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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of LiverpoolIf you’re fascinated by how societies work and want to understand the world from different perspectives, Liverpool’s BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) is an exciting choice. This degree brings together three powerful subjects, helping you think critically about ethics and ideas, make sense of governments and institutions, and analyse the forces that drive economies.
Curriculum Structure
Year One
Your first year builds the essentials. In Economics, you’ll tackle Mathematical Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Statistics. Politics introduces you to British politics and international relations, while Philosophy equips you with the Philosophy Toolkit to sharpen your reasoning skills.
Year Two
In second year, you deepen your understanding of Economics and choose core Philosophy modules such as Ethics or Epistemology. Politics becomes more flexible—you can explore areas that match your interests, from international conflict to policy-making. If you’re on the four-year course with industry, this is also when you prepare for your placement.
Final Year
Your final year is about specialisation and applying your knowledge. You’ll select advanced modules across all three disciplines and either complete a dissertation on a PPE theme or gain professional experience through a work placement. The four-year pathway includes a year in industry, giving you hands-on insight into real policy and business environments.
Focus areas: Economics, Politics, Philosophy, Research/Dissertation, Work Placement
Learning outcomes: Critical analysis, data and maths skills, persuasive writing and speaking, ethical and policy reasoning, real-world application
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a single profession, PPE graduates are highly regarded in government, NGOs, consultancy, business, and finance
Reputation (employability rankings): Gold rated in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, Top 150 worldwide (QS 2026), and strong research reputation with 91% world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021)
At Liverpool, PPE isn’t just about books and lectures—it’s about applying ideas to the real world. From digital research projects to work placements, you’ll have plenty of chances to test your skills, collaborate with others, and connect with organisations that matter. Whether you’re presenting in small group seminars, working with cultural partners, or spending a year in industry, you’ll graduate with practical experience as well as academic knowledge.
Here’s what you can expect:
Digital Inquiry Project (PHIL311): You’ll design your own research, use digital platforms to present your findings, and learn how to communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging ways.
Year in Industry option: Take a full paid placement in a role linked to politics, philosophy, or economics—gaining professional experience before you even graduate.
Interactive seminars: Small discussion groups give you space to debate, present, and sharpen your communication skills.
Digital tools and IT support: You’ll use modern computing labs and design workshops to bring your projects to life.
Dedicated facilities: Study in Gillian Howie House, designed with inclusive seminar spaces, alongside full access to the University’s libraries, study centres, and digital resources.
Community partnerships: Work with Liverpool’s cultural institutions such as Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, and the NHS, connecting your learning to real social and cultural issues.
A PPE degree from Liverpool opens doors to a wide variety of careers. Graduates are well prepared for roles in public policy, government, finance, NGOs, international development, media, and consultancy. Employers particularly value the mix of analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills you’ll gain.
And you’ll have plenty of support along the way:
The Careers and Employability Service gives you one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and access to thousands of opportunities through the Handshake platform.
Strong graduate outcomes — around 86% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with Economics graduates earning an average salary of £29,000 soon after graduation and rising significantly in the following years.
The Year in Industry pathway lets you spend a full paid year working with organisations such as think tanks, government departments, charities, or financial firms.
You’ll also join a global alumni and Graduate+ network, keeping you connected with career opportunities even after graduation.
Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue into postgraduate study, with options such as MA in Philosophy, MSc in Politics, or MSc in Economics at Liverpool or other top universities. These advanced degrees can pave the way to careers in academia, research, high-level consultancy, or public service leadership.
AAB including A in Mathematics, with up to two-grade reduction available through contextual offers.Standard X and XII with 70–85%, depending on the course and exam board. Some courses may ask for overall score or specific subject marks (e.g., 85% overall with 85% in Maths).High school diploma with GPA 3.0 plus either 3 AP exams (4–5), or 2 AP exams (4–5) with an IB Higher Level certificate, or 2 AP exams (4–5) with an Honors/College class (B+ or higher).International Baccalaureate 34 points overall with no score less than 4 including 6 in higher level Maths or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,6,5 in 3 HL subjects including 6 in higher level Maths.IELT 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.International fees Full-time place, per year - £24,100 Year in industry fee - £1,850 Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)Civil service and public policy Law or legal services Journalism and media Marketingadvertisingand management roles Teaching or academia Third sector or charitable organisations
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