Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) are central to understanding how modern societies are organised and governed. By studying them together you'll gain a combination of skills that’s in high demand across the private, public and non-profit sectors. Whilst PPE has been described as ‘the degree that runs Britain’, this combination is better viewed as the study of how countries are run, what motivates and constrains their rulers and residents, and how social order and prosperity are best understood and promoted. All three disciplines are presented in up-to-date form, covering alternative as well as ‘mainstream’ approaches and firmly rooted in the real world. Key features of the course
- Understand the debates that dominate the daily news and look beyond the headlines
- Learn skills and techniques to help you analyse, present and contribute to discussion
- Explore how arguments and public policies are constructed in theory and tested in practice
- Increase your employability across the private and public sectors
- Enjoy synergies among three complementary disciplines while studying a full curriculum in each
Modules
This degree has three stages. At Stage 1 you can choose either a wide-ranging and topical introduction to the social sciences, or take a combination of modules that focus on economics and personal finance. You’ll complete the stage by exploring UK and international politics through questions of rights, legitimacy, national identity, conflict and protest. Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two further compulsory modules, one in each of economics and philosophy. You’ll build on the foundations gained at Stage 1 to apply economic ideas, models and techniques to a range of contemporary issues. You’ll also begin a detailed exploration of philosophy, including the nature of the self, religion, ethics, the study of mind and political philosophy. At Stage 3, you’ll focus on two of the three PPE subjects, selected by what you’ve found most interesting or most relevant to your career path. Your choices at this stage can also form the basis for postgraduate study options, including our MA in Philosophy.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £21816 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £20952 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7128 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6954 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7872 | Whole course |
| EU | £22416 | Whole course |
| International | £22416 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £22416 | 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
Fee information is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