University of Sheffield United Kingdom

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) Bachelors Degree at the University of Sheffield is designed for intellectually curious students eager to understand the complex interplay between political systems, philosophical thought, and economic forces that shape our world. You will explore core principles in politics, economics, and philosophy, developing a nuanced understanding of how these disciplines influence societal structures and current events. This course is ideal for those who enjoy interdisciplinary thinking and are driven to analyse global challenges from multiple perspectives, preparing you for a career where critical thinking and analytical skills are paramount.

You will study this undergraduate degree full-time on campus over three years, engaging with a curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with specialised optional modules. The syllabus includes core subjects like Principles in Politics, Philosophy & Economics and Economy, Society and Public Policy, alongside a wide array of electives allowing you to tailor your studies. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation, applying your integrated knowledge to a research question of your choice. You will graduate with the analytical rigour and interdisciplinary expertise sought by employers in government, policy, finance, and the third sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary program explores the intricate connections between politics, philosophy, and economics. Students will engage with foundational theories and contemporary issues across these fields, examining how political systems shape economic outcomes, how philosophical ideas influence societal values, and how economic forces impact political structures. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, from political thought and global political economy to ethics, logic, and various branches of economics, culminating in advanced studies and a dissertation.

1 First year

Principles in Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE)
Economy, Society and Public Policy (ESPP)
British Politics
Introduction to Global Political Economy
Introduction to Western Political Thought
The World's Wicked Problems
Philosophy of Religion
Reason and Argument
Ethics in Antiquity: East and West
History of Philosophical Ideas
Writing Philosophy
Mind and World
Philosophy of Sex
Death
Philosophy of Science - Why Trust Science?
Ethics and Society
Classical and Contemporary Thinkers in Economics
Mathematical Methods for Economics 1
Mathematical Methods for Economics 2
Economic History of Britain and the Modern World
Education, Power and Society: Introduction to the Sociology of Education
Empire: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages
Introduction to Media and Communication in Society
The Making of Urban Places
The Making of the Twentieth Century
Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics
Development, Planning and the State
Politics, Economy and Society in China
Politics, Economy and Society in Japan
Politics, Economy and Society in Korea
Climate Action
Urban Economics
History and Culture in China
History and Culture in Japan
History and Culture in Korea
Music in a Global Context
Data Visualisation
Housing and Home
Gender, Sexuality and Society

2 second year

Policy Analysis and Programme Evaluation
Case Studies in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
The Political Economy of Global Capitalism
Political Theory in Practice
Africa in the World
The Making of The Modern Middle East
Chinese Politics
Feminism
The Rationalists
Ethics: Theoretical and Practical
History of Political Philosophy
Reference and Truth
Formal Logic
Philosophy of the Arts
Political Philosophy Today
Theory of Knowledge
Metaphysics
Religion and the Good Life
Environmental Justice
International Economics
Labour Economics
Public Economics
Macroeconomic Policy
Intermediate Microeconomics
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Chinese Business and Management
Sustainable Development and Global Justice
Dynamics of Social Change and Policy
Modern Chinese History: Beyond Revolution
Modern Japanese History
Understanding Contemporary North Korea
Dimensions of Education Policy
Territory, Power and Policy
Who Gets What? Social Justice and the Environment
Digital Storytelling
Social Problems: Policy and Practice
Contemporary Japanese Society
Dynamics of Social Change and Policy

3 Third year

Dissertation in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Civilisation, Empire and Hegemony
Corporations in Global Politics: Possibilities, Tensions, and Ambiguities
Party Politics: Competition, Strategies & Campaigns
The Ethics of Political Leadership
Animals, Ethics and Politics
Framing Politics? Economic Ideas as Political Weapons
Politics and the Quality of Life
Britain in the Global Economy
Global Justice
Philosophy of Law
Moral Theory and Moral Psychology
Advanced Political Philosophy
Ancient Chinese Philosophy
Utopia, Reform and Democracy
Topics in Social Philosophy
Dissertation Project 1
Free Will & Religion
Bodies and Souls
Phenomenology
Philosophical Problems 1
Dissertation Project 2
Pain, Pleasure, and Emotions
Education Economics
Health Economics
Economic Analysis of Inequality and Poverty
Economics of Race and Gender
Behavioural Economics
Development Economics
Environmental Economics
Political Economy
International Trade
Monetary Economics

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,792.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,792.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,792.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,377.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 667.00 - USD 2,267.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sheffield Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace Engineering & DesignAgricultural Research & DevelopmentBanking & Financial ServicesBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesDefense & Military AviationEmployment & Labor LawFisheries & AquacultureNursing & Allied HealthPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalQuantity Surveying & Cost Estimation

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Deloitte UK

Department for Business and Trade

European commission

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

HBSC

Kings College London

United Nations

Why Study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at University of Sheffield

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Sheffield in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Politics, Philosophy and Economics at University of Sheffield

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is allowed during breaks, and no separate work permit is necessary.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, international students must achieve specific scores in tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For example, a TOEFL overall score of 88 with specific minimum scores across sections is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as policy analysts, economic consultants, political advisors, and social researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

 

Follow the ideas that intrinsically link these three subjects, learn how politics, philosophy and economics mould our societies and develop the analytical skills to understand how they influence current events.

This combined degree is distinguished by the expert teaching of the Sheffield Methods Institute, whose team bring together the many layers and perspectives of three subjects into one coherent course. You'll also have the opportunity to take up a

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Politics, Philosophy and Economics course begins in September. Be sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️