BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree approaches public phenomena from three disciplinary directions: politics covers the institutions and processes that produce decisions, philosophy develops analytical rigour and ethical reasoning, and economics explains government policy and the choices facing businesses, governments and society. The degree began at Queen's in 2009. Students can study part of the course at European, US or Canadian partner institutions and take a final-year part-time placement with a local organisation.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The degree combines politics, philosophy and economics modules across three years.

Career pathways

PPE graduates have moved into postgraduate study, banking, consultancy, the civil service and politics, with recent graduates working for employers such as the Bank of England, PricewaterhouseCoopers and major political parties.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. BTEC Extended Diploma: D*D*D* plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6. International Baccalaureate: 36 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level (Standard Level 5 in Mathematics accepted if not offered at Higher Level/GCSE). Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H2H3H3H3H3 plus Ordinary Level O3 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level. Access course: average of 75% plus GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 or equivalent. Graduate entry: minimum 2:1 honours degree provided any subject requirements are met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. No specific Level 3 subject requirements. For the previous entry cycle, offers began with applicants holding 3 grade A/7 and 3 grade B/6 at GCSE; this threshold may be lowered as the cycle progresses. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other students Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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