Philosophy, Politics and Economics BSc

Course Structure

In Year 1, all students take compulsory modules in the three component subjects of the degree – philosophy, politics and economics – an optional Philosophy module, and an introduction to quantitative research methods. They also choose between a module in ‘Mathematics for Economics’ (which is required for studying Economics modules beyond Year 1), or ‘Principles of Social Science Research’.

Beyond Year 1, students choose between several routes through the degree, which determine the compulsory and optional modules available to them. They choose which two subjects to prioritise (‘Politics and Economics’ or ‘Politics and Philosophy’), and which research methods to specialise in (‘Social Data Science’ or ‘Mixed Methods’).

Depending on these choices, the following modules are compulsory in Year 2:

•    All students: Public Policy
•    Politics and Economics: Microeconomics; Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
•    Social Data Science: Data Analysis
•    Mixed Methods: Qualitative Research Methods

A limited number of study abroad placements may be available, subject to first-year academic performance, for students who wish to undertake a year abroad in Year 3.

 They would then be transferred to the four-year study abroad programme.
The final year includes a dissertation in either politics, economics or philosophy alongside six further module options, dependent on students’ choice of route through the degree.

You can view and download the full 2026/27 Programme Structure by clicking the link below.

Degree Benefits

• Learn from world-leading experts in politics and international relations in the UCL Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy, who will teach your classes.
• Acquire the knowledge and know-how you need to analyse the major political problems of our time and evaluate how we should respond to them.
• Link your studies with real-world political developments, both through coursework that engages with current events and by learning from eminent practitioners at our flagship Policy & Practice Seminar Series.
• Develop a portfolio of skills in how to undertake research; analyse data; argue persuasively and communicate effectively, valued by employers in both the public and private sectors.

Careers

The degree combines an education in social sciences and philosophy with a sustained treatment of the methods of social and normative inquiry. Drawing on multiple lines of inquiry, the degree prepares students for the contemporary and increasing likelihood of a multi-career working life.

Philosophy, Politics and Economics BSc is the gold standard of multidisciplinary degrees for those seeking careers in the public sector, the media and the policy community.

Our goal is to produce graduates who can undertake independent research on complex questions, collecting and analysing data and other forms of evidence; who can express complicated ideas clearly and communicate them effectively in speech and writing and who can construct and defend reasoned arguments about philosophy, politics, and economics.

UCL is committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship.

Fees and Funding 

Full details of UCL’s tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found here.
 

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

However, please note that if you wish to undertake a year abroad as part of our study abroad programme, this is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page). 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL’s cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
 

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.