Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics is an intellectually challenging degree which introduces you to foundational work in economic, social, political, and philosophical thought. The three-year course provides a general introduction to each of the subjects, followed by the opportunity for specialisation. In studying for the degree, you will learn to read texts, to construct arguments, and to reason clearly and effectively. It challenges and transforms our students’ intellectual lives. And we hope it leaves them better placed to go on to challenge and transform their wider worlds.

Trinity has a long and distinguished history in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Our Tutorial Fellows are experts in each of their subjects and all our students are taught by them, and by our College Lecturers. The College has an active and successful PPE society, run by undergraduates, which invites a range of speakers to Trinity each term.

Admissions

PPE is an intellectually challenging course and we welcome applications from intellectually curious students who are interested in these three subjects. Applicants should be prepared for a demanding but rewarding schedule of work, involving both independent and group work.

A group of four PPE freshers stands in the front quad of Trinity.

Our third-year PPE students

Three students (a male in the foreground and two fem ales in the background) listen during a tutorial.

Course Details

In the first year, students take introductory courses in each of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. In years two and three, students may opt to specialise in any two of these subjects, or to continue in all three.

Economic and Financial (ECOFIN) Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium, with a sign indicating the seating place for the European Central Bank.

I remember my first Philosophy tutorial opening with the serious question – ‘So, how do we know that the external world really exists? Should we care?

Eleanor

Teaching Structure

Your College tutors are responsible for organising all your small-group teaching (tutorials and classes) and play a key role in overseeing your development throughout the course. The University Departments organise lectures and classes to supplement the tutorials. PPE students are usually taught in tutorials of 2-3 students, with the exception of some Economics options which are taught in classes. Students will typically attend two tutorials a week throughout their course. The College library is well-stocked in all three subjects, with the core courses well provided for. The Bodleian Library (the main University Library) is right opposite Trinity, and all three departmental libraries are within easy walking distance. The tutors set practice exams at the start of most terms so that students consolidate their learning and prepare for their university examinations. Our students achieve excellent results.

Fund/Grant Information

Trinity is able to offer financial support (for travel and living costs) to students undertaking internships and other work related to their degree.

Useful Additional Information

Faculty of Philosophy

Department of Politics and International Relations

Department of Economics

A close-up of bicycles parked in Trinity college.

Google Maps

Trinity and the Faculty of Philosophy

Trinity and the Manor Road Politics and Economics Departments

Career Prospects

The skills you develop while studying PPE – rigorous thinking and the ability to analyse information quickly in order to present a strong, clear argument – are valued very highly by employers. Trinity’s PPE graduates go into a wide range of careers, including journalism, consultancy, politics, non-governmental and voluntary organisations, and further academic study and research.

As a course which combines essays and quantitative approaches to learning, the work you do is extremely diverse and that definitely appealed to me as someone who was not yet ready to give up having a range of different subjects.

Belinda