Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Placement Year)

People, ideas and finances shape our lives and societies. We’ll help you understand how that happens, unpicking the complexities and multiple perspectives behind today’s political and policy challenges. Whether you are passionate about a public-facing political career, or making your mark in professional civil service, international or charity roles, you’ll graduate as a versatile thinker and effective communicator ready to launch your career.

Why Lancaster?

• Study a prestigious degree that combines expertise in Politics and Philosophy, as well as the Department of Economics in our quadruple accredited Management School

• Gain a nuanced political understanding, engaging with economic models and debating key philosophical questions from around the world

• Learn from expert advisers who consult with local, national and international governments and parliament

• Develop the multidisciplinary mindset that is necessary to find solutions to pressing real-world problems and exert leadership in the twenty-first century

• Tailor your degree according to your interests and ambitions

• Take part in assessed simulations such as mock select committees, mock citizens assemblies and mock Prime Minister's Questions, to gain valuable real-world experience

• Stand out when you graduate via an internship with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies in an NGO, think tank or charity.

Multiple perspectives. multiple solutions.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lancaster provides an in-depth, intensive grounding in each of its three disciplines for ambitious students. From day one, you will be trained to look at problems from multiple angles, to develop solutions, and to draw on insights and methods from all three fields.

Inspired by experts
You will be taught by academics who are experts in their field. In Politics our staff regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK parliament on important issues such as racial injustice, voter rights, and migration.

Our Economics team have expertise in Environmental Economics, Behavioural Economics, Macroeconomics, Public Policy and Game Theory and our Philosophy academics specialise in Media ethics and regulation, educational policy, and reproductive rights and policy. You can be sure that this degree is informed by our subject expertise.

By studying PPE at Lancaster, you’ll learn how to interpret data, evaluate evidence, and understand and influence the decisions individuals make. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of how governing institutions and markets work, and how to confront the pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century.

Putting this knowledge and skillset into practice, you will be supported in presenting your work across a range of mediums. You will learn through interactive and collaborative sessions such as policy labs, and simulations including mock select committees, mock citizens assembly and mock Prime Minister's Questions.

Building connections
We recognise how important connections are for your future career. Recent interactions include sessions directly taught by the Institute for Government (a think tank based in Westminster), a visit from the Speaker of the House of Commons and Several MPs, a visit to the Parliamentary estate and the chance to interact to with clerks of the House of Commons. Through our Ethics Values and Policy Initiative students have also had recent opportunities with the Spanish Ambassador to the UK, Ministers in both the Welsh and Scottish governments, climate change think tanks and Bank of England policy advisors.

Your Placement Year
Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years.

Important Information
For the most up-to-date course information and more details, we recommend that you revisit our website before submitting your application.