Politics, Philosophy and Economics: The University of Manchester

Course description

The study of Politics entails five intersecting realms: Area Studies, Comparative Politics and Political Behaviour; International Relations; Political Theory and Policy Making. At The University of Manchester, there are internationally recognised experts working in all these areas of politics. They also have a long-standing reputation for teaching and research in politics. In addition to securing a '5' in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the quality of their teaching was also recognised when the department received the highest possible marks (24/24) for teaching quality. They have a long tradition of teaching the subject for over 50 years and constitute the largest unit of its kind in the country. Therefore, they can offer a wide choice of modules in areas such as Britain and American Politics; the European Union; Comparative European Politics; Political Theory; Third World Politics; International Relations; Globalisation; Gender and Ethics.

The PPE programme at Manchester is a structured, balanced, yet flexible programme of study, informed by current research, in which you study significant topics, problems and issues. The programme enhances your capacity to critically evaluate competing arguments about political events, ideas and institutions; helps you develop the ability to evaluate effectively economic policies and places the study of economics in its broader institutional and political context. You develop the ability to evaluate, and think through for yourself, philosophical arguments and positions. You study each of the disciplines throughout your three years of study, although you may choose to specialise in one or two of the three areas. Core topics covered include logic, the theory of knowledge, comparative politics, political theory and micro and macro economics. You can also study the philosophy of science, ethics, European politics, political economy, and the workings of the UK and other economies. The PPE degree does not require students to have studied any of the subjects before.

Students may also apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of their degree. Exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme in Europe and the Worldwide Exchange scheme

Career opportunities

A degree from Manchester is recognised as a mark of quality and their external examiners frequently comment on the high quality of their teaching and written work of their students. The intellectual and analytical skills acquired by a PPE graduate equips you well for a wide range of careers. Graduates will be well placed to enjoy careers in, for example, journalism, the law, publishing, social work, government, and management and financial consultancy.

Entry requirements

• A level: AAB. Two A/S Levels of equivalent grade accepted in place of one A Level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum grade B in English Language and grade C in Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall, with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including a social science, and no lower than 5 in any subject.