BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics


Key information
- Start date
- Duration
- 3 years
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- On Campus
- Fees
-
Home: £9,535
International: £22,870 - Course code
- L0E0
- Entry requirements
-
A Levels: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB
-
See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements.
Course overview
The BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) programme at SOAS offers you the rich and exciting opportunity to study three disciplines crucial for understanding, analysing and shaping the contemporary world: Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
Moreover, unlike other PPE degrees, the SOAS programme offers a rigorous and balanced focus in each discipline area across the three years of study.
At SOAS, we look at politics, philosophy, and economics from a decolonial and global perspective, equipping our students with a robust cosmopolitan outlook that is highly valued by employers. In the programme, you will be introduced to core topics, debates and methods in each of the three disciplines, focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Our uniquely interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach offers 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 you 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.
Why study BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics at SOAS?
- We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 4th globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- SOAS is ranked 27th in UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- In the 2023 NSS, BA World Philosophies scored above sector in the following categories: teaching quality (92%, >3%), learning opportunities (84%, >4%), academic support (91%, 4%), student voice (72%, >1%)
- We offer a state-of-art decolonial philosophy curricula, which is further enhanced by research-led teaching and by critical pedagogical practices designed to enhance students’ digital literacy, cultural sensibilities, and ability to challenge the status quo and become agents for transformative progressive change
- You will be exposed to the innovative work and seminar series of the SOAS Centre for Global and Comparative Philosophies.
- Students can choose to study an African, or Asian, or Middle Eastern language in Second Year and in Final Year
Structure
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Year 1 - Core
Year 1 - Compulsory
Year 1 - Guided options
30 credits from List A
Year 2 - Compulsory
Year 2 - Guided options - List B
Up to 30 credits from List B
Year 2 - Guided options - List C
Up to 30 credits from List C
Year 2 - Guided options - List D
Up to 30 credits from List D
Year 3 - Core
Year 3 - Compulsory
Year 3 - Guided options - List E
Up to 30 credits from List E
Year 3 - Guided options - List F
Up to 30 credits from List F
Year 3 - Guided options - List G
Up to 30 credits from List G
Teaching and learning
Teaching and learning take various forms appropriate for different disciplines and topics covered in the PPE programme. Some of our modules are taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials with lectures providing broad overviews of the topic, and tutorials giving students the opportunity to discuss readings and key issues in small groups.
Contact hours
In the final year, modules may also take the form of two-hour seminars allowing for deeper engagement with more specialised topics, while others combine innovative use of audio-visual materials, practical exercises, group discussions and conventional lecturing
The programme provides methodological and skills training throughout and allows final year students to undertake an independent research project supervised by an academic member of staff from one of the three disciplines. Upon completion, students will have acquired a range of transferable skills beyond the subject matter. These skills include the ability to collect and synthesise information, read and evaluate complex materials, assess evidence, construct arguments and communicate effectively.
In addition, a lively events programme with prominent speakers from academia and the policy world allows students to engage with cutting edge debates on contemporary politics beyond the classroom.
Learning resources
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2025/26 entrants per academic year
Programme | Full-time | |
---|---|---|
Home students | Overseas students | |
BA, BSc, LLB | £9,535 | £22,870 |
BA/BSc Language year abroad | £1,385 | £11,430 |
See undergraduate fees for further details.
Employment
SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- BBC World Service
- Bloomberg
- British Red Cross
- British Council
- Center for International Peace Operations
- Channel 4
- Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
- Department for International Development (DfID)
- Eversheds LLP
- Financial Times
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
- Global Policy Institute
- Go East Consulting
- Grassroot Diplomat
- Palestine Red Crescent Association
- Save the Children
- UNICEF Ethiopia
- United Nations
Find out about our Careers Service.