Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) BA/BSc (UCAS L0V0)

UCAS code

L0V0

Start date

28 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time (or 4 years with placement)

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Led by

Department of Philosophy

Location

University of Warwick

UCAS code

L0V0

Start date

28 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time (or 4 years with placement)

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Led by

Department of Philosophy

Location

University of Warwick

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Find out more about our Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Warwick

Some of the most pressing problems of today such as climate change, the refugee crisis, poverty, and international justice are best understood by taking up different perspectives. PPE at Warwick offers exciting opportunities for excellent students to explore these important issues, drawing on insights from philosophy, politics and economics.

Overview

Course overview

PPE is an ideal choice if you are fascinated by current affairs and want to gain a broad and rounded understanding of the world around you. Deepen your understanding of why and how governing institutions and big businesses make decisions, how the consequences of these actions influence our world and impact on our futures, and what would make for a better and more just society.

After building solid foundations in each of the three subjects in your first year, you then have the flexibility to tailor your module choices to suit your own interests. This allows you to graduate with either a BA or a BSc.

Your enthusiasm for the three interconnected disciplines will be rewarded with teaching from excellent lecturers who are equally enthusiastic about their topics. Our world-leading researchers will teach you a diverse range of modules from within our three large and highly-ranked departments.

We offer one of the largest and most international PPE programmes in the UK. You will learn alongside students from many backgrounds and cultures. You can share different insights and perspectives on the topics you cover at the intersections of the three subjects.

You also have the opportunity to apply to spend a year abroad with one of our international partners. You can also apply to take a work placement.

Important information

We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (BA/BSc) degree for 2026 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.

Study abroad

You have the opportunity to spend a year abroadLink opens in a new window. You could study at prestigious universities throughout Europe and in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and more as part of the course.

Modules

Core modules

All students take the same first year core modules in all three departments, which will support you with the foundation of the disciplines. Mathematical and Statistical modules are available at either an intermediate or advanced level, to suit students’ existing knowledge.

Year One: 80% core modules, 20% optional modules
Year Two: 25 to 50% core modules, 50 to 75% optional modules
Final Year: 25% core modules, 75% optional modules

Choice of pathways

Before the start of Year Two, you will choose from a set of six pathways. You can focus on all three subjects (BA Tripartite) or choose to focus on a combination of two. Depending on your pathway, you will be able to graduate with either a BA or BSc.

Important information

Year One

Module title

Credits

Quantitative Techniques

This module combines two modules: Mathematical Techniques and Statistical Techniques. You may study these topics at either an intermediate or advanced level, depending on your existing Maths qualifications. You will cover topics ranging from algebra and calculus to distributions and hypothesis testing, which will provide you with key skills and knowledge that will then be applied in many other modules. In addition, you will be introduced to some advanced statistical software packages, which will help you learn about a range of techniques to analyse data and different ways in which you can present data.

Module title

Credits

Year Two (optional cores taken depending on pathway)

Module title

Credits

Year Three (optional cores taken depending on pathway)

Module title

Credits

Across Years Two and Three you will also take at least one interdisciplinary optional module.

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

Module title

Credits

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

A levels

A level typical offer

A*AA plus at least grade 7 or grade A in GCSE Mathematics.

A level additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language. Applicants with grade 6/B in GCSE English Literature and minimum grade 4/C in GCSE English Language may also be considered.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria. The typical contextual offer is AAB. Applicants must still have at least grade 7 or grade A in GCSE Mathematics. See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

IB

IB typical offer

38 overall including 4 in Higher level Mathematics/Mathematical Studies or 5 in Standard level Mathematics/ Mathematical Studies.

IB additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE English Language or International Baccalaureate grade 5 in English A (Higher or Standard Level), grade 5 in Higher Level English B or grade 6 in Standard Level English B.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria. The typical contextual offer is 34 including 4 in Higher Level or 5 in Standard Level Mathematics. See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Other UK qualifications

BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs as long as the Mathematics requirements are met.

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers, and AAA in Highers in 3 further subjects. You must also have grade A in National 5 Mathematics.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAA in three subjects at A level plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. You must also have grade A/7 in GCSE Mathematics.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

General GCSE requirements

International qualifications

English Language requirements

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band C

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.

Frequently asked questions

Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.

Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.

Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.

Taking a gap year

We welcome applications for deferred entry.

Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

Home students

Undergraduate fees

On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.

Alongside the tuition fee increase, maintenance loans will also rise by 3.1%.

The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.

How are fees set?

The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.

To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.

Overseas students

Undergraduate fees

If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.

Find out more about undergraduate fees and funding

Fee status guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

Core text books
Printer credits
Dissertation binding
Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Further information

Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team and available funding from our Student Funding Support.

Scholarships and bursaries

Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

International scholarships

If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window

You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.

Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship.Link opens in a new window

Part-time fee waiver

Find out more about the Warwick scholarship for part-time students.Link opens in a new window

Warwick Bursary for low income students

We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary (2025 entry).Link opens in a new window

Sanctuary scholarships for asylum seekers

As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

Further information

Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

Eligibility for student loans

Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

Check if you're eligible for student financeLink opens in a new window.

