Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA

Course content

In your first year you'll take core modules providing you with a firm foundation in key areas like political and economic theory, comparative politics and the mathematical skills you'll need for economic study.

You'll also take the PPE First Year Seminar, offered only to PPE students and run by the Programme Director, where you'll be trained in analytical thinking and classic philosophical texts. In addition, you may have scope to choose some optional modules or explore discovery modules from across the University.

Once you have this grounding, you'll be in a better position to choose from optional modules across philosophy, politics and economics over the next two years. Core modules in your second year will develop your understanding of topics like macroeconomics and microeconomics, but you'll also choose from more than 30 optional modules across the three subjects.

By your final year, you'll be able to apply the critical, interpretive and research skills you've acquired when you undertake a major research project and dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules, while maintaining a balance across your studies. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  GCSE: grade 7/A in Mathematics is required as a minimum. Although it is not a formal requirement, many of the strongest applicants for PPE will also be taking AS or A level Mathematics. However, all applicants will be considered on their individual merits.

  • Career opportunities

    Gaining a degree in PPE requires you to study varied and challenging subjects. This course will equip you with impressively broad subject knowledge as well as transferable skills that are valued by all kinds of employers.

    You'll be an excellent communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, and you'll be comfortable working independently or as a team. You'll also have strong research skills and highly developed skills of analysis and interpretation.

    All of these qualities are attractive to employers, and graduates from all three schools involved in delivering the course have gone on to succeed in areas such as politics, management, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Many have also pursued postgraduate study.

    We do everything we can to support your career ambitions. PPE students particularly benefit from our 'directors' teas' - small seminars which give you the chance to meet and learn from entrepreneurs in the world of business, charities or elsewhere in the third sector.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.