collageA degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to studying social sciences. The curriculum typically includes a mix of courses in macroeconomics, international relations, law, ethics, and political theory, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of how various factors influence society and policy-making. Additionally, a PPE degree can help develop analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving techniques that are valuable in a wide range of career fields.
Admission requirements for a PPE program may vary depending on the university, but generally, applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in relevant subjects such as economics, politics, philosophy, or sociology. Some universities may also require applicants to submit standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their interest in PPE and career goals. It is important for prospective students to carefully review the specific admission requirements for each university they are considering applying to.
For example, the University of Oxford, known for its prestigious PPE program, typically requires applicants to have strong A-level results in relevant subjects, such as Mathematics, Economics, or History. In addition, applicants must also pass the university’s admissions test and perform well in an interview. Meeting these requirements can be competitive, so prospective students should start preparing early and ensure they meet all the necessary criteria to increase their chances of gaining admission to a top-ranked university for PPE.
What Universities Offer PPE
Complex social problems require generalists—researchers, policy makers and professionals who are able to examine an issue from several angles, who can combine different perspectives in a constructive way, and who are aware of the broader social and historical context of problems. PPE provides you with the necessary tools and knowledge to be a leader in the 21st century.
| University | PPE Ranking |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 1 |
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 3 |
| University of Warwick | 4 |
List of Universities Offering PPE Programs
University of Warwick
Coventry
SOAS University of London
London
The University of Manchester
Manchester
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Idstein
Faculty of Social Sciences
Central European University
Utrecht University
Utrecht
Carroll University
Waukesha
Spring Hill College
Mobile
Witten/Herdecke University
Witten
Radboud University Nijmegen
Nijmegen
Boyce College
HSE University
Moscow
Balliol College
Oxford
Brasenose College
Oxford
Wadham College
Oxford
Regent’s University London
London
Somerville College
Oxford
Magdalen College
Oxford
Jesus College
Oxford
Keble College
Oxford
Worcester College
Oxford
Corpus Christi College
Oxford
Exeter College
Oxford
Hertford College
Oxford
Mansfield College
Oxford
Merton College
Oxford
Lincoln College
Oxford
New College
Oxford
Oriel College
Oxford
Pembroke College
Oxford
The Queen’s College
Oxford
St Anne’s College, Oxford
Oxford
St Edmund Hall
Oxford
St Catherine’s College
Oxford
St Hilda’s College
Oxford
St Hugh’s College
Oxford
St John’s College
Oxford
St Peter’s College
Oxford
Trinity College
Oxford
University College
Oxford
Harris Manchester College
Oxford
Are you ready to take on the world?
If you answered yes, then the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at [school name] is for you! In just three years, we’ll get you ready for future leadership positions in business, politics, academia—and beyond.
The complex social problems of the 21st century require researchers and professionals who are able to examine an issue from several angles and combine different perspectives in a constructive way. This program will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to be a leader in the 21st century.
This Bachelor’s degree program starts with an introduction to philosophy, politics and economics in your first year. You’ll study the history of Western ideas about society and politics, and their philosophical foundations. You’ll also develop your analytical skills. The second year focuses on how these three areas interact with each other. You’ll look at economic systems as well as their political consequences. Your third year will consist of a PPE specialization that fits your personal interests and career goals.
When you graduate, you can pursue higher education or go straight into a professional career. You could start working at a bank or consultancy firm, or decide to go into public sector work or non-profit organizations.
A philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) program can help teach students how ideologies, governments, and markets all interact and relate to each other. This is a good way for those who wish to study economics or political science to expand their horizons.
In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom
Examine the relationship between political and economic debates in modern society.
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Cologne, Germany
Would you like to get to the bottom of the central questions of our society? And are you looking for a degree that provides you with the right tools with comprehensive humanities know-how? Then you will find exactly what you are looking for in the Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (BA)! –
B.Sc. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Part of the John Stuart Mill College, studying PPE at VU Amsterdam means benefiting from a personalized learning experience with lots of interaction between students and teachers. This Bachelor’s program is the first of its kind in mainland Europe. –
Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands
The PPE p at Utrecht University considers political and economic issues from four different perspectives: philosophy, politics, economics, and history. The addition of a historical dimension to PPE is something you will only find in Utrecht, where we are convinced that understanding the past will help us make better choices for the future. As well as gaining a thorough knowledge of each of these four fields, you will also be trained to combine them to address the world’s most challenging problems. At Utrecht University, we believe that this is the best approach to designing complete and effective solutions.
Bachelor in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University (FSV UK)Prague, Czech Republic
Modeled on the Oxford PPE (BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), the Prague BA in PPE is an English language undergraduate study program. It allows students to explore foundations of domestic and international politics and economics in a manner that is underpinned by philosophical rigor and includes courses aimed at fostering critical thinking about social developments in the world and sensitivity to ethical challenges in political decision-making in the environment marked by cultural diversity, economic inequality and conflicts of the objectives of the agents.
