Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Autonomous University of Madrid

Program Overview

The Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) is an interdisciplinary program that equips you with critical thinking skills across philosophy, political science, and economics to tackle real-world challenges like governance, policy, and global markets. It's perfect for curious students who love debating ideas, analyzing power dynamics, and understanding economic forces—think future leaders, analysts, or policymakers ready to make an impact.

Curriculum Structure
First Year
You'll kick off with a strong foundation in core concepts, starting in the first semester at UAM with subjects like Introduction to Political Science (18971) and Constitutional Organisation of the State, building your grasp of political systems and governance basics. The second semester dives deeper with courses such as Contemporary Political Philosophy (18985) at partner institutions, alongside introductory economics and stats, helping you connect philosophical ideas to modern political realities in an engaging, hands-on way.

Second Year
Building momentum, you'll explore political dynamics through Political Actors and Collective Action (18981) and Political Analysis and Theories of Democracy (18982), learning how groups influence decisions and what makes democracies tick. Paired with Macroeconomics (18983) and Descriptive Statistics (18984), this year sharpens your ability to analyze data-driven policies and economic trends, blending theory with practical tools for insightful debates.

Third and Fourth Years
Advanced years focus on electives and specialization, including options like Comparative Politics (17916), Economic Transformation and Sustainability (19542), and Internship (19421) for real-world experience across UAM's Faculty of Economics, Law, and Business. You'll wrap up with the End-of-Degree Project (18997, 12 ECTS) and choices in areas like philosophy, markets, or elections (e.g., Elections and Political Behavior (17923)), customizing your path to align with career goals while totaling 240 ECTS.

Focus Areas
Philosophy and Contemporary Thought; Political Analysis and Democracy; Macroeconomics and Policy; Markets, Regulation, and Welfare; Sustainability and Global Economics.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates gain expertise in interdisciplinary analysis, critical evaluation of political-economic systems, data-driven decision-making, ethical reasoning, and research skills for policy, consulting, or leadership roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Fully accredited under Spain's Bologna Process, offered through UAM's Faculty of Economics and Business (Campus Cantoblanco), with collaborations at UC3M and UPF for a robust, internationally recognized degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UAM ranks among Spain's top universities for economics and politics (e.g., QS World Rankings place it in the global top 200 for Social Sciences), with PPE grads excelling in employability through strong faculty expertise and internship networks in Madrid's policy hubs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Autonomous University of Madrid's Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), you'll dive into hands-on learning right from the start, building real-world skills through internships, research-aligned projects, and access to top-notch facilities across our Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. These resources let you apply political theory, economic analysis, and philosophical debates to practical scenarios, like policy evaluation or quantitative modeling, all while collaborating in dynamic group settings. Our program emphasizes experiential opportunities that connect classroom knowledge to professional practice, preparing you for careers in public policy, consulting, or international relations.

Here's how you can get involved:
- Internships: Take the 18 ECTS optional INTERNSHIP course (code 19421) offered annually through the Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences and Faculty of Law, giving you direct professional experience in relevant fields.
- Group projects and research facilities: Engage in collaborative work supported by departments like Economic Analysis (focusing on game theory, microeconomics, and quantitative methods) and Political Science, with access to advanced research spaces in the new CEI UAM+CSIC building featuring dedicated libraries, seminar rooms, and conference areas for Economics-related disciplines.
- Libraries and specialized centers: Use upgraded library facilities in the Faculty of Economics (under renewal to top standards) and shared resources like the Instituto de Formación Continua for ongoing skill-building in politics and economics.
- Quantitative and digital tools: Leverage stats-focused courses like DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS (6 ECTS) and research in microeconometrics, digital economy, and explainable AI for economic forecasting from the Department of Economic Analysis.

Imagine turning these experiences into your edge—students who seize them graduate ready to lead. Applying is straightforward; spots fill fast for this interdisciplinary powerhouse.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Grado en Filosofía, Política y Economía at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid develop strong analytical, ethical, and economic thinking skills that prepare them to understand complex social and global challenges. This interdisciplinary background opens doors to careers in public institutions, international organisations, consulting, media, research, and policy-related roles such as Policy Analyst, Public Sector Advisor, International Relations Officer, and Strategic Consultant. Employers value this degree because it combines critical reasoning with practical understanding of politics and economics:

University services that support employment: The university offers career guidance services, employability workshops, CV and interview training, and employment fairs where students can connect directly with companies and institutions. These activities help students prepare for the job market and build professional networks.
Employment opportunities and outcomes: Graduates are well prepared for roles in public administration, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy firms, research centres, and private companies that require strong analytical and decision-making skills. The degree’s interdisciplinary structure supports access to diverse professional fields.
University–industry connections: Through institutional partnerships, academic collaborations, and employment events, students gain exposure to professional environments and potential internship opportunities that strengthen real-world experience.
Long-term academic recognition: The degree is officially recognised within the Spanish higher education system, ensuring its academic validity and value for future studies or professional development.
Graduation outcomes: Students complete the programme with a solid foundation in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and social understanding, which are highly transferable skills across sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through master’s programmes in areas such as political science, economics, philosophy, public policy, international relations, or related interdisciplinary fields. This progression allows for deeper specialisation, preparation for research careers, or advancement into higher-level professional roles. Many graduates also choose postgraduate studies to strengthen expertise and enhance international career opportunities.