Nationalism, Religion, and Conflict
• Political Communications: Media, Campaigns, and Citizens
• Political Theory and Contemporary Politics
• Power and Politics in the UK
• Public Policy: Interests, Ideas, Institutions
• The European Union: Integration, Politics and Policy
• The Geopolitics of Environment and Resources
• The Politics of Population Change: Immigration, Ageing and Conflict

Philosophy option modules

• Contemporary Epistemology (Level 7)
• Ethical Traditions (Level 7)
• Evolution, Science and Morality (Level 7)
• Free Will and Moral Responsibility (Level 7)
• Language and Metaphysics (Level 7)
• Metaphysical Traditions, Ancient and Modern (Level 7)
• Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science (Level 7)
• Philosophy of Science (Level 7)
• Philosophy, Art and Literature (Level 7)
• Philosophy, Business and Society (Level 7)
• Political Philosophy (Level 7)
• The Biology of Evil (Level 7)
• The Ethics of Life and Death: Humans, Animals and the Environment (Level 7)
• The Idea of Freedom (Level 7)
• The Philosophy of Nietzsche (Level 7)
• Themes in Twentieth-Century French and German Philosophy (Level 7)
• Theories of Value: Aesthetics and Ethics (Level 7)
• Topics in Early Modern Philosophy (Level 7)
• Women in Philosophy (Level 7)

Economics option modules

• Economics of Public Policy
• Financial Markets, Banking and Regulation
• Industrial Economics I
• International Economics I
• Monetary Economics
• Topics in Economic Policy

MSc PPE Dissertation (choose one)

• Dissertation MSc PPE
• Dissertation MSc PPE Philosophy
• Dissertation MSc PPE Politics

Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Brown university journal of philosophy, politics, and economics.

• Student Programs

JPPE is an international academic publication that highlights undergraduate and graduate student scholarship in the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics.

The Journal of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (JPPE) looks for pieces that are well written, original, well-argued, well-researched and timely. Possible contributions include, but are not limited to, research papers, literature reviews, critical comments, interviews, theses, PhD summaries and articles written independently or for a class.

Submissions are currently being accepted. The deadline to submit for the upcoming issue is February 10th.

Submit Your Work

The JPPE accepts written works by undergraduate, graduate, and recent postgraduate students from all over the world. Possible contributions include, but are not limited to, research papers, literature reviews, critical comments, interviews, theses, PhD summaries, and articles written independently or for a class. There is no specified page requirement for any submission. We evaluate every submission entirely on merit.

• Schools & departments

MA Politics, Philosophy and Economics

UCAS code: L251

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Social and Political Science

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Introducing MA Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) examines different interdisciplinary perspectives on many of the pressing issues of the modern world.

This programme will equip you with the key skills to engage with the political, philosophical and economic debates of the day. You will be able to pursue a variety of career paths after graduation.

You will gain the necessary frameworks for thinking about political and philosophical issues, combined with the quantitative skills for answering political and economic questions.

Politics is concerned with:

• the choices that political systems must regularly make
• explaining the processes that maintain or change those systems
• examining the concepts and values used in political analysis

Philosophy helps you develop analytical rigour and logical reasoning, and addresses questions regarding how we acquire knowledge and make ethical judgements.

Economics studies the allocation of resources and decision-making by consumers, firms and governments. It is increasingly central to:

• governmental policy-making
• the conduct of businesses
• the enormous economic transformations throughout the world

What you will study

In Year 1 you will take these introductory courses, which cover all three subjects:

• Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates
• Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory)
• Morality and Value
• Economics 1 (a full year introduction to core economic models and analysis)

You will also choose one of the following courses:

• Introduction to the History of Philosophy

In Year 2 you will study these courses, which cover all three subjects:

• International Political Economy
• Economics 2 (a full year, intermediate-level course on micro-and macroeconomic analysis)
• Mind, Matter, and Language
• Knowledge and Reality
• Statistical Methods for Economics

Progression

In order to progress to honours level, you will be required to:

• achieve a mark of 50% or more in all your Year 2 required courses in politics and philosophy
• pass Economics 2 and Statistical Methods for Economics

Year 3 is the first year of honours, where you will be able to specialise further in your studies.

You can choose two single-semester courses from a range of honours options offered in both politics and philosophy.

You will also choose from four pairings of courses in economics.

You will choose to complete a dissertation in politics, philosophy or economics. You will also choose to specialise in two of the three subjects.

Specialisation involves taking courses worth 80 credits in those two subjects, with a maximum of 60 credits from each subject.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

The majority of teaching on this programme takes place at facilities within the University's Central Area. You will have access to the University's library and computer facilities.

