Program Overview

Introduction to the Foundation Year in PPE

The Foundation Year in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a one-year intensive academic course designed to bridge the gap between school and Oxford's academically challenging undergraduate courses. This program is specifically tailored for students from the UK who are interested in studying PPE but may not have the typical grades required for direct entry.

Course Overview

• The UCAS code for this course is L0VF.
• The entrance requirements include BBB at A-level.
• The course duration is 4 years (BA), with the foundation year being the first year.
• The application deadline is January 14, 2026.
• Interviews for the course will be held in March 2026.
• Up to 50 places are available for the Astrophoria Foundation Year, and up to 8 places are available for the PPE Foundation.

Subject Requirements

• Required subjects: Not applicable
• Recommended subjects: Maths
• Helpful subjects: History

Course Structure

The foundation year is divided into three terms, with students taking a variety of courses designed to introduce them to the subjects of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, as well as to develop their academic skills.

Term 1

• Courses:
  • Foundations in PPE
  • Economics: Economic Development, Inequality and the Environment
  • Philosophy: Introduction to Philosophical Analysis
  • Mathematics for PPE
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment: Coursework (four essays) and examination (written papers)

Term 2

• Courses:
  • Politics: Theory of Politics
  • Economics: Economics of Society and Public Policy
  • Mathematics for PPE
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment: Examination (written papers) and coursework (portfolio of submitted essays)

Term 3

• Courses:
  • Philosophy: Problems of Philosophy
  • Politics: Practice of Politics
  • Mathematics for PPE
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment: Examination (written papers) and coursework (portfolio of submitted essays)

Admissions Requirements

• Qualification requirements:
  • A-levels: BBB
  • Advanced Highers: BB/BBC
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): 35 (including core points) with 555 at Higher Level
  • BTECs: Various requirements depending on the specific BTEC qualification
  • Access to HE Diploma: Completion of Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma with all the level 3 credits taken at Merit, and B grades in any A levels taken
• Subject requirements: As mentioned earlier, Maths is recommended, and History can be helpful.

Eligibility Criteria

The foundation year is designed for UK state school students who are ordinarily resident in the UK and meet specific socio-economic and educational disadvantage criteria. These criteria include:

• Socio-Economic indicators: Such as living in an area with a high level of deprivation or being eligible for Free School Meals.
• School/College Characteristics: Attending a non-selective state-funded UK secondary school.
• Individual experience: Experiencing a disrupted education, being from a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater background, or having care responsibilities.

Fees and Funding

• The foundation year is free of charge, with all tuition and accommodation costs covered by the University of Oxford.
• Students will also receive a bursary for living costs.
• For the undergraduate course that follows, students will need to pay course fees and cover living costs, typically through student loans.

Studying at Oxford

• The Oxford tutorial system provides personalized attention from academic experts.
• College life offers a supportive environment with facilities such as libraries, dining halls, and common rooms.
• Students are guaranteed accommodation in their first year, and many colleges offer accommodation for subsequent years.

Connect with Us

Information on outreach programs, university-wide events, and resources for prospective students is available. The University of Oxford also offers various initiatives to support students from underrepresented backgrounds.