University of Hull

What you'll study

This PPE degree brings together three complementary disciplines. You will study central areas of philosophy such as ethics, political philosophy and logic; core politics topics including political theory, comparative politics, public policy and British government; and economics modules covering microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods. Teaching emphasises conceptual analysis, applied policy debate and empirical reasoning, so classes typically combine lectures, small-group tutorials and seminars.

Typical first-year units introduce key concepts and methods across the three fields, for example introductions to moral and political thought, principles of economics, and basic quantitative skills. In later years you will take intermediate and advanced modules that may include political ideologies, the philosophy of law, public choice, development economics, econometrics, and options in ethics or political economy. You will be able to choose optional modules that reflect your interests and may complete a dissertation or research project, demonstrating independent research skills.

The programme is structured to develop intellectual flexibility: you will learn to assess normative arguments, interpret political institutions and apply economic models to real-world problems. Assessment methods commonly include essays, policy briefs, problem sets, presentations and a longer research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good secondary education qualification (A-levels or equivalent) or relevant level 3 vocational qualifications. The programme welcomes students from a mix of humanities and social-science backgrounds; there is no strict requirement for specific subject choices, though experience of writing, critical reading and numeracy is helpful.

Hull accepts applicants through standard UCAS procedures; mature students and those with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. International applicants should hold equivalent qualifications and meet the University's English language requirements. If you have vocational qualifications such as BTEC, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or recent study or work experience, these will be considered as part of your application.

Career prospects

Graduates from PPE programmes develop a wide range of transferable skills — critical reasoning, quantitative analysis, written and oral communication, and policy evaluation — attractive to employers across the public, private and third sectors. Typical career paths include roles in public policy and government departments, think tanks, NGOs and advocacy organisations, journalism and media, market research and consultancy, banking and finance, and civil service fast-stream programmes.

Many students also use PPE as a strong foundation for further study: postgraduate degrees in public policy, international relations, philosophy, economics or law, or professional conversion courses such as legal training. The University of Hull’s careers service provides support with placements, internships and graduate applications to help you move from study to work.

Why study at University of Hull

Studying PPE at the University of Hull gives you access to teaching staff who deliver research-informed modules across philosophy, politics and economics within a friendly campus environment. The programme emphasises small-group teaching and seminar discussion, allowing close interaction with tutors and opportunities to pursue supervised research projects.

Hull’s location supports engagement with regional public institutions and community organisations, and the University offers study support services, dedicated academic skills training, and careers guidance tailored to social science and humanities graduates. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree, combined with optional module choices, lets you shape your pathway according to academic interests and career ambitions.