BA (Hons)
Politics, Philosophy & Economics

Why study BA Politics, Philosophy & Economics at Goldsmiths

This challenging and ground-breaking degree will help you understand how the economy is governed, how public policy gets made, and the ideas that shape our world.

  • We offer a distinctive, fresh and critical take on the well-established combination of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), drawing on our strengths in social science and theory. You'll gain an introduction in the ideas and concepts that have shaped the world you live in, and learn to challenge established political and economic policies, institutions and methods.
  • We offer a dynamic undergraduate culture, with active student media and politics groups. By the time you graduate, you will have gained a wealth of practical experience, and discovered what excites you for your career ahead.
  • You’ll be taught by highly engaged lecturers working across politics, philosophy and economics, all of whom are active researchers and accomplished writers in their fields.
  • The programme includes a basic introduction to economics, so you don’t need any prior experience of economics or an A-level in Mathematics before you start.
  • Over the three years, you’ll be introduced to alternative approaches to the economy, drawn from anthropology and sociology. You will be encouraged to think more broadly and imaginatively about the way in which markets, states and public policies operate in the 21st century.
  • You’ll focus on contemporary, real-world problems, such as financial and environmental regulation, which will prepare you for a career in public policy, NGOs, media, consulting or social innovation.
  • In addition to the taught curriculum, you will have the opportunity to hear from experts and policy-makers at special guest lectures.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Paul Gunn.

UCAS code

LLV1

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules

Length

3 years full-time

Fees

Home - full-time: £9250
International - full-time: £19640

Departments

Politics and International Relations
Anthropology
Sociology

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London location
Place yourself in the capital – it's been voted the world's top location to be a student (QS Best Student Cities 2024).
Wealth of choice
We offer a wide range of module options, providing diverse topics taught by specialists.
Challenging approach
We cast a critical eye across this expansive discipline to ensure you graduate with a rigorous and broad degree.

What you'll study

In the first year, all students take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Foundations of Economics 1: Theories 15 credits
Foundations of Economics 2: Business Applications 15 credits
Introduction to Philosophy: The Problems of Ethics 15 credits
Introduction to Political Philosophy 15 credits
UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics 30 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

Work Placement module

This optional module available in your third year gives students experience of working in a range of organisations in the NGO sector such as charities, think-tanks and pressure groups, bodies connected with international organisations, appropriate businesses, and political parties. 

Teaching style

This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

How you'll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may  include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Careers

Where your degree could take you

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of careers. Some go on to postgraduate study or further training in law, accountancy, social work, business administration, or to specialise in one area of their academic studies, while others go directly into employment.

Recent graduates have found employment in:

  • Administration and management
  • Departments of central and local government
  • Finance
  • The media
  • Research and computing
  • Voluntary agencies
  • Health
  • Education as lecturers and teachers
  • Housing management
  • The probation service
  • Company management

You can find out more about the career paths open to you after graduating on our Politics and International Relations careers page.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths

Skills

This programme will develop you intellectually, and will enhance your transferable and communication skills – learning to plan your workload, to research solutions, and to express your ideas coherently.

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