BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

This degree helps you understand how politics, philosophy, and economics work together to shape the world we live in. It’s perfect for students who enjoy asking big questions, debating ideas, and exploring why societies function the way they do.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a strong foundation. You’ll explore ideas through modules like Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Political Philosophy, and Economics, helping you see how governments, people, and markets make decisions. It’s a year that opens your mind and gets you thinking differently about everyday issues.

Year 2:
In Year 2, you start applying what you’ve learned. Modules such as Managing Data & Information, Politics, the Economy and the Good Life, and PPE in Practice show you how to use real data, evaluate policies, and connect theory to real-world challenges. You’ll work more independently and develop stronger analytical skills.

Year 3:
Your final year brings everything together. You’ll complete a major research project through Research Project in PPE and choose modules like Global Justice, The Politics of War and Organised Violence, or Contemporary Economic Policy. This is where you specialise, refine your arguments, and prepare for your next steps—whether a career or further study.

Focus areas

Politics, ethical reasoning, economic analysis, global issues, critical thinking, data interpretation, independent research

Learning outcomes

You’ll learn how to analyse real-world problems, build strong arguments, understand global political and economic systems, think ethically, handle data, and communicate clearly. You’ll also gain confidence in conducting independent research and forming well-reasoned judgments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Although the course doesn’t list a formal accreditation, it’s designed with employability in mind—offering practical learning, industry connections, and opportunities for work experience to help you build a strong career path.

Reputation (employability rankings)

LJMU highlights strong national recognition, with its International Relations courses ranked 7th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide—reflecting the quality and relevance of its teaching.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is at the heart of LJMU’s Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree. Instead of just studying theories on paper, you’ll constantly test them in real situations—through field trips, policy simulations, workshops, employer-linked projects, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience. LJMU deliberately designs the course so you’re not only learning about politics, society and economics, but actually seeing how these forces shape people’s lives. Whether you’re analysing political debates in another city, stepping into the shoes of a NATO delegate, or working alongside professionals during a placement, you’ll be developing the skills and confidence needed for graduate-level careers.

Students often say this is where the degree feels “real”: when you’re travelling with your classmates, negotiating inside a simulation chamber, interviewing policymakers, or working with data that mirrors what analysts use in government and industry. To show you how LJMU brings your learning to life, here are the major experiential components you’ll get:

Hands-On Opportunities and Practical Learning

Field trips to politically significant locations like Edinburgh and Northern Ireland, where you observe political institutions, community relations and policy issues in context. These trips help you connect classroom concepts with real political environments.
Model NATO simulation exercises, giving you the chance to take on diplomatic roles, debate pressing global issues, negotiate resolutions, and understand how international cooperation and conflict unfold.
Work-based learning and internships integrated into the programme, allowing you to work with organisations connected to policy, governance, public affairs, international development, media, research and NGOs. These experiences are extremely valuable for your CV and career direction.
Study abroad opportunities through LJMU’s international partners, where you can experience different political cultures, economic systems and philosophical perspectives while earning academic credit.
Practical workshops across modules such as Managing Data & Information, where you learn how to handle datasets, interpret evidence, manage information systems and apply digital tools—skills widely used by policy analysts, researchers and economists.
Small-group seminars and policy problem-solving sessions, where you practise reasoning, debating, interviewing, and presenting arguments clearly—mirroring the work of real policy professionals.
Access to LJMU's modern libraries, research spaces and digital resources, supporting your independent research, final-year project and ongoing academic development.
Employer engagement and guest sessions from professionals working in politics, economics, public policy and ethics, giving you insight into real career pathways and current industry challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from LJMU’s PPE degree step into careers where they can genuinely influence decisions, shape policy, and understand the bigger picture behind social and economic change. Many go on to roles such as Policy Analyst, Public Affairs Advisor, Research Officer, or Government Relations Specialist, using their ability to think critically and communicate clearly. The strength of the programme is that it opens doors across government, non-profits, international organisations, and the private sector — wherever thoughtful decision-making matters.

To support your journey, LJMU offers a strong employability ecosystem that stays with you from day one:

Student Futures, LJMU’s specialist careers service, provides personalised guidance, CV support, interview practice, employer events, and access to paid internships — helping you feel confident about your next steps.
LJMU’s graduate performance is strong, with 95% of students in work or further study within 15 months, showing how well the university prepares you for the real world.
Long-term data shows that LJMU graduates do well financially too, with average earnings rising to over £40,000 within 10 years of graduation, and even higher for those working in London.
Courses across the School are built with work-based learning and employer involvement, meaning practical experience and industry exposure are an expected part of your academic journey.
The interdisciplinary nature of PPE — touching politics, ethics, and economics — gives you a skillset that employers value for leadership, policy-making, and analytical roles.

Further Academic Progression:

You’ll also be well-prepared for postgraduate study. Many PPE graduates pursue master’s degrees in areas like Public Policy, International Relations, Ethics, Economic Policy, or eventually an MBA, depending on their career path. This degree gives you the academic depth and versatility to keep moving forward.