Home to the Scottish Parliament, the city of Edinburgh offers the perfect location for studying politics. We offer you a dynamic environment regularly hosting leading international academics, politicians and diplomats.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of Social and Political Science and the School of Economics. Explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of the School of Social and Political Science

Take a virtual tour of the School of Economics

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 through an international exchange programme.

What are my options for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

You will be taught mainly through a combination of:

• skills hours

⁠The peer-assisted learning scheme offered by the School of Economics aims to help first-year students transition into higher education, develop their learning and study strategies as well as to provide opportunities to socialise.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a diverse set of components, such as:

• policy briefs
• group presentations
• tutorial participation exercises

Career opportunities

This programme equips you with the skills that attract employers. It will open doors to a wide range of exciting and well-paid careers across a range of sectors, including:

• public policy
• banking and finance
• the third sector

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5. (Revised 19/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAAA.)
• A Levels: A*AA.
• IB : 39 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB : 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA : Highers: Mathematics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at B, or AS Mathematics at A. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB : HL: Mathematics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 6 (if not at HL).

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA , GCSE and IB

For SQA , GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS , PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT , or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for MA Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Additional costs

Economics textbooks are required, which cost about £100.

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
• Send an enquiry

Degrees in Politics and International Relations

5 degrees in politics and international relations.

• International Relations (MA) L250
• International Relations with Quantitative Methods (MA) 2W3A
• Politics (MA) L200
• Politics with Quantitative Methods (MA) 8M9D
• Politics, Philosophy and Economics (MA) L251

You may also be interested in

• Arabic and Politics (MA) TL62
• Economics and Politics (MA) LL12
• French and Politics (MA) RL12
• Geography (BSc) F800
• Geography (MA) L700
• German and Politics (MA) RL22
• Government, Policy and Society (MA) L230
• Government, Policy and Society with Quantitative Methods (MA) L231
• History and Politics (MA) LV21
• Interdisciplinary Futures (MA) FIA1
• Italian and Politics (MA) LR23
• Law and International Relations (LLB) ML1F
• Law and Politics (LLB) ML12
• Philosophy and Politics (MA) VL52
• Russian Studies and Politics (MA) LR27
• Scandinavian Studies and Politics (MA) RL62
• Social Anthropology and Politics (MA) LL62
• Social Policy and Politics (MA) LL42
• Sociology and Politics (MA) LL32
• Spanish and Politics (MA) RL42
• How to apply
• Why choose Politics and International Relations

More information

Search the degree finder.

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Philosophy, Politics and Economics (BA)

The interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) major offers broad and rigorous training in the foundations of all three disciplines enabling students to study the forces and institutions that shape the modern world from more than one perspective.

Why choose philosophy, politics and economics?

Our lives and our communities are profoundly shaped by political and economic forces that often seem difficult or impossible to control. The next generation of citizens must be able to understand how these forces work, examine their impact, and think carefully about the values that are at stake in the choices we face. Moreover, college graduates are increasingly expected to think across traditional boundaries and to have skills that enable them to address complex problems in both the public and private sectors.

What can I do with this degree?

The analytical tools and interdisciplinary approach that the PPE major provides will prepare students for careers in law, public policy and public service, business, finance, consulting, NGOs, education, journalism and other pursuits that engage public life.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program

Are you interested in how the economy, political and social institutions, and questions of justice interact? The major in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is all about understanding and approaching complex social problems while developing the skills for working with others to solve them.

What is PPE?

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field which studies the complex interactions of markets, formal political institutions, and informal social arrangements.

• 10/30/23 What is Philosophy, Politics and Economics?

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) The PPE major is designed to help students develop an interdisciplinary toolkit for approaching social and political problems.

• 11/3/23 BA in PPE

Minor in PPE

A minor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a perfect companion to a major in Economics, Political Science, Law, Geography, Sociology, Criminology, or Philosophy.

• 6/16/21 Minor in PPE

Latest News

• Philosophy, Politics & Economics

Become an intellectual powerhouse. Major in PPE at ONU. We’ve fused three foundational disciplines – philosophy, political science and economics - into one exceptional major. You’ll graduate with unique insight into the human experience and the political and economic structures that shape our world.

• Programs of Study

Our PPE program exposes you to many different professors and courses. In your philosophy coursework, you’ll explore the big questions of life and learn to think deeply. In your political science courses, you’ll learn how political systems operate in the U.S. and abroad. Finally, in your economic courses – delivered through the Dicke College of Business Administration – you’ll analyze the market forces that impact social issues.

Although you’ll study three subjects, you’ll still graduate in four years. Guaranteed. In fact, if you can’t complete the program in four years through no fault of your own – we’ll pick up the tab for the rest. 

Be prepared to learn just as much outside the classroom as you do inside. You’ll have lots of opportunities to read, write, solve problems, communicate complex ideas, and make informed and ethical decisions. You’ll graduate with a flexible skillset that will stand out in the marketplace.

Large institutions just can’t provide the individualized attention and opportunity you’ll find here. You could serve in student government or co-author research papers with your professors. You could study abroad, attend the Republican or Democratic National Convention, or spend a summer interning in Washington, D.C. You could head up a student organization or honorary society, play on a sports team, or perform with music groups.

At ONU, you’ll enjoy small class sizes and amazing friendships with your classmates. Our dedicated and distinguished professors will get to know you. They will support you in your coursework, research, internships, and post-graduate or career preparations. They will become personally invested in your success and open doors for you.

Our PPE program prepares you for three distinct paths: law school; a career in the public, nonprofit or private industry sector; or graduate school. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be ready!

COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

The PPE major requires you to take courses from three disciplines. Take classes like: Introduction to American Politics, Introduction to International Relations, Philosophy of Law, and Microeconomic Foundations for Business Planning.

• Four-Year Curriculum
• Learning Outcomes
• Email Faculty

Ignite your Passion

Find an internship you’ll love.

We’ll connect you with strategic internships for you future. Our professors have national and international connections that lead to cool opportunities.

Get involved and go places

If you’re ready to take learning beyond the classroom, you’ve come to the right place. PPE majors have opportunities for research, study abroad, student organizations and more.

Northern Pollsters

Gain firsthand experience in the art and science of political polling. The Northern Poll gauges citizen perceptions and policy positions, giving students the chance to learn about the polling process, how to draft and organize questions, and how to review and report results. Recently, ONU political science students conducted a poll on the 2020 Presidential election, and their results were covered in The Columbus Dispatch, The Dayton Daily News, the Lima News and radio stations in Toledo and Cincinnati.

Gain perspective on the U.S. justice system by participating in Mock Trial. You’ll develop research and communication skills and prepare for law school. Each year, we send ONU teams to the American Mock Trial Association’s intercollegiate mock trial competitions. Each team prepares either a civil or criminal case for litigation before a panel of two or three judges. With the resources of our Pettit College of Law, our Mock Trial teams receive excellent preparation and they excel at these competitions.

Learn about diplomacy and multiculturalism by participating in Model UN. Model UN is an academic organization that simulates the actions of the United Nations. Each year, ONU’s team attends different conferences and represents one of the countries currently recognized by the UN. Our team prepares to represent that country’s stance on real-world issues in mock committees at international competitions in Chicago and New York City in the fall and spring semesters.

The Washington Center

Find yourself in the center of activity in the nation’s capital by participating in The Washington Center (TWC) program. TWC’s goal is to be a bridge between higher education and professional careers. TWC provide opportunities to work in the heart of government, meet people from all over the world, develop professional skills, build your resume and create a network of contacts. Many ONU students find full-time employment through their TWC experiences.

Study Abroad

Expand your worldview and experience different cultures. We encourage our history majors to spend a semester or summer living, studying and traveling in another country. ONU’s extensive Study Abroad program has direct arrangements with several universities across the world. Our students have studied in Spain, South Korea, Cuba, England, Chile, France, China, Germany, Scotland, Costa Rica and Iceland.

Ethics Club

Are you ready to grapple with the biggest ethical issues of our times? If the answer is yes, the Ethics Club is for you. The club meets once a week to explore and discuss complex ethical cases and to prepare for the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl. There are no winners or losers in its discussions, only thinkers and seekers. The atmosphere is respectful and honest. The club examines each issue from multiple viewpoints and discusses the ethical principles and values that could be applied to each case. Recent topics have included the ethical issues associated with self-driving cars, intersex athletes competing in the Olympics, the television series about teen suicide called “Thirteen Reasons Why,” and the possibility of “brain re-animation” to bring dead people back to life, among others.

Ethics Bowl

Every year, the ONU Ethics Club has the opportunity to participate in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl sponsored by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Teams from across the U.S. and Canada participate in 11 regional competitions in the fall and winners attend nationals. During each competition, teams from different colleges must argue and defend a position on an ethical question. Questions address a wide variety of topics, from business ethics to personal relationships, social issues to political affairs.Teams are judged by how well they understand the facts of the case, articulate the ethical concerns, present an effective argument and respond to any challenges from the opposing team.

Student Organizations/Honorary Societies

Join a student organization or honorary society.  Membership opens the door to opportunities for professional development, attendance at regional and national conferences, networking and more. For example, students in the Philosophy Club meet once a week to discuss life’s deep questions. The conversations are always respectful and enlightened. The atmosphere is always relaxed, and sometimes pizza is served. The Philosophy Club gives you a chance to encounter different viewpoints and to explore what you believe and why.

End game: a fulfilling career

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