Home students residing in England

Tuition Fee Loan

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

Home students residing outside of England

Find out more about student funding for home students residing outside of England.Link opens in a new window

EU students

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

Help with living costs

If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.

There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.

Repaying your loans

You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.

Teaching

You will study a set of core modules in all three disciplines. These amount to just over half of the required modules. In addition, you can choose optional modules in each of the three PPE departments or from other departments of the University.

Each department organises teaching slightly differently and you will experience different teaching methods, but you will primarily learn through lectures and small-group seminars as well as independent study.

Class sizes

Classes are taken with students from other degree programmes, and so can vary greatly. In-person lecture sizes for core first year modules may have up to around 500 students. In later years, optional module lectures may have from 30 up to around 200. Seminars usually have 14-18 students.

Typical contact hours

Typically you will have between 12-15 hours of contact time in your first year, and 10-12 hours in your second and third years. You will devote more time in your third year to individual research.

Assessment

Assessment is mainly by a mixture of tests, coursework and exams. Other assessed work may include group work, policy documents or presentations.

In your final year you may choose to undertake a research project or dissertation.

Your first year assessments are qualifying - this means that you need to pass them to proceed to your next year, but they do not count towards your degree classification. This will be determined on the basis of your intermediate and final year results, with each year contributing 50%.

Careers

Placements and work experience

You have the option to take a work experience placement, either in the UK or abroad, as part of an intercalated year on this course.

Your career

PPE graduates have gone on to work for employers including: Bank of England; Deloitte; Google; L’Oréal; Thomson Reuters; Victoria Beckham Ltd; Morgan Stanley; O2; Oxford University Press; PwC; UN World Food Programme and US Department of State.

They have pursued varied careers such as: actuaries, economists and statisticians; business and financial project management professionals; journalists, newspaper and periodical editors; buyers and procurement officers; finance and investment analysts and advisers; and events managers and organisers.

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

Identifying Your Skills, Strengths and Motivators
Thinking about Work Experience
Sector events with industry and alumni speakers, for students who want to pursue a career in a specific sector such as Banking and Finance, Consulting, Charities and Campaigning, Law and the Public Sector
Employability skills workshops
Warwick careers fairs throughout the year including the law fair

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Explore the career journeys of Warwick Social Sciences alumni. See how their university experience opened doors across industries and imagine where a degree from Warwick could take you.

Department

Philosophy at Warwick

Can living morally be too demanding? Could what you see be just an illusion? How do we know what’s going on in other people’s minds?

Explore these questions with our expert teachers and researchers. Learn how to think independently and analytically and take on different points of view. Interact with other subjects, like psychology, law, politics, economics or literature.

Join our open and friendly learning environment and become a confident communicator with the resilience to thrive in the pursuit of your goals.

Find out more about us on the following websites:

Our courses

Life at Warwick

Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.

Keep exploring life at Warwick

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Warwick Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

Our campus

You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.

Explore our campus

Food and drink

We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.

And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.

Explore food and shops

Explore Students' Union venues

Clubs and societies

We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.

So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.

Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.

Explore our societies Link opens in a new window

Sports and fitness

Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.

Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.

Explore sports at Warwick

Studying on campus

Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.

You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.

The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.

Studying at Warwick

Travel and local area

Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.

The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).

Travelling from campus

Wellbeing support and faith provision

Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.

Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.

Student support

Chaplaincy

How to apply

Learn more about our application process.

How to apply

Key dates

Key dates for your application to Warwick.

How to apply

Writing your personal statement

Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.

How to apply

After you've applied

Find out how we process your application.

How to apply

Our Admission Statement

Read Warwick's Admission Statement

How to apply

Useful links

3 ways to connect

Talk to us

Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

See event calendar Link opens in a new window

Warwick Experience

Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

Book a tour Link opens in a new window

Student blogs

Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student Link opens in a new window

Explore campus with our virtual tour

Our 360 tour lets you:

Watch student videos
View 360 photography and drone footage
Learn about facilities and landmarks

Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour nowLink opens in a new window

Come to an Open Day

Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.

Open Days at Warwick

Sign up for updates

Discover more about our courses and campus life with our helpful information and timely reminders.

See 2024 entry »

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

About Warwick

Find out more about life at Warwick including:

Keep exploring life at Warwick

Accommodation

Warwick Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

Wellbeing

Wellbeing support and faith provision

Student support

Chaplaincy

Talk to us

3 ways to connect

Talk to us

Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

See event calendar Link opens in a new window

Warwick Experience

Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

Book a tour Link opens in a new window

Student blogs

Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student Link opens in a new window

Open days and online events

Come to an Open Day

Open Days at Warwick

Sign up for emails

Sign up for updates

Discover more about our courses and campus life with our helpful information and timely reminders.

Come to an Open Day

Page updates

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

8th in the UK
(The Guardian University Guide 2025)Link opens in a new window

Top 100 globally
(QS World University Rankings 2025)Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employersLink opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd.Link opens in a new window)

Come to an Open Day

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2026 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.