Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Economics and Philosophy

The BSc (Hons) Economics and Philosophy program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex intersection of economics, human nature, and our place in the world. This three-year full-time program is offered by the School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of York.

Overview

The program aims to hone students' analytical skills, exploring the ethical implications of financial decisions and questioning the fundamental principles that underpin society. Students will learn with a diverse and international student body, with opportunities to study abroad and develop a truly global perspective.

Course Content

The program is structured into three years, with a mix of core and option modules.

• Year 1: Two core modules and four option modules, focusing on introductory economics and philosophy.
  • Core modules:
    • Principles of Economics
    • Logic
  • Option modules:
    • Maths for Economists
    • Probability and Statistics
    • Quantitative Methods
    • Data, Evidence and Policy
    • Power and Consent
    • Knowledge and Perception
    • Ethics
    • Free Will
    • Philosophical Analysis
• Year 2: Three core modules and three option modules, building on the foundations of economics and philosophy.
  • Core modules:
    • Econometric Analysis
    • Microeconomic Theory
    • Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
  • Option modules:
    • Philosophy of Mind
    • Philosophy of Science
    • Philosophy of Language
    • Metaphysics
    • Religious Ethics
    • Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
    • Applied Ethics
    • Logic and Paradox
    • Aristotle
    • Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
    • Philosophy and Society
    • Ethical Theory
    • Knowledge and the Social Sciences
    • Lived Experiences: An Introduction to Phenomenology
• Year 3: Two core modules and four option modules, with the opportunity to take the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) dissertation.
  • Core modules:
    • Ethics and Economics
    • Contemporary Economic Issues and Analysis
  • Option modules:
    • Philosophy and Public Policy
    • Critical Challenges in Political Economy
    • Institutions and the Search for Social and Economic Order
    • Applied Econometrics
    • Bubbles, Panics and Crashes
    • Economics of Social Policy
    • International Economics
    • Monetary Economics
    • Game Theory
    • Health Economics
    • Macroeconomics: Topics in Theory and Policy
    • Happiness, Utility and Well-being
    • Buddhism as Philosophy
    • Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making and Democracy
    • Mind and Morality
    • Property and Self-ownership
    • Action and Agency
    • Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
    • Experimental Philosophy: Psychology of Philosophy

Fees and Funding

The annual tuition fees for the program are:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £27,250

Teaching and Assessment

The program is taught through a combination of seminars and lectures, with a focus on developing analytical and problem-solving skills. Assessments will be a mix of unseen examination papers and essays.

Careers and Skills

The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers. Graduates can pursue careers in central and local government, private industry, creative arts and media, teaching, social work, law, journalism, accountancy, banking, and publishing.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the program is:

• A levels: AAB including Mathematics
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in Mathematics or in conjunction with an alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDD including Mathematics or in conjunction with an acceptable alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall including 80% in Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points with a minimum grade of 5 points in Higher level or 7 in Standard Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)
• T levels: We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics has been taken.
• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers - B in Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - BBBB
• International foundation programme: Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
• Other qualifications: We welcome applications from mature students (ie those aged over 21), and usually admit a number each year. In all cases we look for evidence of ability, interest and commitment, but we may not require specific formal qualifications. In most cases, we prefer to interview mature candidates before offering them a place.
• Other international qualifications: Equivalent qualifications from your country

English Language Requirements

If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
• IB English: A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
• Cambridge CEFR: 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
• Oxford ELLT: 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
• Duolingo: Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
• GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language): Grade C / Grade 4
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• LanguageCert Academic: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• Kaplan Test of English Language: 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
• Skills for English: B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
• PTE Academic: 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
• TOEFL: 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
• Trinity ISE III: Merit in all components
• Other English language qualifications: We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to develop the following learning outcomes:

• Identify issues and situations in society where concepts and principles from Economics and Philosophy can provide insight, and confidently apply those concepts and principles as appropriate.
• Apply flexibly the methods of logical and mathematical reasoning used by economists, with an understanding of the purpose and scope of such models, and use proficiently statistical, econometric and computer-based techniques for analysing data, including in applying and testing economic models.
• Develop and articulate systematic, logical arguments for and against the alternative solutions considered in relation to a particular problem, subjecting key concepts and principles to critical scrutiny.
• Engage with, and draw on, academic and professional research in Economics and Philosophy, with an ability to distinguish different themes within it, and to synthesise ideas across disciplinary boundaries.
• Use interdisciplinary thinking to reflect upon and engage with issues arising in modern societies, thereby acquiring a deeper understanding of the connections between economics and philosophy by drawing on the complete set of skills developed in these disciplines.
• Improve academic and personal performance by developing initiative, self-organisation and time management skills, as well as the ability to assimilate advice and feedback in individual or collaborative work.
• Clearly present, explain and communicate complex ideas in a variety of modes including verbal, written and technical.
• Demonstrate informed sensitivity to cultural and historical context in interpreting and responding to the work and ideas of others.