Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Fremantle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) is a three‑year degree that brings together big ideas from philosophy, governance, and economic reasoning so you understand how societies work and how to make positive change within them. It’s a great fit for curious thinkers who want to analyse ethical questions, study public policy and leadership, and develop practical decision‑making skills for careers in advocacy, government or business.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation across all three disciplines. You’ll begin with units like Introduction to World Politics to understand global political systems, Economics to learn how resources are allocated and markets function, and Methods and Basic Problems of Philosophy to sharpen your critical thinking and reasoning. These early units help you get comfortable with analysing society through multiple lenses and lay the groundwork for deeper study later on.

Year 2:
Second year is where your thinking really starts to expand. You’ll take subjects such as Policy, Democracy and Governance in Australia to explore how decisions are made and who makes them, Quantitative Methods for Business to build practical data skills, and Philosophy of the Human Person which deepens your understanding of human values and ethical frameworks. Working with this mix of theory and practical tools helps you see how ideas influence real‑world outcomes.

Year 3:
In your final year, your studies bring everything together. You’ll tackle units like Microeconomic Theory and Policy and Macroeconomic Theory and Practice to understand economic behaviour at both individual and national scales, and Political Philosophy to analyse how governance and justice intersect. You’ll also complete an internship or professional project in philosophy, politics or business — a real‑world experience that strengthens your skills and makes your learning tangible.

Focus Areas

Philosophical reasoning, political systems and governance, economic analysis, public policy, ethical decision‑making

Learning Outcomes

Critical thinking and ethical reasoning, integrated analysis across disciplines, economic problem‑solving, effective communication, and real‑world policy understanding

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is offered through Notre Dame’s School of Philosophy & Theology and is tailored to equip you with analytical, communication and leadership skills that are valued in government, advocacy, business and community roles. It also includes opportunities for internships and professional projects that connect classroom learning with real workplaces.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Notre Dame Australia is recognised nationally for its emphasis on holistic education and practical professional preparation. Graduates of its programmes often go into diverse careers such as public policy, diplomacy, media, community leadership and economic consulting — showing the broad applicability of the skills developed in a PPE degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Notre Dame, this degree goes far beyond textbooks — you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and build practical skills that employers value. While studying philosophy, politics, and economics, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work collaboratively with peers, and engage in projects that connect your learning to professional environments. The campus also supports your studies with facilities like the Michael J M Wright Library, offering study spaces, research tools, and access to a wide range of print and digital resources.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

Internships and professional projects: Complete internships or professional projects in areas like business, government, or community organisations, giving you real workplace experience and professional connections before you graduate.
Applied coursework: Units such as Policy, Democracy and Governance in Australia, Quantitative Methods for Business, and Public Policy and Practice: The Business of Government include practical exercises that develop analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Collaborative group work: Many units involve discussions, debates, and team projects, helping you build communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Global and cross-cultural opportunities: Take part in study abroad programs, international exchanges, or immersion experiences to broaden your perspective and understand political and economic issues in a global context.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics leave Notre Dame with a unique mix of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, economic insight, and a deep understanding of political systems. You’ll be ready to take on careers like policy analyst, government advisor, economic or political consultant, or communications and advocacy officer, where you can make a real difference in shaping decisions and solving complex challenges. This degree prepares you not just to get a job, but to thrive in roles where your ideas and skills have an impact.

Here’s how Notre Dame helps you turn your degree into career-ready experience:

Career support services: The Careers and Employability Team guides you from your first year through 18 months after graduation, offering personalised advice, resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning.
Employment outcomes: Many graduates secure full-time work quickly, with starting salaries often in the mid-$60,000s, reflecting strong demand for the analytical, communication, and research skills you’ll develop.
Industry connections: Through networking events, workshops, and access to platforms like CareerHub, you’ll meet employers, build professional contacts, and gain insights into the sectors you want to join.
Accreditation and reputation: A degree from Notre Dame is nationally recognised and respected by employers, showing that you’ve received high-quality, rigorous training.
Graduate success: Notre Dame alumni consistently perform well in national graduate surveys for employability and employer satisfaction, giving your qualification long-term value.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue to postgraduate studies to specialise further. Popular pathways include a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Economics, or professional degrees in law or business, giving you the opportunity to deepen your expertise and open doors to senior roles in policy, research, or management.