Overview and entry requirements

BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree offers the opportunity to study three disciplines crucial for understanding, analysing and shaping the contemporary world: Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). At SOAS, we look at these disciplines from a non-Western perspective, equipping our students with a global outlook that is valued by employers.

In the first year students will be introduced to core topics, debates and methods in each of the three disciplines, focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A dedicated core module helps to establish relationships between the three disciplines and to develop an applied outlook. The interdisciplinary and regional approach is fostered and pursued in subsequent years, offering increased specialisation within each of the three subjects, as well as the opportunity to study one of the vast range of languages offered at SOAS.

A SOAS PPE degree will equip students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors at national and international levels, including in public policy, governmental or non-governmental organisations, diplomacy, data management, risk analysis, business and finance.

See Department of Politics and International Studies

Why study BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics at SOAS

• we’re ranked 5th in the UK for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2021)
• an interdisciplinary approach throughout the three years
• discuss core issues in politics, philosophy and economics from the perspective of Asia, Africa and the Middle East
• students can choose to study a language in second and third years
  
  

Explore

• Global connections: Politics, Philosophy and Economics at SOAS
• Graduates tell us why Economics at SOAS is so unique

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

Structure

Year 1 

Core Modules 

Students will take the following 4 core modules (90 credits total):

AND 

Guided Options 

Choose modules from List A below to the value of 30 credits.

List A

Year 2

Students will take "Philosophy of Interpretation and Understanding" plus 30 credits from each Lists B, C and D. They also have the option of taking a language (30 credits).

List B

List C 

List D 

Year 3 

Students will take "Research Project in Politics, Philosophies, and Economics", "Global Economic Policy", 15 credits from List E and 30 credits from each List F and List G.

They also have the option of taking a language (30 credits).

List E

List F 

List G 

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

Teaching and learning take various forms appropriate for different disciplines and topics covered in the PPE programme. Some of our modules are taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials with lectures providing broad overviews of the topic, and tutorials giving students the opportunity to discuss readings and key issues in small groups.

Contact hours

In the final year, modules may also take the form of two-hour seminars allowing for deeper engagement with more specialised topics, while others combine innovative use of audio-visual materials, practical exercises, group discussions and conventional lecturing

The programme provides methodological and skills training throughout and allows final year students to undertake an independent research project supervised by an academic member of staff from one of the three disciplines. Upon completion, students will have acquired a range of transferable skills beyond the subject matter. These skills include the ability to collect and synthesise information, read and evaluate complex materials, assess evidence, construct arguments and communicate effectively.

In addition, a lively events programme with prominent speakers from academia and the policy world allows students to engage with cutting edge debates on contemporary politics beyond the classroom.

Learning resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Tuition fees

Fees for 2022/23 entrants per academic year

Please note that fees go up each year. 

For full details of undergraduate tuition fees, see our Registry's undergraduate tuition fees page.

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

Employment

SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.

Recent graduates from the Department of Politics and International Studies have been hired by:

• BBC World Service
• Bloomberg
• British Red Cross
• British Council
• Center for International Peace Operations
• Channel 4
• Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
• Department for International Development (DfID)
• Eversheds LLP
• Financial Times
• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
• Global Policy Institute
• Go East Consulting
• Grassroot Diplomat
• Palestine Red Crescent Association
• Save the Children
• UNICEF Ethiopia
• United Nations

Find out about our Careers Service. 

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts