Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA

By studying PPE, you will develop a broad and interdisciplinary perspective, combining analytical and critical thinking with an understanding of philosophical arguments, political institutions and economic systems. As you progress, you’ll have the freedom to specialise in areas that match your interests, from sustainability, to social justice, to global ethics or public economics, preparing you to drive meaningful change.

• Think across disciplines: Explore global challenges from multiple perspectives by integrating political analysis, economic reasoning, and philosophical inquiry.
• Gain real-world skills: Develop expertise in research, debate and critical analysis through a curriculum that explores campaigns, elections, policy debates, and protest movements, preparing you for a range of careers in today’s competitive job market.
• Engage in international diplomacy: Take part in Model NATO events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, where you'll broaden your global perspective and decision-making skills in an international setting. 
• Tailor your degree: Choose from a wide selection of optional modules to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career ambitions.
• Learn from world-class academics: Be taught by renowned experts in politics, philosophy, and economics, gaining insights that will shape your thinking and future prospects.

• Lectures: Gain foundational knowledge and insights from expert academics on key concepts, theories, and real-world issues.
• Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture. 
• Workshop: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic. 
• Tutorial: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.  
• 1:1 supervision: You will be provided with an expert subject advisor who will guide you through the research and writing process of your final year dissertation.

Assessment methods and feedback

You will be assessed in a variety of ways across your degree. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessment methods will vary within each module and may include: written coursework, such as essays, formal exams, policy briefs, research papers, blogs, and presentations.

Support during your studies

You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.

• Personal tutors - will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
• Wellbeing Officers - provide professional support, advice and guidance to you across a range of issues. They can discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
• Academic Skills Centre - helps you become a more effective independent learner through a range of high-quality support, with workshops on topics such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
• Student Experience team - will help you get the most out of your academic and social experience, including research opportunities, study skills support and preparing for your post-university careers.

Contact hours: For all undergraduate modules students usually attend 1 lecture and 1 seminar per week.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

General Studies: not accepted

T Levels: all subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

As the most sought-after UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024), our Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether you're interested in government, public policy, economics or global debates, this interdisciplinary degree equips you with the analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills employers value.

PPE graduates go on to careers in government, international organisations, public affairs, finance, consultancy, journalism, and beyond. The versatility of this degree means you can explore roles in policy analysis, economics research, diplomacy, political advising, and making a real impact in today’s rapidly changing world.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.