Politics, Philosophy and Economics (with placement year) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Politics, Philosophy and Economics (with placement year) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
This prestigious degree enables students to explore and analyse complex problems from three complementary disciplinary perspectives. Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) provides a strong foundation for a wide range of distinguished careers.
PPE is designed for students who want to become effective problem solvers. The programme develops key skills and tools from all three disciplines, including policy analysis, data literacy, cost‑benefit analysis, rational argument, conceptual analysis, social science research methods, textual interpretation and debat...
This prestigious degree enables students to explore and analyse complex problems from three complementary disciplinary perspectives. Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) provides a strong foundation for a wide range of distinguished careers.
PPE is designed for students who want to become effective problem solvers. The programme develops key skills and tools from all three disciplines, including policy analysis, data literacy, cost‑benefit analysis, rational argument, conceptual analysis, social science research methods, textual interpretation and debate. Together, these approaches allow students to understand complex issues, assess alternative solutions and communicate persuasive, well‑reasoned arguments.
The PPE degree is based in the Department of International Relations, Politics and History (IRPH) and is cross‑taught with Loughborough Business School. Students benefit from expertise in political science, political theory, international relations and philosophy, including specialisms with strong practical relevance such as environmental philosophy, feminist philosophy and the ethics of activism.
The course is designed to empower students to shape their own learning. In the second and final years, students can choose to specialise in particular disciplines or continue studying politics, philosophy and economics in equal balance. Module options include those focused on disciplinary intersections, such as political philosophy and political economy. In the final year, students complete an independent dissertation on a topic of their choice.
By studying PPE at Loughborough University, you will:
* Study subjects that genuinely interest you, with a wide range of topics, teaching styles and assessment methods that support personal and academic development.
* Join a highly ranked university and department, recognised for excellence in teaching, careers provision and sport.
* Develop transferable skills valued by employers, including critical thinking, data analysis, communication, research, and independent and group working.
* Learn from world‑leading academics who are internationally recognised experts, often teaching at the forefront of current research on major social and political challenges.
* Receive strong academic and personal support through Personal Academic Tutors and wider university support services.
* Become part of a supportive and inclusive community based in the refurbished Morag Bell building, with shared spaces for students and close access to staff.
* Take part in a vibrant programme of events, including talks with MPs, public debates, guest lectures, student‑led activities and the annual School of Social Sciences and Humanities Ball.
* Access opportunities for a placement year, year abroad or year in enterprise, leading to additional qualifications such as a Diploma in International Studies or a Diploma of Professional Studies.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-27
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A51-C72
Institution Code
L79
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
T Level
T Level in Management and Administration is considered. Distinction overall with B in core component. Other relevant T Level subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits overall including 45 at Level 3. Please obtain: 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction, rest at Merit.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths grade 6/B and GCSE English Language grade 6/B GCSE Maths grade 6 There is no flexibility in this requirement. However, we will consider a grade B in Level 3 Core Maths as a suitable alternative. GCSE English Language grade 6 If you have achieved grade 5 in GCSE English Language, we can still consider an application if you have: Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature OR At least one essay-based subject* at A level *Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology We may also consider applicants with a contextual indicator who have achieved grade 4 or 5 in GCSE English Language who do not meet the above criteria. Please refer to our Contextual Admissions Policy for further information on the contextual indicators used by the University.
Scottish Advanced Higher
AA, plus Highers at majority B grades
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus one A level at Grade A Preferred BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Applied Science, Business, Health and Social Care, IT, Sport. Other BTEC subjects may be considered when offered in combination with one A level from the following list: Biology, Business, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths/Further Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Extended Project
We recognise the benefit of the Extended Project in developing independent research and critical thinking skills. We would consider this as evidence of motivation to study a specific subject in more depth, and while we do not generally include it as part of our offer conditions, it may be used to further consider an application upon receipt of final examination results. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
35 (6,6,5 HL)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma : DDD Preferred BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Applied Science, Business, Health and Social Care, IT, Sport. Other BTEC subjects may be considered when offered in combination with one A level from the following list: Biology, Business, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths/Further Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
We accept a wide range of international qualifications for entry as outlined on our website – please view the individual course typical offers on our website and choose Ireland in the Country/region drop down field for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus two A levels at Grades AB Preferred BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Applied Science, Business, Health and Social Care, IT, Sport. Other BTEC subjects may be considered when offered in combination with one A level from the following list: Biology, Business, Classical Civilisation, Chemistry, Economics, English Language/Literature, Geography, History, Languages, Law, Maths/Further Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Applicants taking the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma will be asked to achieve the A level requirements for their course as part of their qualification. The Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted alongside two A levels as long as individual course entry and subject requirements are met. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| International, EU | £23,950 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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