Key takeaways
- PPE degrees cover philosophy, politics, and economics equally
- Graduates go into law, politics, business
- Interdisciplinary approach broadens knowledge
What is a PPE degree?
So, to start with a simple but important question, what is PPE? Well, unsurprisingly, PPE, or Philosophy, Politics and Economics, is a joint honours degree involving the study of those three disciplines. The combination of the three subject areas allows you to be very flexible with what courses you take. Here’s a basic overview:Philosophy
The philosophy component of a PPE degree is essential in fostering a student’s ability to think critically and analyse complex concepts. It involves a deep dive into the realms of critical thinking and logical analysis, where students learn to construct and deconstruct arguments and approach problems systematically. This segment also delves into ethical and metaphysical inquiry, exploring moral philosophy and tackling complex questions about existence, knowledge, and reality. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding the evolution of philosophical thought, tracing ideas from ancient philosophers to modern thinkers. Additionally, philosophy in PPE is not just theoretical; it often involves applying philosophical principles to current societal and ethical dilemmas, encouraging students to think about how these ideas shape the modern world.Politics
The politics component of PPE is geared towards imparting a comprehensive understanding of governance and public policy. It encompasses the study of different political systems and ideologies, providing insight into their historical context and modern-day applications. A key focus is on the workings of governments, the policy-making process, and the role of various institutions in shaping public policy. The curriculum also covers international relations, examining the dynamics between nations, including diplomacy, international conflicts, and global cooperation. Contemporary political issues are a crucial part of the study, where students are taught to analyse and understand these developments through the lens of political theories and systems.Economics
Economics in the PPE program offers an in-depth understanding of how economies operate and the impact of policies. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of both microeconomics, which focuses on individual and business decisions, and macroeconomics, which deals with economic activity and policy on a national and global scale. Students explore various economic theories and models, gaining insights into different approaches to economic analysis and policy-making. A significant aspect of the economics segment is the study of economic policy, including how government decisions impact the economy, with topics like taxation, monetary policy, and welfare economics. The program emphasises the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world economic issues, such as poverty, inequality, and economic development. Generally, PPE courses will involve modules in macroeconomics, international relations, law, ethics and political theory. But, you can pick and choose which modules you want to take based on your interests. Depending on your university, you could take additional supplementary modules like languages if you choose.How does PPE compare with a singular degree?

What skills can you get from PPE?

Potential career paths from a PPE degree
A degree in philosophy, politics and economics can set you up for many career paths, but one stands out: politics. Many prime ministers/presidents and opposition leaders of several countries have studied this degree. This includes David Cameron, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, Ed Milliband and Michael Foot, all from the UK, as well as former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Tony Abbott, and more. So, is philosophy, politics and economics a good degree if you want to go into politics? Absolutely. But, if that’s not for you, there are plenty of other career paths. If you’re looking for something strictly related to the degree, then there are jobs like political consultants, bankers, accountants and financial/political analysts. However, if you want to take what you’ve learned from PPE and apply it to something else, then you could go into law, business, journalism, teaching, and more. Basically, with a PPE degree, you can go into a lot of career paths.Are there downsides?
As with any degree program, there are downsides. First off, you won’t have as much choice at A-Levels/sixth form/college, whichever is applicable for you. While Oxford does not have any required subjects for PPE, they advise taking maths and history. If you look at other Russell Group universities such as York or Edinburgh, they require maths. So, you need to be very committed to PPE as your choice of degree from GCSEs. Additionally, taking a degree in multiple subject areas may mean that you feel you’re “behind” people who just study one of the disciplines. But, that’s a very simple fix. Going to office hours and talking to your professors will seriously help, trust me. They’re here to help you. If there’s something that you’re struggling with, professors will know how to help.Which universities in the UK are the best for PPE?

- The University of Oxford
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Sussex
- The University of York
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Warwick
- Lancaster University
- Utrecht University
- SOAS University of London
- University of Stirling
- University of Birmingham
- University of Hull
- The University of Edinburgh (Masters)
- King’s College London
- Loughborough University
Is PPE a good degree?
So, to answer the question, is philosophy, politics and economics a good degree? Well, that depends on each person. Yes, PPE can give you the skills to set you up for a well-paying job, but “good” is a completely subjective term. What’s good for one person may be completely different for another. So, it’s up to you to decide. But, thinking about it from a job’s perspective, yes, I would say that PPE is a good degree. Sociology is another subject in the same sort of area as PPE. If that’s something that you’re considering, check out this article to find out what you can do with a sociology degree.
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience
Authors
-
Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
View all posts