
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BA
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years with international study
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
AABFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall. Applicants offering Mathematics or Maths Studies at Standard or Higher level must achieve a minimum of grade 5. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL and students must achieve a minimum of Grade 5
- How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
The last date for the receipt of applications to qualify for full and equal consideration was 26 January 2022, 18.00 (GMT).
This programme is now closed to further applications for September 2022 entry.
- UCAS course code
- LV25
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Explore philosophical and political arguments and their economic context through analysing and evaluating sources.
- Gain insights from different disciplines and apply them to pressing policy problems.
- Enjoy the option to study abroad in Year 3.
Open days
The university organises open days every year in June, September and October.
These are an opportunity to find out about the course, meet students and staff, tour the campus, accommodation, finance, study abroad, and facilities.
If you receive an offer, we will invite you to a visit day where you learn about the School, teaching and learning, study opportunities and student life.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £21,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- Contact name
- Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4029
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.manchester.ac.uk/socialsciences
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
- AAA
- We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A Level.
- Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.
- We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept the combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
-
We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall. Applicants offering Mathematics or Maths Studies at Standard or Higher level must achieve a minimum of grade 5. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL and students must achieve a minimum of Grade 5
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .
For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Still need help? Email us at socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Scottish requirements
Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB.
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.
Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade B in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. We consider the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to an A-level on a grade-for-grade basis.
European Baccalaureate
We typically require 80% overall in the European Baccalaureate and no lower than 80% in English
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAA in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
For all other foundation programmes please see our full list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
The School accepts Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - accepted with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma - accepted with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.
We do not accept the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
The School accepts OCR Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Diploma - accepted with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - accepted with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.
We do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
- Typical applicant - A mature student returning to education after a number of years.
- Typical offer - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (45 Distinctions).
- Minimum Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
Contact: Tom McCunnie, tom.mccunnie@manchester.ac.uk.
Cambridge Pre-U
Applicants are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3 in the Cambridge Pre-U. Applicants can either take three Pre-U qualifications or study them in conjunction with A Level subjects.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student.
A Core Maths qualification does not satisfy the requirement of achieving A-level Mathematics for the School of Social Sciences.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade B.
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
- TOEFL (IBT) 92 overall with minimum of 21 in listening and speaking, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking.
- iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B.
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
The last date for the receipt of applications to qualify for full and equal consideration was 26 January 2022, 18.00 (GMT).
This programme is now closed to further applications for September 2022 entry.
Advice to applicants
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
Interview requirements
Returning to education
Contact: Tom McCunnie tom.mccunnie@manchester.ac.uk
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you can apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may refer back to previous applications or registrations at the University.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should include additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you will need to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
You will learn how key insights can be applied to pressing policy concerns, to gain a rich set of intellectual and critical skills.
You will critically evaluate competing arguments about political events, ideas and institutions. The PPE degree will give you the ability to effectively evaluate economic policies, and economics in its broader institutional and political context.
In Politics, you will analyse the behaviour of government from local, national and international perspectives, providing an understanding and rationale behind policy decisions that affect all of us.
Studying politics shows that you can research and reference your argument and use arguments from political theory to reinforce your position in a debate.
In Philosophy, you learn to develop and express rational arguments and use logical reasoning and critical analysis to defend your position and critique opposing viewpoints.
Economics gives you the tools to analyse the economic environment around us.
You gain a grounding in quantitative methods such as mathematics and statistics or econometrics.
You will develop an understanding of the wider economy from the reasoning behind macroeconomic government policy to the microeconomic behaviour of individual firms.
Aims
- learn how to analyse and evaluate competing arguments about political events, ideas and institutions;
- gain an understanding of economic systems and theories, and place the study of economics in its broader institutional and political context;
- develop the ability to formulate rigorous arguments and philosophical positions.
Special features
We are proud to be a leading centre for research in all three disciplines of PPE: politics, philosophy and economics. We have expertise in all major areas of these topics, so you will be taught by academics at the cutting-edge of each discipline.
World-leading research and teaching in economics has been at the heart of higher education in Manchester since the early days of the University.
William Stanley Jevons (1835 to 1882), who helped build the foundations of modern economics, was one of the first professors at Manchester.
Connect with like-minded students
We have a very active student association, the PPE Society, which brings together students from all year groups, including alumni.
It is a very supportive community that hosts regular socials, as well as academic and career events.
Study abroad
If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3.
If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester.
You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including ‘with International Study'.
See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.
Paid placement opportunity
You can apply for a paid Q-Step internship during the summer between Years 2 and 3.
Teaching and learning
Course units feature formal lectures and smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth.
Tutorials and seminars are key to improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations.
You are assigned an Academic Advisor who can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.
Coursework and assessment
Methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework and other mid-term evaluations;
- dissertations;
- presentations and group projects; and
- exams.
Course content for year 1
Year 1 gives you a solid foundation in each of the three disciplines of PPE.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Critical Thinking | PHIL10042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Political Theory | POLI10702 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | 10 | Optional |
Principles of Microeconomic Theory 1: Consumers, Welfare, Production and Costs | ECON10171 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomic Analysis 1 | ECON10181 | 10 | Optional |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Ethics | PHIL10021 | 20 | Optional |
Philosophies of Resistance | PHIL10101 | 20 | Optional |
Ancient Greek Philosophy | PHIL10122 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Year 2 continues to develop your training in each of the three disciplines of PPE, so you become an expert in each subject.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Managerial Economics I | ECON20001 | 20 | Optional |
Advanced Mathematics | ECON20071 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Statistics | ECON20072 | 10 | Optional |
Econometrics | ECON20110 | 20 | Optional |
Mathematical Economics I | ECON20120 | 20 | Optional |
Principles of Microeconomic Theory 2: Markets, Prices and Strategy | ECON20172 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomic Analysis 2 | ECON20182 | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Mathematical Economics | ECON20192 | 10 | Optional |
Economic History | ECON20212 | 10 | Optional |
Quantitative Methods | ECON20222 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
As well as studying taught courses, you also do a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Topics in PPE | SOCS30001 | 20 | Mandatory |
Microeconomics 3 | ECON30021 | 10 | Optional |
Microeconomics 4 | ECON30022 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomics 3 | ECON30031 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomics 4 | ECON30032 | 10 | Optional |
Topics in Inequality & Poverty | ECON30041 | 20 | Optional |
Dissertation in Economics | ECON30100 | 20 | Optional |
The Chinese Economy | ECON30102 | 10 | Optional |
Natural Resource Economics | ECON30232 | 10 | Optional |
Mathematical Economics II | ECON30290 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

The University is recognised for its employability and employers take notice of the well-rounded, intelligent people leaving its ranks - all helpful in an ever-competitive job market.
The Manchester mentoring gold scheme has also been a blessing in helping me connect with alumni in the industry and given me insight into career pathways I had not thought of.
Rohan Mistry / BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate
We offer you a high-quality, research-led student experience that prepares you for employment in a range of economics-related positions or further study in economics, business and finance.
Our graduates have successful careers in fields including accountancy and professional services, finance and banking, and government, such as:
- Goldman Sachs;
- KPMG;
- the United Nations;
- the House of Commons, HM Treasury, the Bank of England;
- Stonewall Equality.
Job titles include Senior Banking Executive, Trainee Tax Accountant, Commercial Officer, Economic Analyst, Policy Advisor, and Trainee Manager.
Other avenues include journalism, the media, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing, social work, teaching and law.
For more information, see careers and employability
Careers Service
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .