Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Researching Oxford and Beyond

  You'll look at the development, application and realities of different research methods in the social sciences. You'll equip yourself with the understanding and skills required to analyse research methods, design, processes and research outcomes. You'll study the methods that social scientists use to gather and analyse ‘data’ or evidence, and evaluate and compare these methods. You'll study the ways that research methods are applied in practice, by drawing upon existing examples of research in social sciences. 

  You'll also learn how to design their own research project, in preparation for your third-year extended project work. In so doing you'll carefully explore what is appropriate and achievable for your undergraduate research project.

• Ethics for the 21st Century

  You'll explore recent social and technological developments such as:  

  • globalisation
  • social media and the internet
  • medical and scientific advances
  • mass migration.

  Looking at the new ethical challenges they present that are prominent in public debate and a source of conflict and division in society. You'll analyze some of these ethical issues from a philosophical perspective. 

  You'll consider whether corporations have moral responsibilities and what is the best way to combat racism. Also how are epistemic vices such as close-mindedness, intellectual arrogance and dogmatism fostered by the prevalence of conspiracy theories, fake news, and testimonial injustice?

  Are we right to assume that democracy is the only morally-defensible way to govern a country? Can technology and science help us to improve ourselves?

• Global Political Economy

  In this module, you’ll get to know the global economy. You’ll investigate how economics and politics shape world affairs in both trivial and profound ways. 

  In part 1, you’ll gain a strong knowledge of the history of the world economy. You’ll develop key analytical skills, as you explore competing explanations of how it functions. You’ll gain the tools you need to understand recent economic changes.

  In part 2, you’ll dig into key debates on how the global economy functions today, including: 

  • finance
  • global production
  • trade and international development
  • the relationship between the global economy and the environment.

• Professional Development in Practice

  You'll have the opportunity to experience the real world of so-called ‘wicked problems’ which are complex and cannot be addressed or solved by only one subject, discipline or professional context. Through hands-on projects working with academics and external partners from within and beyond your chosen subject, the learning experience will help develop your understanding and aspirations by influencing deep personal values and underlying motivations leading to greater levels of self-belief, confidence and resilience in your ability to succeed in complex contexts and working with others. It is for this reason that you'll be supported to be immersed in and contribute to a project that spans multiple disciplines as a way to explore and develop new understanding of yourself and your chosen subject.

Optional modules

• Philosophy of Economics

  This module explores some of the philosophical issues raised by economics. Together we'll cover topics like:

  •  the status of economics as a social science 
  •  the philosophy of science about what makes a discipline scientific
  •  the nature of causation and explanation and how they differ between the natural and the social sciences

  The foundational assumptions of economics involve broader questions about human nature, so we'll delve into the background ideas involved in decision and game theory. 

  When it comes to ethics and political philosophy, we'll talk about the nature of collectives, corporations and their responsibilities. You'll also have a chance to evaluate other ethical questions raised by economics like the treatment of “externalities” in economic theory and questions of value relating to human welfare and the environment.

• Philosophy of Law

  In this module, you’ll be introduced to the basic issues in the philosophy of law. Explore questions such as ‘what is the social function of a legal system?’ through the sociological context of legal systems, as well as the different types of Western and non-Western legal systems

  You’ll examine theories of punishment and their philosophical presumptions, as well as considering topics including:

  • Legal positivism
  • Legal realism
  • Natural law theory
  • Critical legal theory.

• Microeconomics II

  This intermediate module enriches the understanding of microeconomic theory built in previous modules. It covers individual consumer preferences, market demand analysis, production costs, pricing behaviour of firms, and asymmetric information. You'll apply economic theory to real-world scenarios, including issues of price and income subsidies, taxation, insurance, and asset markets. The module utilises a graphical approach to help you develop a basic understanding of general equilibrium theory. You'll learn to distinguish between issues of equity and efficiency in product markets, gaining a deeper understanding of economic policies' societal impact.

  Through this module, you'll also develop self-management, learning, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to success in academic and professional settings. By the end of this module, you will have the ability to comprehend key functional relationships, analyse economic issues, and think critically about economic policies.

• Macroeconomics II

  In this module, you will delve deeper into macroeconomic theory and policy by examining national economies and international linkages. You will analyse long and short-run macroeconomic models, fiscal and monetary policies, exchange rate policies, government debt, and currency unions. Through theoretical analysis and examination of recent economic events, you will develop a critical understanding of macroeconomic hypotheses and competing approaches. You will also enhance your problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills to apply theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge to macroeconomic policy debates.

  By completing this module, you will gain critical self-awareness by assessing the impact of macroeconomic shocks and economic policies in determining key economic variables. The carefully curated learning framework will enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Applied Econometrics

  This module provides an introduction to the interpretation and analysis of economic data through the application of appropriate statistical and econometric methodologies. You will gain practice in applying theory and develop your skills of statistical and econometric analysis through the completion of problem sets. Practising quantitative techniques in seminars is essential in helping you to identify your learning needs and to encourage you to become critically self-aware of your relative strengths and weaknesses in relation to the acquisition of quantitative skills, a fundamental attribute of graduates in economics and finance.

