Overview
Gain a unique perspective on how the world works with a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) degree. You'll explore the fundamental systems that shape society.
- Learn how political systems operate, how decisions are made, and how governments shape society.
- Explore how economies function, including markets, policy choices and economic behaviour.
- Interrogate major philosophical ideas such as justice, freedom, ethics and equality that influence political and economic thinking.
By combining politics, philosophy and economics, you'll develop a balanced understanding of the forces shaping the modern world.
The interdisciplinary nature of PPE will help you to develop a useful skill set that can be applied across a variety of professional contexts (Morrisby 2025). It can open doors in journalism and media, financial services, politics and public policy, regulation and law, business, education, and the civil service.
What you’ll learn on our PPE degree
You’ll analyse social, political and economic challenges from the perspectives of different disciplines. You’ll:
- Develop communication and reasoning skills through debates and group work.
- Undertake policy‑oriented tasks that mirror real political processes.
- Become skilled in different research methods.
- Develop advanced statistical skills.
- Use and interpret current economic data to measure economic performance.
- Analyse and evaluate the logic of arguments.
- Gain strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Present and defend philosophical concepts and arguments.
You’ll shape your degree around your career ambition and specialise in two subjects from year 3:
- Option 1: Politics and Philosophy
- Option 2: Politics and Economics
- Option 3: Philosophy and Economics
Learn from experts
You'll learn from academics who are leaders in their fields across politics, philosophy and economics, alongside industry experts from our Business School.
Through regular guest lectures, you'll hear directly from practitioners at the sharp end of policy and public life. Previous guest speakers have been from:
- Ofcom
- Competition and Markets Authority
- World Bank
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Alastair Campbell, former Downing Street Director of Communications, delivered a talk encouraging Stirling students to “take action on politics”.
Join a student society to explore your PPE interests
You can strengthen your skills in debate, diplomacy, economic analysis, activism and global affairs by joining societies such as:
- Debating Society
- Model United Nations
- Global Justice Stirling
- Politics Society
- Philosophy Society
- Economics Society
You’ll get the chance to apply what you learn in class. It can help you to build confidence and develop the leadership and communication skills valued in many careers.
Top reasons to study with us
Prizes or awards
Our final year PPE students qualify for nomination for the following prizes:
The Murray Learmonth Prize
A prize of a £75 book token for the best dissertation in Single or Combined Honours Politics/ International Politics and PPE.
The Stephen Ingle Award
A prize of a £75 book token for best overall performance in Politics, International Politics and PPE Honours.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
AABB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
To include Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
From semester 5 onwards you will choose one of our three PPE streams, which will enable you to progressively specialise in two of the three subject areas. See detailed module information below.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Throughout this course, you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials. You will study nine modules in Semesters 1-3, including: Politics of the British Isles; Introductory Microeconomics; and Philosophy – What’s it all about?
Semesters 4-8 will cover core modules in: Politics – Great Political Thinkers; Philosophy – Moral Theory; and Economics – Intermediate Macro Economics.
From Semester 5 onwards you will choose one of our three PPE streams. Each stream comprises a range of optional and core modules which will enable you to progressively specialise in two of the three disciplines.
Semesters 7-8 offer further specialisation. In your final year, you will bring together the different skills you have acquired in a dissertation that covers two of the subject areas.
Assessment
Assessment for the modules on the course is either through coursework and or a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework includes essays, tutorial presentations, participation in tutorials, role play exercises, case studies and book reviews. Your final Honours degree classification will be based on modules undertaken in the final two years of the course. In general, (but with the exception of the dissertation) examination and coursework are weighted equally in each module.
Study abroad
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Sean Kippen, Course Director
Fees and funding
| Scottish students | ||
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This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change. Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf. |
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| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | ||
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This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information. | ||
| International students (including EU) | ||
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Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000–£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students. |
Fee information
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods—including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Studying politics, philosophy and economics together gives you a combination of skills that are in high demand by employers. Graduate work in areas such as:
- Civil Service
- Law
- Research
- Journalism and broadcasting
- Politics
- Consulting and management
- Finance and banking
