BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics

at Durham University

Year 1
 

In the first year, two modules will be studied in each of the three departments providing the specific foundations for the subsequent years at an appropriate depth.
 

In Philosophy, the compulsory modules have in the past included Ethics and Values, and Knowledge and Reality. In Politics there is one core theory module plus one from a list of options to be studied. In Economics introductory micro- and macro-economic theory is covered as well as a quantitative module which provides students with the necessary mathematical and statistical skills for subsequent studies in Economics.

Year 2
 

Whilst the first year is dominated by the necessity to build the foundations for all three subjects, the choice opens up quite substantially in the second and third year. The basic rule that needs to be met is that for each of the three subjects a minimum of two modules must be studied in the second and third year. At no stage can any one of the three be dropped altogether. In Years 2 and 3 combined, you will take two core modules in Economics looking at the principles of Macro and Microeconomics; either The Philosophy of Economics or Political Philosophy and one further module in Philosophy; and two modules in Politics. Aside from these, and provided that individual module requirements are met, you can specialise and tailor your choices from a wide selection of optional modules in the three subjects. This gives the degree the flexibility and eclecticism that are its defining characteristics.

At this stage, you can choose to add an extra dimension to your studies, by extending your course with a work placement or an international exchange, which can help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Year 3
 

In the third year, the Dissertation (double module) must be done in one of the three departments and it must be associated with another third-year module of the same subject.

A level offer – A*AA including an arts/humanities subject and Mathematics.If you are taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics, a further two subjects must be taken at A2 level.
 

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.
 

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including an arts/humanities subject and Mathematics.
 

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
 

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

• We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further two Advanced Highers are necessary.

• For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics. Mathematical Studies is not acceptable.

• One Arts/Humanities subject at A level or equivalent is required. In the past successful applicants have commonly satisfied this condition, by studying one or more of the following subjects: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Literature; any ancient or modern language; Geography, Religious Studies. Such a list cannot be comprehensive, so if you are unsure over whether the subjects that you are currently following or are planning to take, meet our standard requirements please contact our Admissions Selector for further details.

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

• 84% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
   

Of those in employment:

• 94% are in a professional or managerial job

• With an average salary of £33,000.