Enter OTP
3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Loughborough UniversityIf you’re the kind of person who’s always questioning how societies work, why governments make certain choices, or how ideas shape the economy, then this PPE degree is built for you. At Loughborough, politics, philosophy, and economics come together to help you tackle the world’s biggest challenges — from climate policy and inequality to justice and global power — giving you the tools to think critically, argue persuasively, and lead change.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Build your foundations
Your first year introduces you to the core principles of all three disciplines. You’ll explore how political systems and ideologies shape the world in Power, Politics & Ideology in Modern Europe, dive into the fundamental ideas behind Introduction to Philosophy, and understand how economies function in Introduction to Macroeconomics and Introduction to Microeconomics. Alongside this, Academic Foundations in International Relations, Politics & History builds your analytical and communication skills, setting you up for success.
Year 2 – Deepen your understanding
In your second year, you’ll refine your research and analytical abilities with modules like Theories and Methods in Political Research and Research Design. You’ll also start shaping your degree around your interests with options such as Politics of Development, Economics of the Financial System, Contemporary Debates in Philosophy, and History of Political Thought. This is where you’ll learn to connect ideas across disciplines — thinking about how philosophical principles influence policy decisions or how economic systems drive political change.
Final Year – Specialise and apply your knowledge
Your final year is all about focus and independence. You’ll undertake a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, developing advanced research skills and expertise in a specialist area. Optional modules like Emerging Threats in the 21st Century, Philosophy and Public Policy, Financial Economics, and International Economic Relations let you tailor your learning and prepare for your chosen career path. By the end, you’ll graduate with the ability to think critically and act confidently in complex political and economic environments.
Focus areas: Political economy, public policy, political theory, applied ethics, institutional analysis, economic modelling, and interdisciplinary research.
Learning outcomes: Critical reasoning, data literacy, persuasive communication, quantitative and qualitative research skills, and the ability to integrate insights from multiple disciplines.
Professional alignment: While the course isn’t tied to a single accrediting body, its multidisciplinary training is highly valued in careers across government, consultancy, public policy, finance, NGOs, and research.
Reputation (employability rankings): Loughborough is consistently ranked among the UK’s best for student experience and graduate prospects, with its politics and social sciences programs placing in the Top 20 nationally (Complete University Guide 2026).
Studying PPE at Loughborough is about much more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about applying what you learn to real issues and building the skills employers are looking for. From day one, you’ll take part in interactive seminars, research projects, and group work that mirror the challenges faced by policymakers, analysts, and consultants in the real world. And because this degree brings together three powerful disciplines, you’ll constantly see how ideas connect across politics, philosophy, and economics — and how they shape the decisions that impact societies.
You’ll also have access to world-class facilities, expert-led research centres, and opportunities to step beyond the classroom. Here’s how you’ll put theory into action:
Spend a year on placement in government, think tanks, finance, consultancy, NGOs, or international organisations — gaining valuable experience and building your network before you graduate.
Choose a study abroad year to experience global political and economic systems firsthand, while strengthening your cultural awareness and career prospects.
Take part in group projects, policy simulations, and case studies, where you’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills by tackling real-world problems.
Use facilities like the Haslegrave Computer Lab, modern seminar spaces, and the Pilkington Library to support your research and collaborative work.
Get involved with leading research hubs such as the Centre for Security Studies (CSS) and the Online Civic Culture Centre (O3C), where students can contribute to cutting-edge work on diplomacy, security, social media, and political communication.
Attend regular guest lectures and research events, where experts from government, business, and academia share insights on the latest global challenges.
A PPE degree from Loughborough opens doors to some of the most influential and rewarding careers out there. Graduates leave with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that employers value across industries — from government and public policy to consulting, finance, and global organisations. Whether you dream of shaping policy, advising businesses, or tackling global challenges, this degree equips you with the tools to make a real impact.
Typical career paths include roles such as policy analyst, strategic consultant, public affairs specialist, and research officer, and many alumni have gone on to work in government departments, NGOs, think tanks, financial services, and media organisations. Here’s what helps you get there:
Loughborough’s dedicated Careers Network offers personalised career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and support in securing internships and graduate roles.
An impressive 86.3% of graduates are in graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
PPE graduates enjoy strong earning potential, with average starting salaries of around £27,500 within 15 months, rising to about £29,000 after three years.
The course’s interdisciplinary nature ensures long-term career value, as employers across public policy, consultancy, international organisations, finance, and research actively seek out PPE graduates.
You’ll also have the chance to gain real-world experience through placement years and study abroad options, giving you a competitive edge even before graduation.
Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to build on their PPE degree with postgraduate study in areas such as Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Economic Policy, or Philosophy. Others go on to pursue a PhD, opening doors to research, academia, and leadership roles in government and global institutions.
A Levels AABIB 35 (6,6,5 HL)Indian High School Leaving Certificate 78%–88% (CBSE, ISCE, West Bengal) or 83%–93% (other boards) from the best four subjects, with specific subject marks sometimes needed.American Curriculum 3.2/4.0 GPA, AP scores of 5, 5, and 4, plus either SAT I Math 570+ or an ACT score of at least 27 overall with 26 in each component is required.IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).TOEFL 92, with at least 22 in each sub-scorePolicy Analyst Political Consultant Public Affairs Specialist / Government Relations Officer Research Officer / Social Researcher Management Consultant / Strategy Analyst Economic or Financial Analyst Journalist / Political Correspondent Diplomatic Services Officer / International Relations Specialist
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
