Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)
This course is subject to validation
Location: Headington
School(s): School of Social Sciences
Overview
Ready to change the world for the better? Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford Brookes is designed for socially conscious students from all backgrounds who want to understand, challenge and reshape society’s most pressing injustices.
We will give you the tools to navigate the complexities of that world - to examine the power relations, economics relations and ideas that create and sustain it - while building your confidence with skills training, practical assessments and experiential learning.
You’ll develop analytical skills in economics, AI and research, deepen your understanding of ethics, social justice and public policy, and gain real-world insight through placements, projects and internships - connecting theory with practical, career-ready experience.
PPE at Oxford Brookes allows you to focus on all three subjects or tailor your studies to your interests, while our supportive, inclusive community helps you build confidence and prepare for a career with impact locally, nationally or globally.
Why Oxford Brookes University?
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A political epicentre
Oxford is home to modern political discourse, with debates on everything from colonialism and racism to refugee action.
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Focus on yourself
You’ll be joining a supportive, close-knit community, and always get the attention and support you need.
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Support in maths
The course offers tailored support in maths, helping you build your skills and confidence no matter your proficiency.
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Focus on two or three subjects
Designed to allow you to tailor your study to your evolving interests and graduate with a BA or BSc.
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Interactive learning
Participate in interactive workshops that build your communication and confidence while focusing on practical issues of social injustice and inequality.
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Additional language modules
Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
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Study abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
Course details
Course structure
Our PPE degree combines Philosophy, Politics and Economics in an interdisciplinary way. A core set of modules throughout the degree tie the three subjects together, enabling you to develop a broad and deep understanding.
In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to all three subjects. Dive into ethics and the study of human nature, get to grips with the basics of macroeconomics, and explore contemporary political systems. You’ll develop a strong understanding of basic theory that underpins the rest of your studies.
In Year 2, you’ll apply the theory to real-world situations with experiential learning, combining learning from all three subjects. Through optional modules you can choose to tailor your degree towards two subjects or continue to study all three.
Year 3 involves completing independent research under supervision and working closely with academics who are experts in their disciplines. You can continue to tailor your studies from a range of specialist modules.
Careers
Graduates of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford Brookes are well prepared for careers that require analytical thinking, ethical judgement and practical problem solving.
The course embeds career readiness throughout, with placements, projects and experiential learning helping you apply theory to real-world challenges. You will develop skills in policy analysis, research, quantitative methods, AI and communication that are valued across sectors.
Graduates can go on to work in public policy, government, local and international organisations, research, law, journalism, consultancy, finance and socially responsible business.
The flexibility of the degree allows you to tailor your studies to your career goals, while strong academic and employability support helps build confidence and professional networks. The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in related disciplines.
Related courses
Entry requirements
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 120
A Level: BBB
IB Points: 31
BTEC: DDM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 96
A Level: CCC
IB Points: 28
BTEC: MMM
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Terms and conditions of enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
International qualifications and equivalences
How to apply
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
For further information please see our tuition fees FAQs.
Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£107-301 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£139-248 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Fines are payable on items returned late although we will give you 5 days to return an item before fines are payable. Find out more about how to borrow and return items. |
£1 per book |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes with single bus fares in the UK costing £3. Oxford Brookes has committed to funding a heavily discounted bus offer for students for at least three years from July 2026 with further information on our Travel webpages. |
From £3 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.