Program Overview

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Philosophy, Politics and Economics, MA

Overview

The degree of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a springboard to a career in politics, finance or the media. The three complementary subjects have deep historical connections yet have developed as independent disciplines with distinctive methods. PPE students will leave the programme with an understanding not just of modern societies and their political institutions, but how rigorous critical evaluation can bring about significant social and political change.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: VL51
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

PPE is a joint honours degree for students who have broad horizons and are interested in social and political studies and the humanities. The varied yet supporting nature of the three parts (containing courses from mathematical statistics to Aristotelian ethics) make it an interesting and dynamic programme. The variety provides students with three foundations from which to move forward. And, due to the intellectual connections that can be drawn between the disciplines, the knowledge and skills gained from each lends support to the others.

PPE students have a broad knowledge base:

• An understanding of modern societies and their political institutions.
• An understanding of the choices that political systems must make.
• An understanding of how consumers, businesses and government make decisions and how these decisions collectively determine the allocation of resources.
• An understanding of how rigorous critical evaluation can bring about significant social and political change.

And an impressive skills set:

• Numeracy and data analysis skills
• Reasoning and critical thinking skills
• The ability to evaluate the concepts and values employed in political analysis
• The ability to develop and express their views clearly

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)
  • Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023)
  • The Global Economy (EC1506)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Academic Writing for Social Sciences (AW1006)
  • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
  • Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
• Optional Courses:
  • Controversial Questions (PH1027)
  • How Should One Live? (PH1522)
  • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
  • Environmental Ethics (PH1537)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
  • Intermediate Microeconomics (EC2003)
  • Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics (EC2503)
  • Building Skills and Experience for Career Success (PD2002)

Year 3

• Optional Courses:
  • 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Philosophy and 30 credit points from level 3 courses in Economics, plus 30 credit points from level 3 courses in Politics & International Relations.

Year 4

• Optional Courses:
  • 30 credit points from level 4 courses in each of Economics, Philosophy and Politics & International Relations plus a dissertation in either Economics or Philosophy.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
• written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Philosophy, Politics and Economics?

Why Philosophy

• Famous philosophers who worked at the University include Thomas Reid, founder of the 18th century Scottish School of Common Sense Philosophy, and Alexander Bain, who helped lay the foundations for modern scientific psychology.
• The Aberdeen Philosophy in Education Group (APEG), which is unique in Scotland, trains students to discuss philosophical questions with local primary and secondary school pupils.
• Café Philosophique brings philosophers and the local community together, using popular films and novels to explore philosophical puzzles in an informal atmosphere.
• The Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine acts as the focus for research, teaching and engagement in the history, philosophy, ethics, literature and museology of science, technology and medicine.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library offers superb collections, including early printed works of natural philosophy and medicine, the archives of Thomas Reid, and records of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society.
• We offer a packed programme of public events, lectures and debates, including the annual WayWORD literary festival, which attracts high-profile scientists, scholars, authors, actors and broadcasters to discuss and debate the big issues of today.
• The skills you learn in Philosophy—for example, to think and write clearly, to explain complex ideas, to challenge orthodoxy—lend themselves to many careers.
• Studying Philosophy will change how you think about things and how you approach life's challenges.
• Philosophy is interesting! Students from all disciplines often report that studying Philosophy was the most rewarding experience of their studies.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

• Professor David McCausland
• Prof Mervyn Bain

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