Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Challenge everything. Create change.

Expand your world view as you explore perspectives from three distinct disciplines. With this knowledge, you’ll be equipped to create solutions to global challenges with real-world impact.

Faculty

Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) is a three-year degree when studied full time.

Do you have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to better understand how our world works? This degree will give you in-depth knowledge and insight into three highly influential academic areas that examine urgent global challenges and potential solutions.

With a global understanding and unique skillset, you’ll be part of a select group of individuals equipped to drive important social, political and economic change.

Key features

A unique opportunity
Do you like to do things a little differently, think creatively and challenge existing conventions? We’re the only university in Sydney, and one of a handful in Australia, to offer this degree. In developing this degree, our top academics across two faculties and three disciplines considered a range of current social issues, global trends, and the professional demands within these areas. The outcome? A degree built on a strong foundation across politics, philosophy and economics, to make sure you remain adaptable and agile in an ever-changing professional landscape. 

Interdisciplinary focus
The leaders of today (and tomorrow) rely heavily on the fundamentals of politics, philosophy, and economics – particularly how the fields relate to one another. That’s why this degree focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where you’ll be exposed to ideas that give you the ability to weave together theory and methods from all three disciplines.

Learn from innovators and leaders
Embrace the opportunity to open your mind and further your critical thinking skills. You’ll study under leading experts and academics who specialise in creating new knowledge and new ways of understanding the challenges of the contemporary world. This teaching is further elevated by the innovative, first-rate research and industry partnerships of the university. 

Go international
Have you always wanted to study abroad? We give you the chance to participate in overseas study experiences. These are increasingly relevant to students seeking careers in NGOs, inter-governmental bodies and globally focused organisations. You’ll also have the chance to join an exchange program with one of our international partner universities, which include University College Dublin and King’s College London. Prefer to stay closer to home? No problem. You’ll have the opportunity to make important local, regional and global contacts through our various internships. These allow you to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom in established and professional organisations.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

A supportive and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
Learn through research-informed teaching
Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
Access world class alumni connections
Study with a prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) university

Program Code

3478

CRICOS Code

098376B

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

422310

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Study areas

Whether you have a clear goal in mind, or you would simply like to explore what you’re passionate about, this degree gives you the choice and flexibility to tailor your areas of study so that you graduate with a broad range of career options. You’ll study 24 courses, including 16 core courses, six prescribed electives and two free electives.

To solve some of our greatest global challenges, you need a real-world understanding of what motivates people, businesses and governments. Economics is a constantly changing field that adapts to the world around us. Study the analytical tools and gain critical thinking skills that help shape societies, raise living standards, and promote economic growth. Learn more about studying economics at UNSW.
Questioning the nature of reality, knowledge, society and human existence is fundamental to who we are as humans. Philosophy’s answers to these questions have shaped the contemporary world. Students of philosophy learn to think clearly, deeply, analytically and creatively. These skills help you communicate, interrogate and debate even the most complicated ideas. And they set a solid foundation for tackling some of the world’s big challenges. Learn more about studying philosophy at UNSW.
From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights – facing these challenges requires an understanding of the intricacy of global politics. Studying politics helps you to understand power, and lead with difference. Follow a career in both public and private sectors to change the world. Learn more about studying politics and international relations at UNSW.

Full program structure

Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.

Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

Below is an example of what you could study in a standard three-year, full-time study plan in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics.

First year

8 Core PPE courses

Second year

7 Core PPE courses
1 Prescribed PPE elective

Third year

3 Core PPE courses
3 Prescribed PPE electives
2 Free electives

Explore your options through a sample program.

For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is a renowned degree that carries considerable recognition among organisations and employers. PPE graduates across the world carve successful careers in areas such as public policy, diplomacy and economic analysis. You’ll be prepared to work in humanitarian groups, political parties, non-government agencies, public services and activist organisations.

Potential careers

Government agencies (including foreign affairs)
Political parties and lobby groups
Public service
NGOs
Social activist organisations

Double degrees

Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.

Double degree options:

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$13,730*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$40,020*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$123,065*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships