Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

PPE is a highly flexible degree which allows you to shape your own path through it: you may choose to specialise in two branches at the end of the first year, or continue with all three. You can also explore a wide variety of disciplines under the overarching headings of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics – for example, you can specialise in Sociology or International Relations by choosing the relevant Politics options.

PPE is a very broad course. In the first year you study all three branches of the school, but in the second and third years you may drop any one of them. The Politics and Economics course is probably the broadest social studies course available in the United Kingdom, while the Philosophy and Politics course and Philosophy and Economics course each offer many combinations of subjects in these branches of the school. Sociology may be studied within Politics. You do not need to decide which branches you wish to specialise in before you start PPE.

PPE at Wadham

In the first year, students are largely taught in College, but for many of the more specialised options from the Final Honours course the College arranges teaching by experts from other colleges. In the first year you may have three tutorials or classes a week; in the second and third years you will normally have only two.  In addition, you will have seminars and lectures to attend every week in all three years. The course is challenging, but the tutors and the College work hard to provide a supportive and friendly environment in which to develop the required skills.