Philosophy, Politics and Economics

About the course

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) arose from the belief that the advanced study of all three subjects would transform students’ intellectual lives, to great social benefit. This conviction remains as firm today as it was then. As the world has evolved, so has PPE. The course brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the world around us, developing skills useful for a wide range of careers and activities.

PPE is a highly flexible degree which allows you to shape your own path through it. You may choose to specialise in two branches at the end of the first year, or continue with all three. You can also explore a wide variety of disciplines under the overarching headings of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. For example, you can specialise in Sociology or International Relations by choosing the relevant Politics options. 

The three subjects each make a distinctively valuable contribution to the degree. Studying philosophy develops analytical, critical, and logical rigour – a highly transferable skill – through discussion of deep, puzzling questions such as 'what can we (really) know?' and 'why be moral?' that are fascinating in their own right.

In turn, the study of politics provides a thorough understanding of the impact of political institutions on modern societies. It helps you to evaluate the choices that political systems must regularly make, to explain the processes that maintain or change those systems, and to examine the concepts and values used in political analysis.

Economics is the study of how consumers, firms and government make decisions that collectively determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics has become increasingly necessary to make sense of governmental policy-making, the conduct of businesses and the enormous economic transformations throughout the world. 

All three branches of PPE at Oxford have an international reputation, supported by more than 200 renowned scholars. 

Astrophoria Foundation Year

If you’re interested in studying PPE but your personal or educational circumstances have meant you are unlikely to achieve the grades typically required to make a competitive application for direct entry to PPE, then choosing to apply for PPE with a Foundation Year might be right for you.

Visit our Foundation Year course pages for more details. 

'PPE this year has been a thoroughly enjoyable course. The three branches are perfect for a generalist like myself, and jumping from an economics problem set to a politics essay and then a logic exercise means you'll certainly never get bored. You'll have the opportunity to explore the perennial questions, of what's right and wrong, and how we ought to govern. You come to your own conclusions, and then pit your ideas against incredibly bright peers and expert tutors. I've had a great time so far.' Ren Ping		'I enjoy PPE because it allows me to develop distinct lenses through which to engage with foundational questions about things that are entrenched in our common-sense understanding of the world. Why should I be moral? How do I know anything? How important is free speech? What happens if the banks close tomorrow? What does it mean to be efficient? Each discipline gives you different tools to examine the world as it is, and to think about how it should be. For example, Economics will allow you to quantify and model total welfare, whilst Philosophy will require you to question how welfare is defined in the first place and whether it can be aggregated at all. These diverse ways of knowing will sometimes reinforce and sometimes challenge each other, and that process is genuinely exciting.' Rhea

Unistats information

Discover Uni course data provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Oxford for a particular undergraduate course.

Please select 'see course data' to view the full Unistats data for PPE. 

Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small. 

Visit the Studying at Oxford section of this page for a more general insight into what studying here is likely to be like.

Academic requirements 

Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.

View further information on how we use contextual data.

Subject requirements

* Although a background in Mathematics is not an essential requirement for admission, it is recommended. PPE applicants should have sufficient interest in, and aptitude for, mathematics to be comfortable articulating ideas in an equation as well as in a diagram or a written statement. Mathematics is a particular advantage for the Economics component of the course, as well as for the first year logic course in philosophy, and for the first year statistics course in politics. A large majority of successful applicants are studying Maths to A-level, or another equivalent.

You may like to consider taking Maths to AS-level, or an equivalent qualification such as IB Standard Level, even if you do not pursue it further. However, we do understand that these qualifications may not be available to all students. Extra tuition will be available to on course students who have not studied Maths A-Level who require any assistance. You can view the PPE admissions statistics for information on the success rates for applicants applying with different A-level subjects.

If your personal or educational circumstances have meant you are unlikely to achieve the grades required to make a competitive application for direct entry to PPE, but you still have a strong interest in the subject, then applying for PPE with a Foundation Year might be right for you.

Visit the Foundation Year course pages for more details of academic requirements and eligibility.

Admissions tests

All candidates must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) as part of the application. 

All the information you need to arrange to take your test as well as how best to prepare can be found on your test page.

Written work

You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course.

What are tutors looking for?

Admissions tutors will want to find out if you can think clearly and analytically. They are less concerned with what you know than with how you think and use your knowledge. They will seek evidence of interest in all three subjects. 

Visit the PPE website for more detail on the selection criteria for this course.

Fees