Best Universities for PPE in the World
PPE students at Penn can take classes that count toward their major from virtually any university that the Study Abroad Office has approved. Typically PPE students will take some of their thematic concentration classes abroad — e.g. philosophy classes for Distributive Justice, political science classes for Public Policy and Governance, Economics and Psychology classes for Choice and Behavior, etc. You might also be able to take classes that count toward your PPE Foundations if you haven’t already completed them at Penn. This means that you do not need to study at a university that has a PPE program to get credit toward your major at Penn, though you do need to have your major advisor approve the classes ahead of time as counting toward some aspect of your major (though you’re also free to take free electives, and other classes that don’t count toward your major). While you don’t need to study abroad at a university with a PPE program to get PPE credits, we do have partnerships with the following universities that offer PPE majors:
PPE students at Penn have the opportunity to take classes that count towards their major from a variety of universities approved by the Study Abroad Office. These students often choose to take thematic concentration classes abroad to fulfill their major requirements, such as philosophy classes for Distributive Justice, political science classes for Public Policy and Governance, and Economics and Psychology classes for Choice and Behavior. Additionally, students may also be able to take classes that count towards their PPE Foundations if they have not already completed them at Penn.
For PPE students interested in studying abroad at a university with a PPE program, there are certain admission requirements to consider. These may include ensuring that the courses you plan to take abroad align with your major requirements at Penn, obtaining approval from your major advisor, and meeting any GPA or language proficiency requirements set by the partner university.
When applying to study abroad at a university with a PPE program, students should carefully review the admission process and requirements specific to that institution. This may involve submitting an application through the Study Abroad Office, providing academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any other materials required by the partner university. It is important to plan ahead and communicate with your major advisor to ensure that the courses you plan to take abroad will count towards your major requirements at Penn.
Our Exchange Programs
PPE in Paris, Sciences Po
PPE Majors Only
Reduced language requirement: Two semesters of French at Penn.
Students are drawn to Sciences Po for its strength in the social sciences. The educational project at Sciences Po is based on the development of self-confidence, negotiation and decision-making skills obtained through teamwork, effective oral and written expression, and analytical reasoning.
Please note that students on the PPE Sciences Po track must take either a French language course or a regular course in French as part of their schedule while abroad!
PPE in Rome, LUISS University
PPE Majors Only
Reduced language requirement: Successful completion of Italian 120, or the equivalent, by the end of the academic semester prior to departure.
LUISS Guido Carli is a small private university with high academic ranking located in the heart of Rome. LUISS was one of the first Italian universities to offer a PPE major. Today, LUISS offers an advanced educational model, strongly oriented towards the needs of the global market and new professions. All courses are taught in English.
Other Programs to Consider
Strong PPE Programs
Kings College, London UK
Minimum GPA: 3.3
It may be worth giving special attention to the Department of Political Economy.
University College London, London, UK
Minimum GPA: 3.3 but may be higher depending on department
You must have 3 classes completed at Penn in a subject area before applying to that department at UCL.
Note that you *must* take two courses in a home department at UCL. For other courses, you *must* be in that department to have access to the course. If applying to UCL, check their ‘study abroad modules’ to see what courses are offered to ensure your home department has options for your theme. For example, if you are a choice and behavior major, UCL’s political science department does not include any courses that would count for your theme.
Year-Long Programs
At LSE and Oxford, Typically, students take 4 courses each semester to transfer back 8 total courses.
London School of Economics, London, UK
Minimum GPA: 3.3
Penn students at LSE are on what’s called the General Course.
Pembroke College Oxford, Oxford UK
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7. Pembroke’s PPE Page.
Focused Study for your Theme
Again, since one of the primary ways to bring back courses for the major is to use them as part of your thematic concentration, you may also be interested in one of the abroad experiences that itself has a focus you’re interested in. Several examples include:
IFSA – Butler, Buenos Aires, Argentina, which has a track of study in Human Rights.
As for every study abroad program, you should consult with the PPE Associate Director to determine which courses will count towards the major.
Petition Programs: Piloting New PPE Study Abroad Options
In our ongoing effort to find academically engaging, culturally enriching abroad experiences for our majors, we’ve identified two new PPE programs abroad we’d like students to pilot by petitioning to go abroad (please note that these programs have not yet been approved, which is why they require a formal petition). For more information about these programs, please contact ppemajor@sas.upenn.edu.
Best Universities for PPE in Europe
More details coming up on best universities for ppe in europe, warwick ppe and warwick ppe ranking.
A philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) program can help teach students how ideologies, governments, and markets all interact and relate to each other. This is a good way for those who wish to study economics or political science to expand their horizons.
