Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at UNSW is a three-year on-campus degree that gives you the tools to understand how societies, economies, and governments work — and how to make an impact in the world. You’ll explore everything from political systems and economic decision-making to ethical reasoning, preparing you to tackle complex global challenges with confidence and insight.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in all three areas with courses like Introduction to Politics, Philosophy & Economics, Microeconomics 1, and Foundations of Politics and International Relations. You’ll also develop your critical thinking skills and learn how to analyze problems from multiple angles, giving you the foundation to succeed in later years.

Year 2:
Year two dives deeper into each discipline. You’ll study Microeconomics 2, Political Philosophy, Ethics: Theory and Practice, and Qualitative Research for Political and Social Problems. This is where you start connecting ideas across politics, economics, and philosophy, and you can even begin tailoring your degree with electives or a minor that fits your interests.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on advanced, integrative topics. You’ll take courses such as Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy, Manias, Panics and Crashes: Global Political Economy in an Era of Crisis, and complete a PPE Capstone: Facing Contemporary Challenges. Here, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to real-world problems, developing your own informed perspective on political, economic, and ethical issues.

Focus areas: Politics, international relations, ethical reasoning, economic analysis, research methods

Learning outcomes: By the end of this program, you’ll be able to critically analyze political systems and economic models, communicate ethical positions clearly, carry out both quantitative and qualitative research, and combine insights from multiple fields to solve complex problems.

Professional alignment: This degree is ideal for careers in public policy, economic advisory, advocacy, or leadership. While there’s no specific external accreditation, UNSW’s strong reputation in social sciences and economics gives graduates a real edge in the job market.

Reputation: UNSW is highly ranked in Australia and globally for social sciences and economics, ensuring your degree is respected and recognized by employers worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is designed to give you hands-on experience, not just classroom knowledge. You’ll get to apply your learning to real-world challenges, collaborate on projects with peers, and connect with professionals in politics, economics, and ethics. From research opportunities to internships, and from debates to capstone projects, the program makes sure you’re developing practical skills that employers value — all while enjoying the rich facilities UNSW has to offer.

Here’s how your experiential learning could look in practice:

Internships and placements: Gain real-world experience through work placements with organisations and projects that match your interests in politics, economics, or social policy.
Global exchange opportunities: Study abroad at partner universities like University College Dublin or King’s College London to broaden your perspective and see your learning in action internationally.
Capstone projects: In your final year, you’ll take on an integrative project that challenges you to tackle contemporary issues using insights from politics, philosophy, and economics.
Research centres and institutes: Engage with cutting-edge research through UNSW’s centres such as the Social Policy Research Centre, attending seminars and collaborating on real studies.
Student communities and societies: Join the UNSW PPE Society to participate in debates, discussions, and events — a great way to put your ideas into practice and build your network.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at UNSW gives you the skills and confidence to step into a wide range of meaningful careers. You’ll be ready for roles such as policy analyst, public servant, consultant, or human rights advocate, using your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems to make a real impact in government, NGOs, or the private sector. The degree is designed to make sure you leave university well-prepared and highly employable:

Here’s how UNSW helps you get there:

UNSW Careers & Employability services: Personalized career coaching, résumé workshops, job boards, and networking events help you connect with employers and prepare for the workplace even before you graduate.
Employment outcomes & salary prospects: UNSW graduates enjoy strong employment rates and median salaries above national averages, reflecting how respected the degree is with employers.
Industry partnerships: Partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and corporate organisations give you access to internships, work-integrated learning, and real-world projects.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni go on to careers in government, political parties, advocacy groups, public service, consulting, and economic analysis — anywhere that values critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Further Academic Progression:
After your bachelor’s, you can continue studying with a Master’s in Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, Development Studies, or Law. These postgraduate pathways let you specialise, deepen your knowledge, and prepare for advanced roles in government, international organisations, research, or academia.