Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

Want to understand "how the world works"? Have broad interests? PPE might be the course for you!

Why study PPE at Oxford?

• Understand more about "how the world works". 
• Develop a wide range of skills. 
• Broad and flexible course - there's time to explore and find what interests you!
  • ​You'll study all three subjects in the first year and can then choose modules from the second year onwards, with the option of dropping one of Philosophy, Politics or Economics. 
• Strong reputation and job prospects.
• Classmates are highly motivated and intelligent and there's some impressive alumni.
  • ​Including Prime Minister Bhutto, President Clinton, Ms Minton Beddoes and Malala Yousafzai

Lifestyle

Typical Weekly Timetable (1st year)

Monday

• Morning: Practice of Politics Tutorial 
  • Discuss why democracies tend not to go to war with one another (Democratic Peace Thesis) with your tutor and 2 other students. 
• Afternoon: Moral Philosophy Reading
  • Independent reading in preparation for an essay on Utilitarianism (an ethical theory). 

Tuesday 

• Morning: Write Philosophy Essay (approx. 1200 words)
• Afternoon: Relax 
  • Play tennis, interview a speaker for a society event and spend time with friends.

Wednesday 

• Morning: Moral Philosophy Tutorial 
  • Discuss the essay you wrote yesterday with your tutor and another student. 
• Afternoon: Practice of Politics Reading 
  • Independent reading in preparation for an essay on Populism. 

Thursday

• Morning: Practice of Politics Reading 
• Afternoon: Macroeconomics Lectures

Friday 

• Morning: Write Politics Essay (approx. 2500 words) 
• Afternoon: Macroeconomics Tutorial Sheet
  • 2 problem questions on The Solow Model

Application Process

Ideal Preparation Timeline (2022 Entry)​

• January - September: Explore your studies and boost your personal statement through supra-curriculars! Ensure that you are on track for strong A-Level* grades too.
• August - November: Prepare for the Thinking Skills Assessment
• September - October: Draft your personal statement
• November - December: Prepare for your interview. 
• January onwards: Focus on A-Levels*.

* or equivalent

Key Dates

• October 15  - UCAS Deadline (includes personal statement)
• November 4  - Thinking Skills Assessment
• Early December - Interview

Grade Requirements

• A-Levels: AAA
• Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
• IB: 39 (including core points) with 766 at Higher Level. 

Recommended A-Level Choices

• Maths
• History
• One of: Philosophy, Politics or Economics

Supracurriculars

What are supra-curriculars?

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

PPE-specific advice

• You need to demonstrate interest in all 3 subjects (it's okay for you to be weighted towards 2, but not too much!).
• Tutors understand that you may not have studied any of the 3 subjects before - they do not expect you to be experts, only enthusiastic.  
• Think broadly - there are lots of ways to interact with Philosophy, Politics and Economics outside of the classroom. 
• Its good to read things you don't necessarily agree with. The important thing is to hone in on why you don’t agree with them, and come up with counter-arguments.

Start exploring your course

Philosophy

politics

Economics

TSA

GET STARTED

Personal Statement

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

PPE PERSONAL STATEMENT BANK

Interview

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

PPE INTERVIEW BANK

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Interview Testimonies

CHECK THEM OUT AT INSIDEUNI

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