Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422310
- Program code 3478
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $15,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $49,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $155,500*
Fees
Fees
-
3 distinct disciplines
-
Contemporary topics
-
Overseas study options
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) is a three-year degree when studied full time.
Do you have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to better understand how our world works? This degree will give you in-depth knowledge and insight into three highly influential academic areas that examine urgent global challenges and potential solutions.
With a global understanding and unique skillset, you’ll be part of a select group of individuals equipped to drive important social, political and economic change.
Key features
A unique opportunity
Do you like to do things a little differently, think creatively and challenge existing conventions? UNSW was the first university in Sydney, and is one of only a handful in Australia to offer the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics. In developing this degree, our top academics across two faculties and three disciplines considered a range of current social issues, global trends, and the professional demands within these areas. The outcome? A degree built on a strong foundation across politics, philosophy and economics, to make sure you remain adaptable and agile in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Interdisciplinary focus
The leaders of today (and tomorrow) rely heavily on the fundamentals of politics, philosophy, and economics – particularly how the fields relate to one another. That’s why this degree focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where you’ll be exposed to ideas that give you the ability to weave together theory and methods from all three disciplines.
Learn from innovators and leaders
Embrace the opportunity to open your mind and further your critical thinking skills. You’ll study under leading experts and academics who specialise in creating new knowledge and new ways of understanding the challenges of the contemporary world. This teaching is further elevated by the innovative, first-rate research and industry partnerships of the university.
Go international
Have you always wanted to study abroad? We give you the chance to participate in overseas study experiences. These are increasingly relevant to students seeking careers in NGOs, inter-governmental bodies and globally focused organisations. You’ll also have the chance to join an exchange program with one of our international partner universities, which include University College Dublin and King’s College London. Prefer to stay closer to home? No problem. You’ll have the opportunity to make important local, regional and global contacts through our various internships. These allow you to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom in established and professional organisations.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- A supportive and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world class alumni connections
- Study with a prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) university
- We're ranked #5 in Australia for politics (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- We're also ranked #2 in Australia and #40 globally for economics (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined.
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Advanced
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
85.0
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.5
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
11.0
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
32.0
|
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1210.0
|
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
Whether you have a clear goal in mind, or you would simply like to explore what you’re passionate about, this degree gives you the choice and flexibility to tailor your areas of study so that you graduate with a broad range of career options. You’ll study 24 courses, including 16 core courses, six prescribed electives and two free electives.
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard three-year, full-time study plan in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics.
First year
- 8 Core PPE courses
Second year
- 7 Core PPE courses
- 1 Prescribed PPE elective
Third year
- 3 Core PPE courses
- 3 Prescribed PPE electives
- 2 Free electives
Explore your options through a sample program, opens in a new window.
For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is a renowned degree that carries considerable recognition among organisations and employers. PPE graduates across the world carve successful careers in areas such as public policy, diplomacy and economic analysis. You’ll be prepared to work in humanitarian groups, political parties, non-government agencies, public services and activist organisations.
Potential careers
- Government agencies (including foreign affairs)
- Political parties and lobby groups
- Public service
- NGOs
- Social activist organisations
Double degrees
Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.
Double degree options:
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
