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
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
By combining the study of philosophy, politics and economics you can ask how things should be, why they are as they are, and how to change them for the better. On BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a Placement Year, you’ll gain high-level training in economic science while exploring political and philosophical approaches to understanding human behaviour. In your third year, you'll spend nine to 12 months on a full-time placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. This course combines the ideological with the practical, and equips you with excellent skills in research, communication and decision-making that you can use across any number of careers, including economic analysis, policy advising, think tanks and international organisations, the Civil Service, and even banking and finance.
This course will give you the chance to pursue a spectrum of interests. You'll learn to analyse a given economic, political or social problem using tools and concepts from economics, political science and philosophy, applying and combining these different perspectives to derive new insights. You'll learn about the core areas of economics, as well as studying philosophical topics such as scepticism, freedom and morality, and exploring social and political values such as equality and solidarity.
You’ll be based in the School of Economics, and you’ll be taught also in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies.
Combining your course with a placement year, you'll typically spend between 9 and 12 months of your third year in a full-time placement. Although you'll be expected to secure your own work placement, dedicated staff within the School and the Careers Service will support and assist you throughout the process of searching, applying for, and ultimately gaining a position. Furthermore, support will also be provided whilst you are on placement and when you return to complete your studies in your fourth (final) year.
You’ll receive the very best support and guidance through a dedicated module called STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support) running throughout your course, as well as through your academic adviser. A university-wide Learning Enhancement team is also on hand to help you with mathematics, writing, critical-thinking, revision, and time management skills.
Employability is the backbone of our curriculum’s structure. Our teaching and assessment provide you with a curriculum that develops and enhances your employability relevant skills and attributes. The course’s syllabus is rich in real world examples and with opportunities for you to experience how the subject and its methods are applied. Guest lectures from graduate employers also contribute to the content of some of our modules. To develop and enhance your employability even further, our employability team organises a wide variety of events, such as: weekly employability workshops, networking and alumni events, one-on-one meetings with top professionals, job coaching and training, nationwide competitions, internships and consulting opportunities, mentoring by former alumni, among many others.
The student-led Economics Society is the perfect place for you to network and socialise with fellow students, whilst our Staff-Student Liaison Committee gives you a say in the future direction and everyday running of the School. The Norwich Economic Publications (a combination of a journal and a Podcast run by students) and the ECO Blog are outlets where you can share your enthusiasm about what you study.
In the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies you’ll enjoy a lively social and academic environment which plays host each year to a large number of talks by visiting politicians and philosophers.
Study and Modules
Structure
Benefiting from the collaborative nature of this degree, you’ll take a compulsory core of modules, and also have the freedom to direct your own learning across the three disciplines with a choice of complementary modules
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key concepts in the core modules for microeconomics, exploring how individuals and firms make decisions, and macroeconomics, exploring governments’ fiscal and monetary policies and their impact. You’ll also explore social and political theories and ‘the meaning of life’ in two modules offered by the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies. You'll also have the opportunity to select optional modules in philosophy and politics.
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
In your first year, lectures mainly take place in a large-group setting and are often used to introduce new concepts, ideas and arguments. But they are also highly interactive. Audience response systems and other technologies will be keeping you engaged and keeping the lecturer informed about your confidence at every step. There’ll be regular breaks for peer-group discussion. Then, in workshops, you’ll be given a more hands-on experience: working in groups, with your teachers by your side, practicing and applying the new methods you’ve learned. You’ll also meet regularly in small group environments, led by an academic but within which you’ll be able to discuss, debate and explore ideas with a freer rein. These events are complemented by additional study skills and support sessions.
Assessment
In your first year, you'll be assessed through a balanced mix of coursework and exams. Coursework is deliberately varied, and can include essays, presentations, and group work.
Each piece of assessment plays a role both in checking your progress, and in supporting your continued learning. Assessment is moreover an opportunity to develop your employability. We aim constantly to provide you both with the broadest workplace skills, and with the evidence you need to showcase these skills to employers.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll continue developing your understanding of micro and macroeconomics at the intermediate level. Alongside this, you’ll choose optional modules in philosophy and politics – shaping your own path and developing your interdisciplinary understanding.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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
In your second year, you’ll start to experience an even greater diversity of teaching styles and settings. Whilst some core modules are still taken by the whole year-group, you’ll also be embarking on more specialised modules, in smaller groups, as you begin to establish and pursue your own goals and interests. In this year, you’ll be introduced to more specialised statistical software, which will enable you to analyse real world data and test the theories you study in core modules.
Assessment
In your second year, assessment continues via coursework and tests. The variety of coursework widens and may include essays, presentations, group work, technical exercises, research projects, and data analysis assignments.
Structure
In your third year you'll spend 9 to 12 months in a full-time placement.
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
Whilst on placement, you will be supported by the Placement Team within the School and specialists from the Careers Service.
Assessment
During the placement year there will be a placement meeting / visit involving the supervisor, placement student and representative from the placement team. As a placement student you’ll be required to submit an evaluative report in the form of a presentation, which will be assessed on a pass or fail basis. There will be an opportunity for you to present this report to prospective students when you return in your final year.
Structure
You’ll continue your interdisciplinary studies in your final year, choosing from a broad range of modules from across the Schools of Economics and of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies to ensure you have a deep understanding of all three disciplines. You’ll also have the option of writing a dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 50)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 30, Max Credits: 50)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
In your final year, your choice of optional modules is very wide, which means the range of teaching styles you will experience will also depend on your preferences. Technical training will be delivered through a mix of traditional lectures and practical applications, which will involve the use of specialised software, including programming skills. The learning of more discursive and conceptual subjects will be grounded in group work, debates, collaborative projects, and practice of different forms of writing, from policy-briefs to twitter collections and blogs.
Assessment
By your final year, the range of assessment types broadens even further. A balance of coursework and tests remains, but – in a range of assessments that may include 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.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB exlcuding General Studies. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Accounting, Finance, Management and Administration
- BTEC
- DDD Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration . See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBB
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DDM
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 points
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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, INTO UEA 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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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-level
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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 are eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
Extra costs, related to items such as your travel and accommodation, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees 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:
Employability
After the Course
Graduating from the School of Economics, you’ll be able to demonstrate a combination of analytical and interpersonal skills that are highly valued by employers. You’ll be well placed to choose from a wide range of career opportunities, including working as an economist, analyst or in other managerial roles, within economics or business consulting, the Civil Service, international think-tanks and organisations, investment banking and finance, accounting and auditing, insurance and actuarial work.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Economic Analysis
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Management Consulting
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Government
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Think Tanks
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Political and Economic Risk Analysis
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NGOs and International Organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.