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Philosophy, Politics and Economics with Placement Experience

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 10/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Reading

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Explore and analyse the complex dynamics at play in today's world from three disciplinary perspectives – and apply what you've learned in a professional setting – with our BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) with Placement Experience degree.

PPE at the University of Reading equips you with a wide range of key and complementary skills from the fields of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. This will enable you to critically assess and address some of the world’s most pressing problems from a theoretical, practical, and ethical point of view.

You will be a member of three departments, meaning you will receive support from each and benefit from optional modules which enable you to specialise in areas that interest you the most.

During your first year you’ll develop a strong grounding in philosophy, politics and economics and have the flexibility to continue with all three subjects in your second and final years or focus on two.

Philosophy
Explore and challenge some of our most fundamental ideas about truth, reality and ethical judgements while developing a deep understanding of the central principles, concepts, problems of philosophy. You will be taught by experts who research a wide range of areas spanning applied philosophy – from business ethics and the philosophy of law, to traditional areas of western and global philosophy.

Politics
Examine ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised and gain a strong grounding in political ideas and democratic processes. You will learn from academics who regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues and engaging in real-world politics.

Economics
In economics, you will study both applied and practical issues, focusing on the relationship between economics and society. Benefit from research-led teaching by tutors who have informed policy decisions made by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

This four-year degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year of study.

For more information, please visit the course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/philosophy-ug/ba-ppe-philosophy-politics-and-economics-with-placement

Modules

Modules may include:

  • Reason and Argument
  • Politics of Climate Change
  • Philosophical Skills for Life
  • Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics.
    *Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 10/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
LV13
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Reading has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LV13
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

Scottish Higher - AABBB

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Extended Project - B

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.  Eligible applicants would receive two offers,  our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths B (or 6), English Language or English Literature C (or 4).

T Level - D

Minimum grade C in the Core Component.

Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BBC.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
TOEFL (iBT)88We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
Cambridge English AdvancedBWe require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCWe require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
PTE Academic69We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Institution's Own TestTest of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Trinity ISEMeritWe require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element.

Full list of acceptable English Language Tests http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We issue offers to best fit the different circumstances and experiences of our applicants. We take a tailored and holistic approach, considering extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We recognise that some students are more likely than others to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school, through no fault of their own. More information on our supportive offer making approaches can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get

Learn more on the University of Reading website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
EU£25850Year 1
International£25850Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For Home students: The University will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit set by the UK Government for the relevant academic year. The University will increase tuition fees for Home Undergraduate Students at the start of each academic year, in line with this and the new fee will be communicated to you.

For EU and International students: The University will increase Tuition Fees for International Undergraduate and Integrated Foundation Year Programme Students at the start of each academic year (September). The new fee for each academic year of your Programme will be communicated to you

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