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Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University of Buckingham - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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University of Buckingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

The University of Buckingham is:

  • Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).
  • We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.
  • Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.
  • Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.
  • As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.
This degree combines the three important subjects of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. What makes it different to PPE offered in other universities is its integrated character, with a special focus on explaining how human behaviour shapes economic and political institutions. In the Philosophy strand you will take an Introduction to Philosophy module and study the Philosophy of Mind. In addition, there will be more specialised modules in political theory: Introduction to Political Theory; Freedom; Evolution and Human Cooperation. And students will receive a grounding in the Philosophy of Social Science. The Politics element of the degree focuses on area and country studies, with a particular emphasis on political order and security challenges. Those challenges vary from region to region but typically take the form of political violence (war, terrorism and organised crime), mass migration and economic instability. Students are encouraged to approach these problems from a number of disciplinary perspectives. For example, the study of Latin America would consider historical, cultural and economic determinants of the region’s politics. The Economics element of the PPE programme covers the core areas of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. But in addition there is an emphasis on the interaction between Economics and Politics. Students also receive a strong grounding in mathematics and quantitative methods. Another distinctive feature of the degree is that two modules – in Politics and Philosophy – will be based on a series of lectures by prominent academics and public figures. These are taught in London (travel and other expenses will be covered in the fees). This is the 3-year format of the degree, which allows you the traditional summer break. Starting each September, there are 3 terms per year, leading to an assessment period in early June. Then the summer is free, before the return for the new academic year in late September. This allows you more time for reading and reflection.

Modules

Year 1 Modules: Comparative Politics: Iran and Russia, Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Political Psychology, Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Quantitative Methods 1, The European Union in the International System. Year 2 Modules: Evolution and Human Cooperation, Freedom, History of Economic Thought, Industrial Organisation and Strategy, Introduction to Political Theory, Issues in Developing Economies and the MENA Region, London Philosophy Programme , London Politics Programme, Microeconomic Policy, Politics of Latin America, Public Sector Economics, US Foreign Policy in the Post Cold War Era. Year 3 Modules: Dissertation, Government and Politics of the UK and US, International Relations: Theories and Concepts, Macroeconomic Policy, Philosophy of Social Science, Political Psychology, Regulation and Privatisation, The Economics of Europe, The Economics of the Labour Market, The New International Society 1975-2005, Welfare Economics.

Assessment method

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work. Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students. Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students. A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the module. Some modules emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas – for example the module in Microeconomic Theory. Occasionally we use game playing to encourage discussion and understanding – for example when competing groups of students try to control a computer model of the economy in Principles of Macroeconomics. Other modules place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces (Welfare Economics) or longer more discursive papers. The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
VV50
Institution code:
B90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. We provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal; guaranteed accommodation in halls of residence; and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our students have formed a number of overseas clubs, and there is a sports and social programme each term to ensure you enjoy your time with us. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Team and other factors may be taken in to account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels. An EPQ will be considered alongside A levels. Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office ([email protected] or +44 (0)1280 820313) for more information. Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent). IELTS requirements are as follows: (Academic) 6.5 Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component).

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)

https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
90%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £27750 Whole course
Northern Ireland £27750 Whole course
Scotland £27750 Whole course
Wales £27750 Whole course
Channel Islands £27750 Whole course
EU £44400 Whole course
International £44400 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £44400 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

The University would like to encourage students – both undergraduates and postgraduates – to come to Buckingham regardless of their financial circumstances. The bursaries and scholarships we offer are awarded on merit and/or on financial need. You may only accept one University award. All awards are subject to your meeting the University’s academic entry requirements and abiding by the University’s rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. For details of our current range of scholarships and bursaries please see our website: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/scholarships

Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University of Buckingham - UCAS