he PPE degree at King’s College London is designed for curious, ambitious students who want to understand how ideas, policies, and economies shape the world we live in. Blending three powerful disciplines—philosophy, politics, and economics—it’s ideal if you enjoy debating big questions, analysing real-world issues, and seeing how theory translates into practice.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year builds the foundations across all three disciplines. You’ll explore how societies are governed through Comparing Political Systems, sharpen your reasoning with Introduction to Philosophy I & II, and gain essential tools in Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods. Together, these courses set you up with both the critical and analytical skills needed to connect philosophy, politics, and economics from day one.
Year 2
In the second year, the programme moves deeper into applied and conceptual study. You’ll engage with Key Concepts in PPE, while choosing from a wide range of modules across all three subject areas. If you’re on the BSc pathway, you’ll dive further into the technical side by taking at least 45 credits in economics modules—perfect for anyone aiming to master data, markets, and policy analysis. Flexibility also allows you to broaden your horizons by selecting optional modules from other King’s departments.
Year 3
Your final year is where you bring it all together. With a wide choice of advanced modules, you can tailor your degree towards philosophy, politics, economics—or keep the interdisciplinary blend that makes PPE so unique. This is your chance to specialise in topics that inspire you most, while preparing for the kinds of global careers PPE graduates are known for.
Focus areas: Political theory, comparative politics, philosophy of mind and ethics, micro and macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Learning outcomes: Strong analytical reasoning, policy evaluation skills, critical argumentation, and the ability to connect abstract ideas with practical outcomes.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While the PPE degree isn’t linked to a single accrediting body, it offers pathways aligned with careers in government, public policy, NGOs, law, business, and consultancy—fields where King’s graduates are highly sought after.
Reputation (employability rankings): King’s ranks 4th in the UK and 12th in the world for Politics (QS 2024) and is consistently recognised among the top 10 UK universities for graduate employability (Times Higher Education 2025), giving you a degree that stands out internationally.
Experiential Learning
At King’s, studying PPE isn’t just about sitting in lecture halls—it’s about stepping into a world where theory constantly meets practice. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, work closely with professors, and join discussions that connect philosophy, politics, and economics to the challenges shaping today’s world. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to test your ideas outside the classroom—through study abroad, student societies, and thought-provoking events hosted right on campus.
Here’s what makes the experience hands-on and exciting:
One-to-one tutor support – You’ll have a dedicated personal tutor who knows you by name and helps you navigate both academic and career goals.
Inspiring events & guest speakers – From panel debates on democracy and global justice to talks on the ethics of AI, you’ll hear directly from leaders shaping real-world policy and ideas.
Freedom to explore – As you progress, you’ll shape your degree with modules that match your interests, whether it’s political theory, behavioural economics, or applied ethics.
Global study abroad – Imagine spending a semester at Sciences Po in Paris, the University of California, or the National University of Singapore—broadening your perspective and building global networks.
Student-led community – The King’s PPE Society is active and dynamic, recently hosting the first European PPE conference that brought together 400+ students and experts for two days of debate and networking.
World-class resources – You’ll have access to the historic Maughan Library, specialist archives, and a full range of digital tools and IT support to fuel your studies.
A degree in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from King’s doesn’t just open one door—it opens many. Our graduates go on to careers in policy, finance, law, government, and consultancy, equipped with the analytical depth and critical thinking skills employers value worldwide. You’ll be ready for roles such as policy analyst, financial consultant, civil servant, or researcher, making your mark in both public and private sectors.
And what makes King’s even stronger is how we support your journey into the workplace:
Dedicated Careers Support: King’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one coaching, sector-specific events, and internship opportunities, ensuring you gain practical experience alongside your degree.
Employment Outcomes: Recent graduates from the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy progress into leading organisations, with strong employability figures across policy, economics, and law.
Industry Links: Benefit from King’s central London location, with close ties to Parliament, NGOs, financial institutions, and international think tanks—many of which actively recruit King’s graduates.
Global Reputation: A King’s degree carries weight long-term, recognised internationally by employers and institutions alike.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to roles in the UK Civil Service, consultancy firms, global banks, and leading research organisations.
Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies, this degree also sets you up for postgraduate opportunities such as a Master’s in Political Economy, Public Policy, International Relations, or even professional qualifications in law or finance. Many PPE graduates at King’s also progress to research degrees, building on their expertise to shape academic and policy debates worldwide.
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