  On completion of the module you will have an understanding of hypothesis testing and statistical inference; the ability to conduct essential statistical analyses of data; and an understanding of regression analyses.

• International Labour Markets

  You'll look at a comparative economic analysis of the behaviour of employers and employees operating in the global marketplace. Applying a common framework of the economic theory of labour markets it seeks to critically evaluate how governments, economic, social and other institutions alter outcomes in labour markets. The module examines the diversity of national policy approaches to labour market and social issues, and will provide you with an understanding of the controversies surrounding labour market regulations and their impact on the labour market.

• Theorising Power and Society

  In this module, you’ll dive into key ideas within social and political theory. You’ll explore the key debates on themes such as: 

  • the State
  • gender
  • freedom
  • equality
  • power.

  By exploring texts, including Hobbes’ Leviathan and Rousseau's The Social Contract, as well as evaluating topics such as capitalism, progress and “the end of history”, you will develop your interpretation and analysis skills.

• UK Politics

  In this module you will explore the history and detail of British politics, covering the major events and themes of contemporary British politics. 

  Examine the complex institutions that make up the British political system and how these have changed over time, including the evolution of political parties and how policy is made by the executive and implemented by the civil service. 

  You’ll look at political and economic factors side-by-side in how the British state is constituted and how decisions are made. You’ll also cover topics like;

  • the changing nature of the British political system
  • conceptual approaches to British politics
  • the post-war consensus and its end electoral politics
  • declinism
  • Britain’s foreign relations and its relationship with Europe
  • Equip yourself with the knowledge and critical analytical skills to understand contemporary British politics.

• Independent Study Module

  This module offers you the opportunity to undertake your own independent study and research with supervision. You can submit a proposal for independent study, and provided that supervision is available, an agreed programme of work and assessment schedule is constructed for the following semester. 

  You must discuss this module option with your academic adviser or the module leader before registering this module. 

• Work-Based Learning

  In this module, you’ll have the chance to carry out a work placement closely linked to Politics. You’ll be supported by your module leader to find a placement that meets your needs, and which will support your learning. With a carefully chosen placement, you’ll build on the skills and knowledge you’ve already gained in Year 1, and you’ll also strengthen vital skills for the workplace, like time management, communication and team-working. 

  Students have found placements in organisations like:

  • Asylum Welcome, working with asylum seekers in Oxford
  • Viva, an international children’s charity
  • Depaul, working with homeless people and immigrants in Paris.

  During and after your placement, you’ll:

  • create a placement portfolio, recording what you’ve done and achieved
  • craft a CV showing your experience
  • give a presentation on your placement.

Optional placement year

Optional modules

• Year Abroad

  This is your opportunity to work or study in another country, so you can experience a different culture from the UK. You’ll be able to apply and test your knowledge and skills in new contexts that will significantly develop your employability profile.

  Choosing this module will allow you to exhibit the development of self-management and working or studying in unfamiliar contexts, alongside practising cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills.

  You will receive support and guidance to help you find a place in an available higher education partner institution, or to find a work placement for your year abroad. This year abroad module lasts for one academic year and is taken after the conclusion of your second year of study, once you’ve completed all your level 5 studies. Your year abroad is not credit-bearing.

  The opportunity can be approached in 2 different ways. Please see your options below: 

• Study in a non UK University Option

  You can attend a non-UK higher education institution for a full academic year. You’ll be able to choose modules in your own subject or in a subject you consider would benefit your overall course of study. You may choose to deepen your knowledge of your degree subject or enhance it by developing complementary skills.

  By studying in an international university you’ll progress your interpersonal skills through cross-cultural communication with fellow students and tutors, building lasting relationships. Also you’ll further develop your study skills as you focus on your selected areas of interest to you - while developing and progressing an international study experience that will add significance to your CV.

• Work-based Learning Option

  Undertake a work placement or work-related project based on your interests and existing skills. You will create an initial learning contract that shows clearly how your proposed placement or project will link with your academic and/or professional aims.

  This pathway helps you to have full control over what your work-related learning looks like. You will advance your skills in a practical setting, gain first-hand experience in a work environment, and begin to create your professional network. Also, taking initiative of your learning in such a way will mean that you will stand out when you apply for jobs after graduation.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Social Sciences Extended Project

  You'll develop and utilise your research skills and investigate in greater detail topics encountered in other elements of the programme through an extended project. You'll either work on a community project or a research dissertation.

• Global PPE

  Build on your experiences of the previous two Supportive Challenge modules. You'll transition-out of university with a good understanding of PPE, yourself, how to articulate your motivations, aspirations, strengths and strategies for success, including a personal plan of action which recognises the opportunities that exist in PPE and how to make a contribution and add value in whatever you choose to do next. 

