BSc (Hons) Economics and Politics

The BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of York is a multidisciplinary program designed for students eager to understand the complex forces shaping our world. Rooted in three powerful disciplines—philosophy, politics, and economics—this degree offers a rich intellectual foundation to explore how societies function, how decisions are made, and how resources are distributed.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage with questions that lie at the heart of today’s most pressing global challenges: How do governments design fair and effective policies? What are the ethical implications of market decisions? How should societies respond to inequality, poverty, and political instability? By exploring these intersections, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of how ideas, institutions, and economic systems influence each other.

In philosophy, you'll develop skills in critical reasoning and ethical analysis, questioning assumptions and learning how to construct coherent arguments. In politics, you’ll examine power, governance, ideologies, and policy-making processes on national and international levels. In economics, you’ll gain quantitative skills and learn how markets operate, how resources are allocated, and how economies can be managed in times of crisis.

The program’s structure allows you to explore all three subjects deeply while also tailoring your learning through optional modules, such as international political economy, public policy, political philosophy, behavioural economics, or global justice. You'll benefit from York’s world-renowned academic staff and a vibrant student community, including the Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP) Club, where students engage in debates, networking events, and speaker panels.

York’s PPE degree also provides opportunities for study abroad, internships, and real-world projects, allowing you to apply your knowledge in global and practical contexts. By graduation, you’ll have honed your ability to analyse complex issues from multiple angles—an invaluable skill set for careers in government, international organisations, journalism, law, policy-making, business, and beyond.

Whether you're passionate about shaping public policy, questioning ethical norms, or addressing global inequality, this degree equips you with the tools to make a meaningful impact.