In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.
B.Sc. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Part of the John Stuart Mill College, studying PPE at VU Amsterdam means benefiting from a personalized learning experience with lots of interaction between students and teachers. This Bachelor’s program is the first of its kind in mainland Europe.
Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands
The PPE p at Utrecht University considers political and economic issues from four different perspectives: philosophy, politics, economics, and history. The addition of a historical dimension to PPE is something you will only find in Utrecht, where we are convinced that understanding the past will help us make better choices for the future. As well as gaining a thorough knowledge of each of these four fields, you will also be trained to combine them to address the world’s most challenging problems. At Utrecht University, we believe that this is the best approach to designing complete and effective solutions.
BSc Politics, Philosophy, Economics
SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom
BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree offers the opportunity to study three disciplines crucial for understanding, analysing and shaping the contemporary world: Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). At SOAS, we look at these disciplines from a non-Western perspective, equipping our students with a global outlook that is valued by employers. In the first year, students will be introduced to core topics, debates and methods in each of the three disciplines, focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A dedicated core module helps to establish relationships between the three disciplines and to develop an applied outlook. The interdisciplinary and regional approach is fostered and pursued in subsequent years, offering increased specialisation within each of the three subjects, as well as the opportunity to study one of the vast range of languages offered at SOAS. A SOAS PPE degree will equip students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors at national and international levels, including in public policy, governmental or non-governmental organisations, diplomacy, data management, risk analysis, business and finance.
warwick ppe
Our prestigious speaker series hosts a diverse range of speakers on contemporary topics. Prominent speakers to have joined us include former Conservative MP and Junior Health Minister Edwina Currie, BBC Economist and Journalist Evan Davis and BBC Radio 4 and Mock the Week satirist Rory Bremner, to name but a few.
Our Annual PPE Symposium Conference addresses pressing societal issues through the medium of discussion. A panel of experts is invited to debate and scrutinize topics, which in the past have included the decline of western countries, identity politics and philanthrocapitalism.
Finding one’s feet in the world beyond university is no easy task. The PPE Society collaborate with firms from a range of industries to provide an excellent support network for students looking to gain experience. Keep an eye out for all our event to help you find your career path!
Our socials are a fantastic way to meet fellow students. From nights out in Leamington and Birmingham to ice-skating in Coventry, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
In term 2 we host the annual PPE Ball in Warwick Castle, open to all society members. The ball is a glamorous night of formality, food, drink and entertainment. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the year, unwind before exams and say goodbye to the finalists.
Tours give you the chance to pack your bags and leave campus for the weekend. In term 1 we run our UK-based domestic tour, and in term 2 we go overseas on our international tour. Previous locations for domestic include Cardiff, Bristol and Brighton; for international we have visited Amsterdam, Budapest, Copenhagen and more.
PPE Society runs intramural Football and Netball teams that compete against other societies. Football teams play on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and include both 5 a side and 11 a side. Our netball team play in the weekend league. If you want to get involved, join the Facebook groups through the links below and contact Sam Adie (Sport Secretary) via Facebook.
Last year we worked with Help Refugees UK, raising over £600. This year, we are proud to support the Samaritans.
The Samaritans “works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone” a message we believe to be of particular importance in the next year as we tackle the covid-19 crisis and it’s impact in mental health nationwide. Their 24 hour helpline offers crucial support to millions of callers each year. With a local centre in Coventry, The Samaritans also offers a chance for our society to get involved first hand with volunteering. Now more than ever they are in desperate need of our help to continue the amazing support they offer. We look forward to helping out however we can this year!
warwick ppe ranking
The three PPE departments are internationally renowned for their teaching and research. All three departments have been ranked in the top 50 QS World University Rankings (2019) and the top 10 in The Complete University Guide (2019).
Those are the two main choices, I think. UCL has a stronger policy focus while Warwick has a stronger philosophy and economics focus, but both have a really strong interdisciplinary element.
UCL’s PPE course is supposed to be more particular about whether you’re taking maths or not, so if you want to do PPE without maths it might be a better choice (although you’ll need some kind of science instead). Otherwise they’re pretty similar courses, with a lot of overlap in terms of the modules on offer. In my opinion they’re both much more interdisciplinary than Oxford’s PPE course, which is really just a bundle of three different degrees. I know someone who did UCL’s PPE and she liked it a lot – I think she took maths though?
If you’re looking for a great philosophy, politics and economics program, UCL and Warwick both have really great programs.
But if you’re looking for the best interdisciplinary program, Warwick is probably the way to go. They’re really good about stressing the links between philosophy, politics, and economics.
If you’re more interested in policy and quantitative analysis, though, I would recommend UCL’s program. They have a great program that focuses on that kind of thing.
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