This four year degree programme involves studying courses to the value of 16 units, plus LSE100. The BSc PPE gives equal weighting to all three subjects and has specially designed interdisciplinary courses.
First year
There are compulsory courses in the first year. You will study The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy and either take Quantitative Methods (Statistics) and one of either Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) or Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra, or take Mathematical Methods. You will take Introduction to Political Science and will take Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. In addition, you will also take LSE100.
(* denotes a half unit course)
The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy
Provides an introduction to analytical philosophy by using classic and contemporary texts to study a selection of philosophical problems.
Introduction to Political Science
Offers an introduction to politics in a globalised world, with a focus on how political science tries to understand and explain cross-country and cross-time differences.
Microeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
Macroeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
EITHER
Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
Develops the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics with an emphasis on the applicability of these methods.
And one of:
Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)*
Provides the basic mathematical knowledge and develops the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in economics.
or
Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra*
This is an introductory level course for those who wish to use mathematics seriously in finance or economics.
OR
Mathematical Methods
An introductory level course for those who wish to use mathematics extensively in social science.
LSE100*
A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.
Second year
There are compulsory courses in the second year. Your choice of courses will depend on the courses you take in first year. In addition, in the Winter Term you start your own tailor-made interdisciplinary course: Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Interdisciplinary Research Seminar.
Introduction to Political Theory
Combines classical theory with modern ways of explaining and understanding international relations.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Interdisciplinary Research Seminar* (Winter Term only)
Engages you with leading academics and practitioners working in PPE and will train you in presentations and public speaking.
Introduction to Logic*
Introduces the basic system of modern formal logic, including propositional logic, predicate logic and the theory of identity.
Microeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
Macroeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
EITHER
Research Design in Political Science
Introduces students to the fundamentals of research design in political science.
or
Econometrics I*
Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.
and
Econometrics II*
Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics and the practice of empirical research in economics.
OR
Elementary Statistical Theory
Provides a precise and accurate treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques.
Third year
In the third year, you will take one government option, one philosophy option and one economics option. If you studied Quantitative Methods (Statistics) in your first year, then you will take another government, philosophy or economics option. If you studied Mathematical Methods in your first year, then you will take Econometrics I and Econometrics II. Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Research Seminar will continue for the Autumn and Winter terms.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Research Seminar*
Engages you with leading academics and practitioners working in PPE and will train you in presentations and public speaking.
One approved economics option
One approved government option
One approved philosophy option
One further approved option depending on your previous choices
Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3. See the study abroad section for more details.
Fourth year
In your fourth year, you will study the compulsory course Politics, Philosophy and Economics: Applications. You will also choose optional courses to the value of two units from a range of options within government, philosophy or economics, or from outside the Department. For your final course, you will complete the Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Capstone and Research Project.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Applications
Focuses on contemporary public policy topics and explores their political, economic and philosophical dimensions.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Research Project*
Involves group work on an applied public policy project for a client organisation and a research paper.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Capstone*
Final year students' best work is published in our student journal, Studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (SPPE), which is published each summer by Houghton St Press.
Courses to the value of two units from a range of options
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the Language Centre webpages.
You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.