Philosophy, Politics and Economics with Year Abroad Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Philosophy, Politics and Economics with Year Abroad Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Summary
Philosophy, politics and economics together help you understand how societies are organised and how decisions are made.
On this course, you will explore how ideas, institutions and economic systems shape the world around us. You will study key concepts such as inequality, democracy, justice, work and money, combining theoretical thinking with practical analysis.
You will develop quantitative and analytical skills alongside critical thinking, learning how to frame complex questions and evaluate different perspectives. This interdisc...
Summary
Philosophy, politics and economics together help you understand how societies are organised and how decisions are made.
On this course, you will explore how ideas, institutions and economic systems shape the world around us. You will study key concepts such as inequality, democracy, justice, work and money, combining theoretical thinking with practical analysis.
You will develop quantitative and analytical skills alongside critical thinking, learning how to frame complex questions and evaluate different perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to connect ideas across subjects and apply them to real world challenges.
As you progress, you will build a strong foundation for a wide range of careers and further study. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025)
Key features of the course
Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Philosophy, Politics, Economics and other disciplines.
Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.
Develop career focused skills throughout your studies, embedded across the course.
Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.
Join a community of students through activities and events organised by the PPE society.
Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.
Student support
You will be taught by experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your work.
You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.
Further information
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.
Find out more on our course page.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A23-E74
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
Typical Offer: AAB and grade 6 in GCSE Maths If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB plus grade A in the EPQ. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 39.0, offer-merit: 6.0
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in an A level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
AAB from three A levels or AB from two A levels and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA in two A levels. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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