Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BA (Hons)

At Swansea, studying PPE isn’t just about learning from books — it’s about stepping into the real world of politics, economics, and policy-making. From your first year, you’ll be encouraged to put theory into practice through placements, field visits, collaborative projects, and hands-on research. These experiences not only deepen your understanding of the subjects but also help you graduate with the practical skills and confidence employers are looking for.

Here’s how Swansea turns learning into real-world experience:

• Work with the Welsh Parliament: One of the highlights of the course is the chance to complete a placement with the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament). You’ll spend time working directly with an Assembly Member, gaining firsthand insight into how political decisions are made and policies are shaped.

• Year in Industry option: Choose the “with a Year in Industry” pathway and spend up to 12 months working in a relevant organisation. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned, build a strong CV, and often earn a salary before you graduate.

• Parliamentary studies and field visits: Through the British Parliamentary Studies module, you’ll be taught by experts alongside members of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords — and even visit Parliament in London to watch debates and political processes unfold.

• Collaborative projects and presentations: Many of your assessments are designed to mirror real workplace challenges, including group projects, research-based coursework, and public speaking tasks — building teamwork and communication skills.

• Study abroad opportunities: Add an international dimension to your degree by spending a semester at one of Swansea’s global partner universities. This is an excellent way to explore how different political and economic systems work around the world.

• Specialist career support: Swansea’s dedicated Internships and Placements team will support you in finding relevant roles, preparing your applications, and making the most of work experience opportunities during your degree.

• World-class facilities and resources: You’ll have access to Swansea’s extensive library and digital archives, cutting-edge research centres, and departmental support networks — all designed to enhance your studies and support independent research projects.

A degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Swansea is more than just a qualification — it’s a launchpad into a wide range of impactful and rewarding careers. Because you’ll graduate with analytical, ethical, and strategic thinking skills, employers in both the public and private sectors highly value PPE graduates. Many go on to become policy analysts, management consultants, public affairs specialists, or research advisors, while others work in government departments, international organisations, NGOs, or major global companies.

Here’s how Swansea sets you up for success after graduation:

• Tailored career support: From day one, you’ll have access to Swansea’s Careers and Employability team, who provide one-on-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, career fairs, and exclusive networking events. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences also has a dedicated employability team to help you plan your career path and connect with opportunities relevant to PPE graduates.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Around 85% of Swansea graduates are working or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation. PPE graduates typically start with salaries around £24,000 – £30,000, with economics-focused roles averaging closer to £28,000.

• Exclusive political and industry connections: One of the standout features of this degree is the internship opportunity with the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), where you can spend a semester working directly with an Assembly Member. You’ll also benefit from Swansea’s partnerships with the UK House of Commons and House of Lords through the British Parliamentary Studies module. Graduates from the program have gone on to roles with organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers, Westminster Forum Projects, and the Labour Party.

• A qualification that stands out: Although not tied to a single accrediting body, PPE is recognised worldwide as a versatile and respected degree. The combination of ethical reasoning, policy understanding, and quantitative analysis it offers makes you highly employable in government, consultancy, research, and global development sectors.

• Impressive career destinations: Alumni have built careers in government, public service, consulting, communications, and international policy — often taking on roles where they shape decisions, advise leaders, and contribute to solving global challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your PPE degree, you’ll have plenty of options to deepen your expertise. Many graduates choose to pursue master’s degrees in areas like Public Policy, International Relations, Political Economy, or Ethics, while others go on to complete an MRes or PhD in economics, political science, or philosophy. Swansea also offers strong postgraduate support to help you plan your next steps and secure funding for advanced study.