BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how societies work, why people make the choices they do, and how ideas shape the world around us, this degree is the perfect fit. Hull’s Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) BA (Hons) brings together three powerful disciplines that have shaped governments, policies, and global change for centuries — giving you a unique, well-rounded perspective on the world.

You’ll explore how political decisions are made, question the values that drive them, and understand the economic forces that influence everything from government spending to global trade. It’s an ideal choice for students who love debating ideas, thinking critically, and want a career where they can make a real impact.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Build Your Foundations

Your first year introduces you to the essential ideas that underpin politics, philosophy, and economics. You’ll examine how political systems work, explore classic and contemporary philosophical debates, and learn how economic models explain real-world issues. Modules like Introduction to Political Ideologies, Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Economics, and Introduction to Policy-Making set the stage, while Science and Social Values and Introduction to Global Political Economy show how these disciplines intersect in real life.

By the end of the year, you’ll have a solid understanding of how governments function, how ideas shape society, and how economies drive decision-making.

Year 2 – Deepen Your Knowledge

In the second year, you’ll start connecting the dots between politics, philosophy, and economics and applying theory to practical issues. You’ll explore topics such as Rethinking Political Economy, advanced political theory, and ethical reasoning, while also developing strong research skills. You’ll investigate how political decisions affect economies, how moral philosophy shapes policy, and how evidence and data guide public decisions.

This is the year you sharpen your analytical thinking and learn to approach complex problems from multiple angles.

Year 3 – Specialise and Shape Your Future

Your final year is all about applying what you’ve learned and preparing for your next step. You’ll design and complete a major Final Year Project or Dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, choosing advanced modules across politics, philosophy, and economics that align with your career goals — from political economy and ethics to public policy and economic analysis.

There are exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, too: you could work with an MP or peer in Westminster, or even study abroad to gain international experience.

Focus Areas

Public policy, political economy, ethics and political theory, comparative government, global governance, philosophy of science, and applied economics.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:

Analyse political systems and arguments with confidence.
Evaluate ethical issues and philosophical debates.
Interpret and apply economic data to real-world challenges.
Design and conduct independent research.
Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Professional Alignment

This degree sets you up for a wide range of careers — from public policy, politics, and civil service to journalism, research, NGOs, and international organisations. It’s also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in any of the three disciplines.

Reputation & Employability

Politics at Hull achieved a 100% employability rate (UK domicile, full-time first degree graduates, Graduate Outcomes 2021/22).
Ranked 3rd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction for Politics – Guardian University Guide 2025.

With a strong reputation for teaching and real-world experience, Hull’s PPE graduates go on to shape policy, influence debate, and drive change at every level.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Hull, learning isn’t limited to lectures — it’s about stepping into the real world of politics, policy, and decision-making from the very start of your degree. This course is built around hands-on experiences that help you apply what you learn in class to real-life situations. Whether you’re analysing economic policies, debating philosophical ideas, or exploring how governments work, you’ll gain the skills and confidence employers look for by doing, not just studying.

What makes the experience at Hull stand out is how much exposure you get to professional environments and industry-level opportunities. From spending time inside the UK Parliament to working on independent research projects and studying abroad, you’ll graduate with more than just a degree — you’ll have real-world experience to back it up:

Work inside Parliament: Spend three months in Westminster working alongside an MP or member of the House of Lords. You’ll also attend exclusive seminars with senior parliamentary figures like the Speaker and Black Rod, giving you an insider’s view of how government operates.
Politics-related internships: Gain valuable work experience through placements with political organisations, think tanks, NGOs, or public sector bodies, helping you put theory into practice and build your professional network.
Study abroad for a trimester: Broaden your perspective and boost your CV by spending a term at a partner university in Europe, the US, or Hong Kong, experiencing how politics, economics and philosophy work in different contexts.
Small-group teaching and 1:1 supervision: Discuss ideas in depth during interactive seminars and tutorials, and work closely with expert tutors who guide you through your projects and research.
Research methods and final-year project: Learn how to design and deliver your own original research through specialist training, culminating in a major final-year project that showcases your skills.
Outstanding study facilities: Access the Brynmor Jones Library — a seven-storey space with over a million books and extensive digital resources — along with modern lecture theatres, quiet reading rooms, and collaborative study spaces.
Digital and archival tools: Make the most of global research databases, government archives, and digital resources to support your assignments, essays, and dissertations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Hull, your degree goes far beyond the classroom. This is a course where ideas meet action — where you won’t just learn how the world works, you’ll step into it. Through placements, research projects, study abroad opportunities, and close mentorship, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and real-world experience that employers and graduate schools are looking for.

From working inside Parliament to designing your own research project, every stage of your studies is designed to help you apply theory to practice and graduate ready to make an impact. Here’s how you’ll do it:

Step inside Westminster: One of the most exciting parts of the course is the chance to spend three months working in the UK Parliament alongside an MP or a member of the House of Lords. You’ll also join exclusive seminars led by senior figures like the Speaker and Black Rod, giving you a rare insider’s perspective on how decisions are made at the highest level.
Real-world work experience: You’ll have the opportunity to take on politics-related internships and placements with organisations such as think tanks, NGOs, charities, or government bodies, building practical skills and a strong professional network before you even graduate.
Study abroad and see the bigger picture: Politics and economics don’t stop at national borders — and neither will you. You can choose to spend a trimester studying at one of Hull’s partner universities in Europe, the US, or Hong Kong, adding an international dimension to your degree and CV.
Personalised teaching and mentoring: Learning at Hull is interactive and personal. Through small-group tutorials and one-to-one supervision, you’ll dive deeper into ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop the ability to think critically and independently.
Design and deliver your own research: You’ll learn how to plan and carry out original research from your first year, culminating in a final-year project that lets you explore a topic you’re passionate about and showcase your expertise.
Outstanding spaces and digital tools: Make the most of the Brynmor Jones Library, a seven-storey learning hub with over a million books, extensive digital archives, and panoramic study spaces. You’ll also use cutting-edge online resources and global research databases to support your studies and projects.

All of this is designed to give you more than a degree — you’ll graduate with practical experience, a global perspective, and the confidence to take your next step, whether that’s a career in policy, government, business, or beyond.