BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L0VP
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Our BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year degree equips you with three powerful toolkits to decode global challenges and create meaningful change—reinforced by professional experience. Philosophy explores fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, and human existence. Politics examines how societies organise themselves and make collective decisions. Economics investigates how resources are produced, distributed, and consumed. Together, these disciplines provide complementary tools to analyse today's most pressing issues—from inequality to democratic reform.
The distinctive feature of this programme is your placement year—a 9 to 12 month professional experience where you'll apply theoretical understanding in real-world settings. Whether working in public policy, finance, media, or non-profit sectors, you'll transform classroom concepts into practical expertise while building valuable professional networks.
You'll develop exceptional critical thinking by approaching complex problems from multiple angles. When examining issues like economic inequality, you'll analyse market forces through economics, power structures through politics, and moral questions about fairness through philosophy—skills you'll then apply during your placement.
Your learning extends beyond lectures through our vibrant student societies, where you'll debate big ideas and build lasting connections. Engage with cutting-edge thinking through research seminars featuring prominent thinkers addressing crucial contemporary debates.
With both multidisciplinary understanding and professional experience, our graduates excel across diverse fields including policy development, journalism, finance, international organisations, and technology ethics. This powerful combination of intellectual versatility and practical expertise gives you a significant advantage in competitive job markets—preparing you to make meaningful contributions wherever thoughtful analysis and positive change intersect.
Placement Year
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a 9-12 month placement in the third year of your degree. You'll be expected to source your own work placement with the support of UEA's CareerCentral Service and your School.
Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your journey begins with core modules across all three disciplines, establishing a solid interdisciplinary foundation. You'll engage with fundamental social and political theories that shape our understanding of society. Philosophy modules will challenge you to question knowledge creation and belief systems, developing your critical thinking skills from day one. You'll explore key concepts in microeconomics—examining how individuals and firms make decisions—and macroeconomics, investigating government policies and their economic impact. This integrated approach helps you see connections between disciplines that others miss.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
While introducing new concepts across philosophy, politics and economics, our lecturers use audience response systems and digital tools to keep you actively involved. Regular discussion breaks let you immediately test ideas with peers.
In practical workshops, you'll apply theoretical knowledge through group activities with lecturers providing guidance. Small-group seminars create space for deeper exploration of ideas through debate and discussion. Throughout, dedicated study skills sessions help you master university-level learning, ensuring you develop both subject knowledge and the academic toolkit needed for success.
Assessment
In your first year, you'll be assessed through a balanced mix of coursework and tests for the more technical notions in economics. Coursework is deliberately varied and can include essays, presentations, and group work.
You’ll take part in formative assessments, which do not carry any marks, that your teachers use to better understand your learning needs and academic progress. This ensures you’ll use this ongoing feedback in preparation for your coursework and tests.
We view assessment as an opportunity for you to develop your employability. We aim to constantly provide you both with the broadest workplace skills, and with the evidence you need to showcase these skills to employers.
Structure
In the second year, you’ll tackle pressing questions in global politics and examine how philosophical ideas have shaped modern political ideologies throughout history. You’ll expand your economics expertise by building on your first-year foundations with more sophisticated analytical tools.
This year introduces greater flexibility through optional modules in politics or philosophy, allowing you to begin tailoring your degree to your interests. Our academic advisors will help you reflect on possible career paths and guide your module choices accordingly. You'll notice your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments and analyse complex situations significantly improving.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you progress, your learning experience evolves. While core modules continue, you'll begin specialising in areas that match your new interests. Teaching becomes more diverse as you engage with specialised content in smaller groups.
This year introduces you to advanced research methodologies essential for analysing real-world data and testing theories. You'll learn how economists examine data, how political scientists conduct research, and how philosophers construct arguments—practical skills that translate directly to many professional contexts.
Assessment
In your second year, assessment will continue via coursework and short tests on the key methods and concepts presented but only for the economics modules. The variety of coursework widens in politics and philosophy subjects and may include essays, presentations, group work, technical exercises, research projects, and some data analysis assignments.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you’ve learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
Your final year offers maximum flexibility and intellectual independence. Choose from a diverse range of specialised modules across all three disciplines, allowing you to create a truly personalised curriculum aligned with your career goals.
The highlight of your final year is the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of your choosing. Working closely with expert staff, you'll apply the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills developed over your degree to produce original work in one of three formats: a consultancy report, a policy paper, or an academic dissertation. This capstone project demonstrates your ability to translate academic knowledge into practical outcomes—a skill highly valued by employers across sectors.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 30)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year offers more flexibility, with teaching methods tailored to your chosen topics. The more technical optional modules blend lectures with hands-on application using specialised software and programming skills—valuable tools for data-driven careers.
For conceptual and discursive subjects, you'll engage in collaborative projects, debates, and diverse writing exercises including policy briefs, media analysis, and blog creation. These activities mirror real-world professional practices, preparing you to transition confidently from academic theory to workplace application. Your independent research project will receive personalised supervision from expert staff, developing your ability to manage complex projects independently.
Assessment
By your final year, the range of assessment types will broaden even further, including case studies, projects, and poster presentations – you’ll be given more autonomy to choose your own topics and develop original submissions. You’ll be encouraged to find your own voice and to articulate arguments competently and rigorously in different situations.
Employability
After the Course
Graduating with a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics equips you with a powerful combination of analytical thinking, research capabilities and communication skills that employers actively seek. Your ability to examine complex problems from multiple perspectives opens doors across diverse sectors including policy development, civil service, international organisations, think tanks, heritage management, journalism, and education. Many graduates also excel in business consulting, research, consultancy, and advocacy roles. Whether you aim to analyse global challenges, shape public opinion, or drive positive change, this degree provides the intellectual foundation and practical skills to thrive.
Careers
Career destinations related to your degree include:
- Economic Analysis
- Management Consulting
- Government
- Think Tanks
- Political and Economic Risk Analysis
- NGOs and International Organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.Contextual Offer: Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3.T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Politics with a Foundation Year Philosophy with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee pages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: