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Frequently Asked Questions

The PPE Course

What are Warwick’s term dates?

Our term dates for upcoming years of study can be found on the Academic Calendar.

How many hours of contact time would I have in a week?

Typically, you will have 10 to 15 hours of contact time per week through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will also have reading and independent study outside of contact hours to prepare for seminars and to complete assessments.

What’s the difference between a lecture and a seminar? How many students are usually in each?

Lectures provide you with information, analysis and argument, on the basis of which you prepare for discussion or problem solving in your seminars. Seminars are much smaller groups, in which you deepen your learning through interactive group discussion, debates, and exchange of ideas. The number of students in a lecture depend on the number of students registered to the module, for instance some core modules might have 200-300 student in the lectures. However, for some smaller modules you can expect much fewer than 100 students. Seminars are limited to 15-18 students per group.

How many modules would I take in first year?

In your first year you will take 150 CATS worth of modules, which is equivalent to five year-long modules. Your first year comprises foundation modules in each department. You will study Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Politics, Economics 1, and a Quantitative Techniques module. You will study a wide range of historical and contemporary philosophy topics such as moral philosophy, aesthetics, and logic in the introductory Philosophy module, and political theory and political science with Politics. In Economics you will cover micro- and macroeconomics, mathematical and statistical techniques at either an intermediate or advanced level, and computing and data analysis. You also have to chance to take one year-long optional module or two term-long modules. Your options for this are not limited to the PPE departments. Find out more about First Year here.

Can I take courses from other departments?

Yes, our PPE programme enables you to take up to two year-long or four term-long modules from departments outside of PPE. You may be able to choose modules from the Business School, Law, History, Psychology, Language Centre or other departments in the Humanities and Social Sciences where you meet the pre-requisites and space is available.

Can I specialise in one or two subjects during the degree?

Yes, in Year 2 you will select a pathway, choosing either to continue on a Tripartite course and study all three disciplines, or to move to a Bipartite course and specialise in two of the subjects. You may also choose to major in Economics, which will allow you to graduate with a BSc rather than a BA. Depending on your chosen pathway, you will take a combination of optional core modules from across the disciplines. Some subjects allow you to choose your disciplinary core module from a range of options so that you can tailor your degree to your interests. If you wish to take a bipartite pathway, you are not required to take the optional core module for the discipline that you discontinue. If you wish to major in Economics, you will take more modules from within the Department of Economics.

Can I apply to study abroad?

Yes, PPE students are able to apply to study abroad in their second year for an integrated year or in their third year for an intercalated year. We have a wide range of partner institutions. You can find out more on our study abroad pages.

Will I be able to write a dissertation?

Yes. In your final year of study, you can choose to write a dissertation. All students with a 2.1 or above in Year 2, can apply to take a dissertation from one of the three disciplines or a PPE dissertation, for projects at the intersection of two of the disciplines. A dissertation is an excellent opportunity to dedicate your study to an area of specialism you are passionate about, to develop your own research skills and to demonstrate to employers that your independent work and communication is outstanding.

Can I take modules that combine the PPE subjects?

Yes, in Year 3, all PPE students choose at least two from a list of three interdisciplinary modules in 'Principles of Political Economy'. These modules are available only to PPE students and are designed as part of our bridge model, providing real life context so that you can integrate your studies in the three disciplines and focus on important topics at the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics.

What reading and work do I need to do to complete before I start?

You are not required to do any preparatory reading, but we have provided a page of information that will help you prepare. You will find links to your core modules and wider reading available to view here.


Support

Is there any support if English is not your first language?

The Centre for Applied Linguistics offers free classes during term-time which focus on specific English language skills for academic purposes, and which aim to further develop and maintain students' English language ability. In-sessional English classes are additional academic English language classes for international students who are already studying for a degree at the University of Warwick. There is also The Global Connections Club, an informal club where all Warwick students can come together to mix with students from different backgrounds and take part in simple activities, games, or conversations in English.


Finance

How much are the tuition fees?

You can find details of our Tuition fees here.

Does Warwick offer bursaries?

Yes, Warwick offers bursaries of up to £3000 per annum for students who can meet certain eligibility criteria. Find out more and whether you may be eligible here.


I have a question that isn't answered here!

If you have any further questions, you can contact the PPE Office at ppeoffice at warwick dot ac dot uk.