BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a multidisciplinary degree covering three subjects that shape people's lives: philosophy, how political structures work around the world, and how households, businesses and markets behave and respond to inflation, growth, unemployment and policy. It is a four-year honours degree with a final-year dissertation in one of the three subjects.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Problems in philosophy, Ideas and ideologies in politics, The evolving politics of the British Isles, Economics for business and Exploring economics in a changing world. Year 2 includes Knowledge: a philosophical analysis, Moral philosophy, Comparative politics, History of political ideas and Approaches to economic development. Year 3 includes Mind, machines and morality, European politics and Globalisation and sustainable development; year 4 is a dissertation in philosophy, politics or economics plus options.

Career pathways

Economics, business, public services including the civil and diplomatic services and local government, or further study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Three Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or two A levels at grade BC or above, with at least two in the list of relevant academic subjects; applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2 with an HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional credits at level 7, at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 credits at SCQF level 7); advanced entry to year 3 with an HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, minimum AB in the level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND at SCQF level 8 achieved with Distinction, considered case by case. SWAP access courses are an accepted route. This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules, with an alternative pathway available.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 16,820 a year (2026/27). International students with a term-time address in Scotland; part-time study not open to Student Route visa holders Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

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