Combine disciplines to set yourself apart.
This exciting degree draws together perspectives from three critical, yet varied disciplines, equipping you with knowledge to drive solutions to global challenges.
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) is a three-year, full-time degree that will equip you with a depth of knowledge in three varied, yet highly influential academic areas. UNSW is the only university in Sydney and one of a handful in Australia to offer this exciting degree that examines current global concerns. Your unique, interdisciplinary understanding of these fields will equip you with the experience and critical thinking skills to effect important global and social change through your career.
Contemporary social issues, global trends and professional demands were all considered by leading UNSW academics from three separate faculties in the development of this degree. We leveraged a strong educational basis across politics, philosophy and economics to ensure our graduates remain adaptable in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Interdisciplinary focus
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is unique in its continued interdisciplinary learning focus. You’ll be exposed to a core study component throughout the entirety of the degree, providing you with the ability to intertwine theory from the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. The political, diplomatic and commercial leaders of today and the future are reliant on the fundamental concepts of all three disciplines and most importantly how they relate to each other as they navigate the complexities of the world.
Learn from innovators and leaders
This degree is taught by leading experts from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Business School. You’ll learn from academics who are leaders in their fields and specialise in creating new knowledge and new forms of understanding through their teaching. The quality of teaching in this degree is augmented by the innovative, high-calibre research and industry partnerships of UNSW.
Study abroad
We provide opportunities for you to engage in overseas study experiences, which are particularly relevant to students seeking careers in NGO’s, inter-governmental bodies and globally-focused organisations. As a Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, you’ll have the chance to partake in an exchange program with one of our international partner universities, which include University College Dublin and King’s College London.
Throughout your degree, you'll make valuable local, regional and global contacts through internship opportunities. This will allow you to apply your learnings outside the classroom and in established organisations. Real-world learning and industry networking will give you a strong basis for professional advancement upon the completion of the degree.
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.
Mathematics Advanced
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.
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.
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:
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
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.
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.
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 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:
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics consists of 24 courses and can be completed in three-years full-time.
The program includes:
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
Second year
Third year
Explore your options through a sample program.
For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
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.
Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.
Double degree options:
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.
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.
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.
*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 below.
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.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2022.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
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