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Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Us

When can I visit?

Visiting Warwick is possible throughout the academic year. There are University Open Days, which provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the programme before application, and Offer Holder Days which provide an opportunity to meet colleagues, experience university-level teaching and understand more about the programme and campus.

Our Offer Holder Open Days in 2019 are Wednesday 27th February 2019 and Wednesday 24th April 2019. You can register now on our Offer Holder Open Day webpage.

If you are unable to attend an Open Day or Offer Holder Open Day, you are very welcome to visit the university at another time. We recommend attending a Warwick Talk and Tour. It is also possible to arrange for a quick chat with one of the PPL office team on these days by emailing us on ppl at warwick dot ac dot uk.


The Course

What are Warwick’s term dates?

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

What modules would I take in first year?

Your first year comprises foundation modules within each department. You will take the following modules; Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Politics, Introduction to PPL and either Tort Law or Criminal Law. You will study a wide range of historical and contemporary topics such as moral philosophy, aesthetics, logic, core concepts in political theory and politics, and either tort or criminal law. Your interdisciplinary PPL module enables you to explore the intersections of the three subjects, by studying topics that can be examined from different perspectives. You’ll also receive training in reading legal cases and legislation, and will explore the political, legal, and philosophical questions raised by such cases. Find out more here.

How many people are on the PPL course?

The PPL Degree is currently in its second year of intake and we have approximately 70 students across both years. Around 30 in our first year of intake and 40 in our second year of intake.

Can I choose to study just two of the disciplines during the degree?

As a result of student feedback, we are currently in the process of making changes to the degree structure so that you can focus your degree on two of the disciplines in your final year. This has not yet been officially approved by the University, however.

How much time is spent in class?

In your first year, you would take four year-long modules. Three of them have two hours of lecture per week, plus a one hour seminar. So each is three hours in total per week. In addition, the PPL module is a two hour workshop per week. So that would be 11 hours per week in class. Of course there’s also a lot of reading, research and independent would to be done outside of class too!

What is the format of the PPL module? Is this a lecture or is it more discussion-based?

At the moment, this is taught in a workshop format. The module is co-taught by the three departments. The format is interactive, so an expert gives a talk but regularly pauses for class discussion or exercises.

Can I take courses from other departments?

Yes, our PPL programme enables you to take up to two year-long or four term-long modules from departments outside of PPL in your second and third years. You may be able to choose modules from the Business School, 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 apply to study abroad?

Yes, PPL students are able to apply to study abroad in their third year for an intercalated year to extend their degree to a four year course. This year abroad does not count as credit towards the PPL degree, though we expect students to take relevant modules and pass the year. We have a wide range of partner institutions across the world. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.

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 PPL 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 skills in independent work and communication are outstanding.

What reading and work do I need to do to prepare?

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


Careers

What qualification will I graduate with?

You will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Please not that the degree is not available as a Qualifying Law Degree. Students interested in a law career in England and Wales can take a one year conversion course, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

In addition, the Solicitor's Regulation Authority (SRA) is introducing a new route to qualifying as a solicitor. Soon, any graduate from any discipline will be able to take the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE). Find out more on the SRA website.

What are some potential career opportunities once you have graduated from Warwick?

Since we do not have any PPL graduates yet (as we are a new degree), we cannot point to our alumni to say ‘this is what people have gone on to do’. Our current students are interested in law, diplomacy, journalism, the civil service and banking. From our experience with PPE, and with Law, we do not see many limits on what PPL students can do, especially with Warwick being very popular with graduate employers.


I have a question that isn't answered here!

If you have any further questions, please email the PPL Office on ppl at warwick dot ac dot uk.