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Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is a multidisciplinary programme that explores many intersecting topics, such as how societies function, how political and economic decisions are made, and the ethical frameworks behind them. It also covers more abstract areas, such as the nature of justice and knowledge.

This degree blends three distinct but interrelated disciplines:

  • Philosophy sharpens your critical thinking and ethical reasoning. You will tackle questions about morality, justice, logic, truth and reality.
  • Politics examines power, governance and public policy. It covers political theory, international relations, and the workings of institutions and groups such as governments, political parties and the United Nations.
  • Economics focuses on how resources are allocated, how markets operate, and how policies affect wealth and welfare. It includes both micro and macroeconomic theory, often with quantitative analysis.

As a PPE student, you will learn to analyse complex problems from multiple angles, debate ideas rigorously, and to communicate with clarity and precision. The degree is intellectually demanding, rewarding, and enables you to develop a variety of skills and abilities, while providing you with a unique perspective on a wide range of practical and theoretical issues and debates. 

Why Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Swansea?

You will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. 

You will be joining a high-performing department, where Philosophy is currently ranked:

  • 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)*
  • 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 7th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score for questions 1-26, NSS 2025.

Politics is ranked:

  • 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
  • Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*
  • In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Economics at Swansea is also ranked:

  • 5th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)

Your Philosophy, Politics and Economics Experience

This PPE degree aims to provide you with a firm grounding in the core topics of philosophy, politics and economics, as well as an appreciation of how these subjects intersect. This is achieved through a careful selection of compulsory modules that ensure you can cover central issues in each subject area, along with a sufficient range of optional modules, that allow you to focus on your preferred areas of study.

In year 1, your studies will provide you with an introduction to economics. Alongside this, you will be introduced to philosophical analysis and argument, as well as examining how philosophical, political and economic issues intersect. You can choose whether to study two modules in philosophy, politics or economics, which is crucial as many 2nd and 3rd year economics modules require you to have studied earlier economics modules.

In your second year, you will learn about some of the most influential philosophers within western philosophy, as well as developing your critical reasoning and analysis. You will also learn how to apply key economic principles to the contemporary economy.

In your final year, you will complete a dissertation, as well as studies that combine philosophical, political and economic perspectives. You can choose to balance your study of the three subjects through your optional module choices.

We have a long-standing collaboration with the Senedd, which enables us to offer an educational work placement for students with an interest in policymaking within the Welsh context. The Senedd module runs across two terms in the final year and serves as a selective option instead of the dissertation. You will be placed with a Senedd Member (MS) and their team for one day a week and experience the workings of the office of a representative as well as the Welsh Parliament itself.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics Employment Opportunities

This programme embeds opportunities for you to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking, teamwork and communication through assessments, presentations and collaborative projects. As a first-year student, you will attend an introductory employability session, designed to orient you towards career pathways and the support available at Swansea University.

Modules also include integrated skills-development sessions, designed in collaboration with our Centre for Academic Success, to help you to build core academic, digital, and professional competencies from the outset of your studies.

We maintain strong links with departments across the University, to promote joint events and opportunities. You will have opportunities to undertake research internships within the department through short, medium, and long-term funded schemes and competitive opportunities, which support your involvement in ongoing staff research projects.

The employability prospects for PPE students in the UK are strong, as the degree has a long-standing reputation for producing well-rounded, analytically skilled graduates. PPE graduates are valued for their:

  • Analytical and data-based research skills
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Ethical reasoning and critical thinking
  • Intellectual autonomy

PPE graduates enter a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Public sector and policy (civil servant, political analyst, parliamentary assistant, political consultant, environmental policy analyst)
  • Finance and business (investment banking analyst, economist, business analyst, data analyst)
  • Media and communications (journalist/reporter, editorial assistant, public relations specialist)
  • Education and academia (teacher, postgraduate study)

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

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