Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Politics, Philosophy and Economics is an exciting course providing students with the opportunity to study three disciplines that are crucial for an understanding of the complex dynamics of today’s world. Students study a common foundation in the first year, and write an advanced dissertation unit in their final year that develops links across the three disciplines. There is the flexibility to vary your degrees in such a way as to graduate with one of three awards: BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics; BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics; and BA Politics and Philosophy with Economics.

You will focus on the particulars of each of the three key disciplines while developing an awareness of the links across the three. Your studies will introduce you to political ideas and processes in countries throughout the world, allowing you to examine issues fundamental to our times. You will gain a solid foundation in politics and government in Britain and abroad, with the option to study further subjects such as democracy in Britain, modern political thought, comparative European political institutions, migration, ethnicity, and multiculturalism.

The study of Philosophy will introduce you to key forms of philosophical enquiry, including logic, epistemology and metaphysics, which will, in turn, broaden your appreciation of why philosophical questioning is so important today. A wide range of options include modules in ancient philosophy, contemporary analytic and continental philosophy.

You will also gain a complete education in the theories and methods of economics, with a strong focus on analytical methods. You will develop skills in mathematics and statistics and learn to tackle economic problems, and, should you proceed to advanced level courses, have the opportunity to study courses in labour economics, game theory, economic history and more.

Flexibility to graduate with a BA or BSc in PPE.

Three departments with their own specialisms.

Excellent preparation for a variety of careers.

Strong focus on analytical methods of economics.

Learn to tackle economic problems through political and philosophical enquiry.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

You will take the following modules in Politics:

• Introduction to Politics and Government

• Problems of Knowledge

• Introduction to Logic

• Issues in Ethics

• Principles of Economics

• Data Skills for Economists

• Mathematics for Economics

Year 2

• Introduction to European Philosophy 1: Kant to Hegel

• Mind and World

• All modules are optional

Year 3

• Dissertation in Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• All modules are core

Year 2

• Government and Politics of the United States

• Politics Outside the West

• Democracy in Britain

• Contemporary Political Theory

• International Political Economy

• War and Security in World Politics

• Modern Political Thought

• Introduction to Political Communication

• Philosophy: The Dialogues of Plato

• The Philosophy of Aristotle

• Microeconomics

• Macroeconomics

Year 3

• Politics in Action: The Politics and International Relations Experience Placement

• European Union Public Policy

• Political Theories of Freedom

• Politics of the Law and Rights

• Comparative Political Leadership

• Military Change in the 21st Century

• Radical Political Theory I: Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche

• Modern European Philosophy 2: Critical Theory and Hermeneutics

• Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics

• Financial Economics 1

• Economics of Warfare 2

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/politics-and-international-relations/politics-philosophy-and-economics/

The course has a modular structure, whereby you will take twelve course units at the rate of four per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective, thereby offering flexibility and choice.

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and end-of-year examination in varying proportions, depending on the course units you choose to take. The first year is foundational and marks do not count towards your final degree. The second year and final year marks do count, with more importance being given to the final year marks in order to reward progress and achievement.