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BA Policy, Politics and Economics

with Year Abroad

Start date
September 2025
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
60L2
Course Type
Undergraduate, Study abroad year
Fees

For 2025/26:
£9,535 (UK students) 
£24,470 (International Students) 
More detail on Fees and Funding.

Unlock the power to influence change with a degree in Policy, Politics, and Economics. Dive into real-world issues and tailor your education to your passions with this unique interdisciplinary course.

The Policy, Politics and Economics (PPE) degree at Birmingham will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a more contemporary version of the ‘traditional’ PPE degree programme, allowing a more applied, ‘real-world’ academic experience. 

PPE at Birmingham brings together the study of Social Policy, Politics and Economics to examine and evaluate the arguments, ideas and evidence associated with some of the most pressing issues shaping our world. The degree gives equal weight to all three disciplines for the duration of the course, while at the same time allowing you to tailor it to your own strengths and interests. 

Your third year will be spent abroad at another university. There are a wide range of countries and universities from which you can choose. These include countries in which a variety of different languages are spoken, including universities where courses are taught in English. After completing your year abroad, you will return to Birmingham to complete the final year of your studies, when you will complete a dissertation.

On the PPE degree, you will be part of a vibrant community of world‐leading academics who will challenge you to think independently and support you to reach your potential. Our research-informed approach to teaching ensures you will graduate with the skills and qualities needed to succeed in the global workplace. 

Studying PPE allows you to connect the dots between multiple different disciplines and see the bigger picture overall. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from lecturers who are specialist in their field and are passionate about their topics but still encourage you to have your own opinion. My experience at University of Birmingham has equipped me with the confidence, life experience and skills I need to succeed in my upcoming graduate role as a Business Consultant in London.

Naomi, PPE Year Abroad student

Modules

First year

The modules in the first year are designed to provide you with a grounding in all three disciplines of Social Policy, Politics and Economics.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Social Policy
  • Understanding Politics
  • Principles of Economics
  • Social Research Part I (PPE)
  • Social Research Part 2 (PPE)

Choose one of the following modules

  • Introduction to Mathematics for Economics 
  • Advanced Mathematics for Economics (for students with A-Level Maths at A/A*)

Optional modules

  • Understanding International Relations
  • Introduction to Political Theory

Second year

A core module which is at the heart of the Policy, Politics and Economics programme in the second year is 'Global Issues'. This interdisciplinary module will enable you to consider a range of important global issues and the responses to them at international, regional and local levels. Alongside this, you will take one module from Social Policy, one from Politics and one from Economics. You can also begin to tailor your degree to your developing interests, choosing from the optional modules.

Compulsory modules

  • Global Issues: Perspectives from Policy, Politics and Economics
  • Social Research II
  • Comparative Politics

You must also take one of these following modules:

  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics

Optional modules

You must choose a further 40 credits from any of the three disciplines:

  • Policy Analysis
  • Comparative Social Policy
  • Poverty, Class and Inequality
  • Terror, Threat and Security
  • Macroeconomics (if not already taken as compulsory subject)
  • Microeconomics (if not already taken as compulsory subject)
  • Development Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • China and the World Economy
  • Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • International Political Economy
  • International Security
  • Feminist Political Ideas
  • History of Political Ideas
  • Sociology of Health and Illness

Third year

Your third year will be spent abroad at a university in the EU or elsewhere in the world. After completing your year abroad, you will return for your fourth and final year to the same BA degree programme. There are a wide range of countries and universities from which you can choose. As well as a range of European universities, you may also choose from a range of current institutional partners worldwide. These include countries in which a variety of languages are spoken, including universities at which courses are taught in English.

The following 120 credit module must be taken

  • Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Year Abroad

Final year

The central component of your final year of study on the PPE course is the dissertation, where you will undertake research-based project on a contemporary theme. You will also choose from a substantial range of optional modules whilst meeting the requirements to undertake at least one module from each discipline. 

Compulsory module

  • Dissertation 

Optional modules

You should select 20 credits from each discipline and 20 credits from across the range of optional modules.

Social Policy

  • Harmful Societies: Crime, Social Harm and Social Justice
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Mental Health and Society
  • Sociology of Success and Spectacle
  • Migration, Mobility, and Difference

Economics

  • History of Economic Thought
  • Health Economics
  • Economics of the EU
  • Advanced Macroeconomics
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Advanced Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions (Pre-requisite Financial Markets and Institutions)
  • International Trade Theory and Policy
  • Monetary Policy and Dynamic Macroeconomics
  • Public Economics

Politics

  • Contemporary International Political Economy
  • Gender in World Politics
  • Law, Politics & the International System
  • Media, Politics and Public Opinion
  • Topics in British Politics
  • Professional Development
Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time. Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Learn more about fees and funding.

International students

Full-time Band 1 (Classroom): £24,470

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

The University offers a range of additional financial support for students studying at Birmingham in the form of bursaries, grants and scholarships.

Learn more about our Scholarships and Bursaries.

We encourage applications through the University’s Access to Birmingham (A2B) Scheme.

How To Apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com using code: 60L2.

University of Birmingham's UCAS code number is B32.

Learn more about applying, including information on how to write a great Personal Statement and how to make your application stand out.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Typical offer:
AAB
Required subjects and grades:
GCSE Maths Grade A/7
General Studies:
Not accepted

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered.

Learn more about entry requirements

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6,6,5 at Higher Level to include English with a minimum of 32 points overall. 

 
Standard English language requirements apply.

Learn more about international entry requirements

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

The research-led teaching on our flexible degree courses ensures an inspirational and enquiry-based learning environment in the lecture theatre, seminar room and on placement. You will graduate as a highly employable, independent global citizen with a broad range of transferable skills.

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from experts in their field. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

Learning settings

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

Personal tutors

You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing officers 

We have dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.

During your first year, it is important that you have a smooth transition into University. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.

Our Academic Skills Centre also offers you support with your learning. The Centre is a place where you can develop your mathematical, academic writing, and general academic skills. It is the Centre's aim to help you to become a more effective and independent learner through the use of a range of high-quality and appropriate learning support services. These range from drop-in sessions to workshops on a range of topics including note taking, reading, writing and presentation skills.

Contact hours

For undergraduate modules, students attend a mixture of lectures and seminars delivered by academics in the relevant departments. 

Assessment Methods

Studying at degree level is likely to be very different from your previous experience of learning and teaching. You will be expected to think, discuss and engage critically with the subject and find things out for yourself. We will enable you to make this transition to a new style of learning, and the way that you are assessed during your studies will help you develop the new essential skills you need to make a success of your time at Birmingham.

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module that you take. You will be assessed through coursework which may take the form of essays, group and individual presentations, and formal exams.

Our PPE graduates go on to work in a wide range of fields including:

  • Government Modelling and Modernisation Manager – Welsh Government
  • Policy Oversight Manager – Home Office
  • Assistant Financial Analyst – Sky
  • Senior Policy Advisor – Cabinet Office
  • Graduate generalist – Civil Service Fast Stream
  • Planning Executive – Carnival Cruises
  • Outreach and Events Co-ordinator – Friends of the Earth
  • Account Executive – Copper Consultancy (Engineering firm)
  • Commercial and Private Banking Graduate – Royal Bank of Scotland

Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV's and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed, Birmingham Award recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Your Birmingham degree

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends.If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

The Policy, Politics and Economics BA will enhance your employability through the development of critical and analytical thinking, enquiry-based blended learning, oral and written presentation skills, as well as time management and group/team working skills.

Visit the University of Birmingham Careers pages for further information on how we are 'connecting you to your future'.