The Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree was launched in September 2009. It takes its title from the prestigious Oxford programme of the same name that was established in 1920, initially as the basis for a career in the senior ranks of the Civil Service. This degree takes a more integrated approach to the study of PPE than many comparable programmes. It is based on the view that, to understand social phenomena, one must approach them from several disciplinary directions. Politics acquaints students with the institutions and processes that produce decisions governing our lives. Philosophy develops analytical rigour, the ability to reason logically, critically and ethically. Economics helps in understanding government policy and the choices facing businesses, governments and society. This degree illuminates how these three areas complement one another.
A Level: AAA | A-level General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally excluded from offers. However, the grade achieved may be taken into account when results are published in August and may be used in a tie-break situation. GCSE Maths grade B is required. | Scottish Higher: AAAAB | Intermediate 2 grade B in Maths, Standard Grade 2 in Maths or National 5 Maths grade B is also required. | Access to HE Diploma: 39 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 6 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 60 credits is required, including 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Maths grade B. | Scottish Advanced Higher: AAA | Intermediate 2 grade B in Maths, Standard Grade 2 in Maths or National 5 Maths grade B is also required. | Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) | Successful completion of QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades of D*D*D*. GCSE Maths grade B/6 is required. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 36 UCAS points | Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma with 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level. GCSE Maths grade B or Standard Level Maths grade 5 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma is required. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) | Successful completion of RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades of D*D*D*. GCSE Maths grade B/6 is required. | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H2H2H3H3H3H3 | If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics is required.
The tuition fees quoted above are the 2026/27 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further information on Fees and Funding can be found at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/. — QUB Fees for 2027/28 Entry (Classroom based)
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