  You'll benefit from supported engagement and reflection on hands-on real world, authentic activities both supplied by the module team and optionally on any that you may have engaged in/experienced personally outside of the curriculum and university life. The module aims to create an important graduation year step-change in self knowledge and confidence, aiming to build personal evidence on core attributes, competencies, transferable skills (ACTS) and help articulation of next steps in content and formats that suit a range of relevant future graduate workplaces.  

Optional modules

• Advanced Applied Econometrics

  Further and broaden your knowledge of econometrics. You’ll progress and develop your econometric skills that are needed to be able to successfully investigate economic and financial relationships by using appropriate econometric methodologies. You’ll study examples based on both economic and financial data that illustrate the application of the methodologies you’ll learn to use.

• Contemporary Issues in Economics

  This module adopts a political economy approach and focuses on selected controversial economic issues such as economic growth, inequality, pricing mechanism and resource allocation, unemployment, economics of information, and mechanism designs, and so on. It examines each issue by comparing and contrasting the philosophy and methods of the neo-classical approach with alternative approaches.

• Economic Growth

  This module uses economic theory to analyse the structure and forces behind economic growth and development. You will learn standard theory of economic growth and use those theories to analyse the process of economic growth across countries. You will familiarise yourself with a set of important issues that are central to macroeconomics; develop some dynamic economics knowledge useful in macroeconomics as well as in a number of other sub-disciplines. By the end of the module you will gain  tools to analyse the economy with a long-run perspective that is normally overlooked in the other macroeconomic modules.

• Economic Policy

  This module focuses on selected important economic policy issues and relevant economic tools of analysis, with a balance between macro- and microeconomics. You will develop key skills and knowledge in the economics of public policy, which are a necessary requirement for a career as an academic economist or as an analyst in a wide range of national and international policy-making institutions.

• Foundations of Continental Philosophy

  Phenomenology is the study of conscious experience and of how things appear to us. It can reveal surprising features of our own experience and tell us much about perception and the relationship between the mind and the body. This approach has dominated European philosophy since the early 20th century and we shall focus on the views of Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. 

  Existentialism is an approach in philosophy that focuses upon exploring the human condition. Existentialists such as Sartre, Beauvoir, and Camus portray human individuals as having the capacity to make choices as to how to live their lives and thereby create their own identity. The challenge to live an authentic life is a demanding one and can generate anxiety or a sense that life is lacking in meaning. We'll examine the concept that the idea that philosophy should be a way of life rather than a detached theoretical exercise.

• Freedom, Justice and Liberation

  In this module, you’ll explore understandings of freedom, justice and liberation in contemporary social and political thought. We’ll focus on a range of theoretical approaches, including:

  • decolonial theory 
  • feminist and queer theory 
  • post-structuralism 
  • crip theory
  • the black radical tradition.

  These will be put in dialogue with classical theoretical discussions on freedom, justice and liberation. We will discuss questions like: 

  • Is it possible, and desirable, to make claims for justice and liberation based on group identity? 
  • Can past wrongs be addressed through reparations? 
  • Can justice be delivered via the criminal justice system? 

  As such, the module provides students with the theoretical tools to understand and navigate discussions on the meanings of justice, freedom and liberation in contemporary society, and to develop their own positions in relation to them.

• Global Development, Justice and Sustainability

  How can we respond to and solve global injustice and the ecological crisis without a world government? How can we resolve issues in international politics which are beyond the limit of individual countries? A global unified approach is critical for success. 

  In this module, you’ll gain knowledge of the theory and practice of global development, justice and sustainability, and build your analytical skills. You'll take a combined approach of looking at global development and the ecological crisis. You'll examine competing and contrasting perspectives that feature across these global issues. Helping you gain understanding in their global justice implications. Also you'll look at international policy responses and global governance initiatives.

• Moral Vision

  This module explores central topics in metaethics, the philosophical study of the nature of morality and moral judgment. You will explore such issues as:

  • are there objective moral facts?
  • when we make a moral judgment are we making a factual claim or merely expressing our emotions or preferences?
  • is morality culturally relative?
  • how do our moral judgments motivate our actions.

• Thought and Consciousness

  In this module, you’ll get to know one of the liveliest areas of current research: contemporary philosophy of mind. You will explore issues such as:

  • What is the relationship between the mind and the brain?
  • How are our thoughts capable of being about phenomena that exist outside of the mind?
  • Where is the mind located? Is it in our skulls or does it stretch beyond the outer surfaces of our bodies?
  • Is consciousness a mystery or can it be explained from a scientific perspective?

• Independent Study Module

  This module offers you the opportunity to undertake your own independent study and research with supervision. You can submit a proposal for independent study, and provided that supervision is available, an agreed programme of work and assessment schedule is constructed for the following semester. 

  You must discuss this module option with your academic adviser or the module leader before registering this module.