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Philosophy at UEA
Find out more about studying Philosophy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year
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 2027
Other Start Dates
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14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year at UEA?
Philosophy, politics, and economics explore how power, markets, and ideas shape the world we live in. This degree develops analytical, numerical, and communication skills for careers that make a real impact. Spend your third year in a placement.
Why choose us
- Three perspectives: Combine philosophical, political, and economic analysis to tackle complex real-world problems
- Beyond the classroom: Take part in a placement year, gaining valuable real-world skills
- Vibrant community: Explore ideas within active research communities and lively student societies
What is BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year?
Confront today's most pressing challenges, from inequality and climate change to democratic reform. You'll come to understand how market forces, power structures, and competing values work together to shape our lives.
UEA's Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree is distinctive in taking all three subjects through the full course, giving you a truly comprehensive skillset. You'll be taught by leading experts in interactive seminars, with a wide range of individual support available throughout.
Debate with scholars, politicians, and entrepreneurs through guest lectures and field trips, while living in a top-rated, student-friendly city.
A dedicated placement year will give you the professional confidence and experience to put your analytical skills to work in the real world.
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Placement Year
You’ll greatly enhance your employability by taking part in a 9-12 month placement in the third year of this four-year course. You'll be able to source your own work placement with the support of UEA's Career Central (opens in a new window)and your academic school.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year degree, you could develop a career as a:
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Management Consultant: Advise organisations on strategy, operations, and complex business decisions
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Policy Advisor: Develop and evaluate public policies for government departments or public institutions
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Financial Analyst: Analyse markets and financial data to guide investment and business decisions
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Solicitor: Provide legal advice and represent clients using strong analytical and reasoning skills
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Civil Servant: Support government decision-making and help deliver public policies and services
Career Support
Work closely with your tutors as you develop the critical, analytical, and quantitative skills that today's employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated Career Central(opens in a new window). Through one-to-one appointments, employer events, and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. You'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through consultancy projects, placements, and internships.
After the Course
Your Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree is a gateway to careers where analytical thinking, clear communication, and quantitative skills are invaluable. Many graduates go on to Master's programmes in law, economics, or public policy, opening doors to new professions. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue a PhD in philosophy, politics, economics, or a related field. Our graduates have built successful careers in management consulting, finance, the Civil Service, international organisations, and beyond.
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
Important Information
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.
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
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
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.
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
Important Information
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.
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
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching combines interactive lectures, small-group seminars, and practical workshops, delivered by research-active philosophers, political scientists, and economists. Digital tools and audience response systems keep you actively involved, while regular discussion breaks let you test ideas with peers. Carefully curated reading lists and bespoke learning materials support your independent study between sessions. Dedicated study skills sessions help you master university-level learning across all three disciplines.
In year one, structured workshops and study skills support help you transition confidently into interdisciplinary university-level learning.
In year two, seminars become more discussion-led and independent, reflecting your growing expertise across all three fields.
In year three, you'll undertake your professional placement, supported by dedicated mentoring and remote support from UEA throughout the year.
In year four, you’ll return to UEA where seminars will continue to be more discussion-led and independent, reflecting your growth.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to develop and showcase the broad range of skills that employers value most. You'll benefit from formative assessments throughout, giving you ongoing feedback to improve before summative work is due. Summative formats include essays, presentations, group work, and class tests covering more technical economic concepts.
In year one, assessments are designed to build your confidence working across all three disciplines simultaneously.
In year two, you'll take on more complex essays and analytical tasks, developing your own informed voice across philosophy, politics, and economics.
In year three, you'll submit a reflective piece of writing discussing how your placement enabled you to apply existing skills and develop new professional ones.
In year four, you'll complete a substantial capstone project — either an academic dissertation, a policy paper, or a consultancy report for an external organisation.
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 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- 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.
- 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 or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC or above.
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 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
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):
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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:
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- 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window) website.
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(opens in a new window) for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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: