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
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
BTEC: DDD
Access to HE: Minimum of 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction
Scottish Highers: AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA
Irish LC: 360 points from 5 Higher level subjects at grade C1 or above
Advanced Placement: 4 5 5 (Two semesters - UCAS Group A) plus US HSGD with GPA 3.0
Euro Bacc: 85%
French Bacc: 15/20
German Abitur: 1.5
Italy DES: 85/100
Austria Mat: 1.5
Polish Mat: 80%
Dr Matthew Eagleton-Pierce Convenor
Students will take the following 4 compulsory modules (90 credits total):
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Political Economy | 153400154 | 30 | Full Year |
| Economic Principles (Macro) | 155901494 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Economic Principles (Micro) | 155901495 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Introduction to Political Analysis | 153400086 | 30 | Full Year |
| Essay Writing Workshop - Undergraduate Economics | 153400146 | 0 | Term 1 |
AND
Guided Options
Choose modules from List A below to the value of 30 credits.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metaphysics in Comparative Perspective | 158000198 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Debates, Methods and Themes in World Philosophies | 158000209 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Introduction to Epistemology | 158000210 | 15 | Term 2 |
| World Philosophies in Context | 158000211 | 15 | Term 1 |
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).
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophies of Interpretation and Understanding | 158000135 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomic Analysis | 153400123 | 30 | Full Year |
| Banking and Finance | 155901493 | 15 | Term 1 |
| International Trade and Investment | 155901498 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Global Financial Markets | 155901499 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Development Economics | 155901501 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophies of Language | 158000196 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Islam: Religion and Rationality | 158000189 | 15 | Term 2 |
| R451 Jewish Identity from Ancient to Modern Times | 158000168 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Ancient and Medieval Indian Philosophy | 158000098 | 15 | Term 1 |
| African Philosophy | 155901397 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Indian Buddhist Philosophy | 154800308 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics of Nationalism | 153400057 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Government and politics of the Middle East | 153400060 | 30 | Full Year |
| The state and politics in Africa | 153400064 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Government and politics of China | 153400071 | 30 | Full Year |
| War and the International | 153400167 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Foreign Policy Analysis | 158000212 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Politics of South Asia Beyond India | 158000214 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Democracy and Authoritarianism in India | 158000215 | 15 | Term 2 |
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).
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Economic Policy | 153400141 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic development in the Asia Pacific region | 153400133 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Political Economy of Development and Change in the Middle East | 153400142 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Political Economy of Development and Change in South Asia | 153400143 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Gender Economics (UG) | 153401001 | 15 | Term 1 |
| China and World Development | 153401003 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Economic development of Africa (UG) | 153401016 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Buddhist Thought | 154800315 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Islamic Philosophy | 155901338 | 15 | Term 2 |
| R472 Classical Chinese Thought | 158000103 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Modern Jewish Thought | 158000178 | 15 | Full Year |
| Modern Indian Philosophy | 158000192 | 30 | Full Year |
| Philosophies of Language | 158000196 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Globalisation and Global Governance | 153400070 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Politics of Gender | 153400074 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Palestine/Israel and the International | 153400087 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Going Global: An Introduction to International Migration | 153400088 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Environment and Climate Crisis | 153400150 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Conflict, Rights and Justice | 153402006 | 15 | Term 1 |
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
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.
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.
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:
Find out about our Careers Service.
Michael SchmidSOAS has allowed me to focus on politics in a particular region of interest and also study a language of that area.
If you still have questions about this programme or studying at SOAS get in touch.
Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS.