BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics

A degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) will develop your understanding of the contemporary world, including financial crises, human rights, environmentalism and cultural conflicts. PPE equips students with the skills and attributes required to be changemakers who, through making sense of the world, are well placed to take action to solve its problems. The multi-disciplinary approach of PPE has too often been the preserve of students from privileged backgrounds, but our aim is to enable a greater diversity of representation in those professions related to PPE - especially in our political system - to the benefit of us all.

The philosophy at Roehampton is distinctive in its commitment to practical philosophy. You will be asked to use your philosophical knowledge to address real-world problems. The programme provides the space to explore, for example, the ethics of the environment and animal rights, problems of economic inequality and unjust laws, and the nature of gender, race and class. The use of authentic assessments allows students to demonstrate more traditional philosophical skills of critical thinking and analytical argument, using multiple forms of media and presenting material for a public audience.

Our economics modules provide in-depth knowledge of organisations and their environments, including their relationships to society. The economics strand addresses areas such as managing people, business organisations within a global context, and labour economics. Additionally, you'll learn how businesses can operate effectively in a multicultural environment. Students will be able to solve business problems ethically and will acquire a sound understanding of the wider economy.

Placement Year

This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost their employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of your course, and then return to complete your degree.

The modules listed are for illustrative purposes and may be subject to change.

Compulsory Modules

• Ethical Philosophy
• The History of Political Thought
• Classical Philosophy
• Democracy and Dictatorship
• Labour Economics
• British Politics from Union to Brexit
• Business Organisations in a Global Context
• Freedom, Power and Ethics
• Political Philosophy
• Practial Ethics
• Managerial Economics
• International Economics
• Politics in Action

Optional Modules

• Race and Empire
• Security and Terrorism
• Journalism, Media and Politics
• The Philosophy of Law
• Gender, Race and Class
• Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics
• International Justice
• Digital Society
• Active Citizenship
• Global Disorder
• Climate Change and Activism
• Development Economics
• Economics of Money, Banking and Finance

These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.

Career Options

We anticipate graduates of Roehampton's BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics embarking on careers in politics - either research, campaigning, policy work, or civil service - or going into business management, teaching, journalism, law, publishing, media, public relations, community / social services and heritage or cultural management.