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Politics, Philosophy and Economics

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Birmingham

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Study Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and explore the critical global challenges of our time - from climate change and inequality, to poverty and democratic decline. Gain the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in the world.

By studying PPE, you will develop a broad and interdisciplinary perspective, combining analytical and critical thinking with an understanding of philosophical arguments, political institutions and economic systems. As you progress, you’ll have the freedom to specialise in areas that match your interests, from sustainability, to social justice, to global ethics or public economics, preparing you to drive meaningful change.

Why study this course?

Our Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) degree brings together three powerful disciplines to help you make sense of the world’s most pressing issues. You’ll explore how governments make decisions, how economies function, and how philosophical ideas shape society.

  • Think across disciplines: Explore global challenges from multiple perspectives by integrating political analysis, economic reasoning, and philosophical inquiry.

  • Gain real-world skills: Develop expertise in research, debate and critical analysis through a curriculum that explores campaigns, elections, policy debates, and protest movements, preparing you for a range of careers in today’s competitive job market.

  • Engage in international diplomacy: Take part in Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, where you'll broaden your global perspective and decision-making skills in an international setting.

  • Tailor your degree: Choose from a wide selection of optional modules to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career ambitions.

  • Learn from world-class academics: Be taught by renowned experts in politics, philosophy, and economics, gaining insights that will shape your thinking and future prospects.

Career opportunities
As the most sought-after UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024), our Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether you're interested in government, public policy, economics or global debates, this interdisciplinary degree equips you with the analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills employers value.

PPE graduates go on to careers in government, international organisations, public affairs, finance, consultancy, journalism, and beyond. The versatility of this degree means you can explore roles in policy analysis, economics research, diplomacy, political advising, and making a real impact in today’s rapidly changing world.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 28/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L0V0
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L0V0
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

AAB
Required subjects and grades: GCSE Maths Grade 7/A

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all accepted but subjects are considered on a case by case basis - contact us for further guidance.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 points
6,6,5 at Higher Level in relevant subjects with a minimum of 32 points overall.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The most common grades on entry for this course are above our standard offer. This does not mean that you need to achieve higher grades than our offer to be admitted.
We make alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes which are typically 1 or 2 grades lower. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The Government has yet to confirm the tuition fees payable by Home students for 2026/27 and subsequent years. The provisional tuition fee shown above relates to the academic year 2025/26. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees without delay.

For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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