Reader in International Political Economy
Department of Politics and International Studies,
Department of Economics
& Department of Religions and Philosophies
BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start of programme
- September
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- Russell Square, College Buildings
- Fees
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Home student fees: £9,250
Overseas student fees: £21,160Please note that fees go up each year.
See undergraduate fees for further details. - Entry requirements
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A Levels: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB
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Austria: Reifeprufungszeugnis / Maturazeugnis: four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs: 80% (8/10, 16/20) overall
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Belgium
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Bulgaria: Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie: 5.5 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exams
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Canada: High School Diploma: 83% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).
British Colombia: AAABB in Grade 12 subjects.A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Canada
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China: Senior Secondary Graduation Certificate + Gaokao: 80% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from China
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Croatia: Matura Certificate: 5 overall with 5 in 2 Higher level subjects
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Cyprus: Apolytirion with 2 A-Levels: Apolytirion 18/20 + A-level grades AB
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Czech Republic: Matura Certificate: 1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Denmark: Studentereksamen; Hojere Forberedelseseksamen; Hojere Handelseksamen; Hojere Teknisk Eksamen: 10 plus 10, 10, 7 in three Level A subjects
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Denmark
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Estonia: Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus: 4.5 with 85%, 85%, and 80% in 3 state exams
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Finland: Ylioppilastukint / Studentexamen: four subjects at 6, 6, 6, 5
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
France: French Baccalaureat or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB): 14/20
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from France
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Germany: Abitur: 1.6
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Germany
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Greece: Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio with Pan Hellenic exams: 18.5/20
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Greece
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Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 554 in two electives and one core module (all other subjects grade 3)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Hong Kong
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Hungary: Matura (Erettségi): 5 overall
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Iceland: Stúdentspróf: 8
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
India: Standard XII: 80% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 85% (all other state boards)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from India
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Ireland: Irish Leaving Certificate: H1, H1, H2, H2, H3
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Israel: Bagrut: Overall grade of 8-10, 85% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Israel
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Italy: Diploma Consequito con L’Esame di Stato: 85% overall
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Italy
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Latvia: Certificate of General Secondary Education: 88% in four State subject exams
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Lithuania: Brandos Atestatas: 9/10 and 90%, 90%, 85% in three State Exams
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Lithuania
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Malta: Advanced Matriculation Certificate: AA (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs: Overall 7.5 with 8, 8, 8, 7 in four subjects
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Norway: Vitnemål vidergaende opplaering: 4.7 overall
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Norway
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Poland: New Polish Matura: 80% in three Advanced Level subjects
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Poland
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Portugal: Diploma de Ensino Secundario: overall 18/20
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Romania: Diploma de Bacalaureat: 9 overall
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Romania
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Singapore: Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnic): GPA 3.5
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Singapore
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Slovakia: Maturitná skúška / Maturita / Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške: four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
South Africa: National Senior Certificate: 77766
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from South Africa
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Spain: Curso de Orientación Universitaria / Título de Bachillerato: 8
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABBInformation for prospective students from Spain
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Sweden: Slutbetyg / Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan: A in 1500 credits and no grades below D / 18.5 / mainly A overall (MVG/VG)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Switzerland: Federal Maturity Certificate: 4.7
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Tanzania: Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education: ACSE with AAB in 3 principle subjects
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Trinidad and Tobago: CAPE: Six CAPE units with grade 2 (+two double-unit courses = grade 2)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
Turkey: Lise Diplomasi: 80-85% (depending on high school)
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB -
USA: High School Diploma plus ACT, SAT, or AP exams:
- High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29 and 2 AP's at 5,4/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma GPA of 3.4 plus 2 AP's at 5,4 or 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma GPA of 3.5 plus SAT 1340 or ACT 30
or - 2-year Associate degree GPA 3.2
A Level equivalent: AAB
Contextualised offer: ABB - High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29 and 2 AP's at 5,4/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
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See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements.
Course overview
The BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree offers the opportunity to study three disciplines crucial for understanding, analysing and shaping the contemporary world: Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
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 you 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 you 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.
Why study BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics at SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 27th in UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- We are ranked 5th in the UK and 17th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- As well as 3rd globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2022)
- We have been ranked 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in the Theology and Religious Studies research rankings in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- 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
Structure
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Students will take the following four compulsory modules (90 credits total):
Guided optional modules
List A
Students will take modules to the value of 30 credits from the list below
Year 2
Credits must be taken in the following combination:
⦁ Philosophy of Interpretation and Understanding (158000135) (30 credits)
⦁ Maximum of 30 credits from each of list B, C and D
⦁ Maximum of 30 credits of language options instead of 30 credits from list B, C or D
List B
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Banking and Finance | 15 |
| Development Economics | 15 |
| Global Financial Markets | 15 |
| International Trade and Investment | 15 |
| Macroeconomic Analysis | 30 |
Year 3
Credits must be taken in the following combination;
⦁ Research Project in Politics, Philosophies and Economics (155901505) (30 credits)
⦁ Global Economic Policy (153400141) (15 credits)
⦁ 15 credits from list E
⦁ Maximum of 30 credits from list F
⦁ Maximum of 30 credits from list G
⦁ Maximum of 30 credits of language options instead of 30 credits from list E, F or G
List F
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| R472 Classical Chinese Thought | 15 |
| Islamic Philosophy | 15 |
| Japanese Buddhist Thought | 15 |
| Modern Jewish Thought | 15 |
| Modern Indian Philosophy | 30 |
| Philosophies of Language | 15 |
Teaching and 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.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2023/24 entrants per academic year
| Programme | Full-time | |
|---|---|---|
| Home students | Overseas students | |
|
BA, BSc, LLB |
£9,250 |
£21,160 |
| BA/BSc Language year abroad | £1,385 | £10,580 |
Please note that fees go up each year. See undergraduate fees for further details.
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 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.
