BA (Hons) Philosophy Politics and Economics Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BA (Hons) Philosophy Politics and Economics at Keele University combines core theory with research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Tackle societal challenges and solve complex problems. Build core skills with a Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA at Keele University. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Philosophy Politics and Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Economics, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
- Philosophy as Reason and WonderCompulsory
Module details
This module opens your mind to philosophical questioning and gives you a logical toolbox to answer your new questions. You'll delve into core metaphysical and epistemological issues, emphasising independent thought and philosophical relevance. Formal logical skills will be introduced, enhancing your academic and professional abilities. Additionally, you'll attend a Royal Institute of Philosophy session and report on it, offering an experiential learning opportunity that showcases philosophical d
- Making Sense of PoliticsCompulsory
Module details
How do we make sense of studying politics and the changing nature of politics? This module addresses the contestable nature of politics and its relevance in contemporary society. You will explore the concepts of power, democracy and terrorism, applying these concepts to contemporary issues to better understand the political world. You will engage with external actors to reflect on how current national and/or world issues are framed from diverse perspectives and angles, working in small groups to
- Sustainability and the Global EconomyCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you will learn about the links between social, economic, and environmental challenges with a problem-solving approach. From access to clean and affordable energy to climate change migration, from sustainable food systems to poverty and income inequalities, you will apply economic thinking to analyse a range of 'wicked problems' and identify potential policy solutions. You will develop self-awareness about how living in globalized interconnected economies adds a layer of complexit
- Becoming a Social ScientistCompulsory
Module details
This module transitions you to university scholarship and introduces the employability and professional skills that a social science degree provides through a range of action-focused activities, e.g. analysing local council budgets and making decisions about where to invest money. Overall, the module introduces you to vital academic and professional skills and competencies that will allow you to thrive in the first year of your undergraduate studies.
- British Politics: Welfare, Economy and SocietyOptional
Module details
How did we get to the state we're in? This module focuses on the domestic and international dimensions of British politics, presenting an overview of the key debates that have shaped post-WW2 British politics. You will develop an understanding of key events and the importance of ideas such as welfare, decline, immigration, governability and populism. You will enhance your critical reading and analytical skills, developing a better understanding of how the past can help us make sense of the prese
- Environmental Philosophy and TechnologyCompulsory
Module details
This module is about applying philosophy to pressing issues such as environmental degradation and technological progress, particularly Artificial Intelligence. You'll evaluate leading philosophical perspectives on these topics, supported by site visits. Building on skills developed previously, you will tackle a contemporary local challenge set by Stoke City Council, a local business, or a third sector organisation. Through vlogs and podcasts, you'll engage with the community, understand local ph
- Global Democracy under Threat: Resilience or Retreat?Compulsory
Module details
In the face of challenges from above, below and within, democracy around the world is under threat. From challenges posed by populism and autocratic leadership to increasing political mistrust and declining levels of participation set against a backdrop of the threat posed by AI and misinformation, global democracies face numerous different threats. You will develop your data handling and analysis skills, exploring whether global democracy is resilient or in retreat, and complete diverse assessm
- Labour Economics and the Future of WorkCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an understanding of the labour market and labour market policies. The module considers factors underlying firms' labour demand and workers' labour supply. Issues related to human capital investment, discrimination and immigration are analyzed. It explores the effect of the IT revolution on labour markets, including implications for wage inequality and the distribution of rewards between labour and capital. It evaluates how automation has shaped labour markets over time, prov
- Social Science at WorkCompulsory
Module details
This module begins to introduce you to possible careers for social scientists and links to the work you are doing in your subject core and option modules asking the question 'how can we mobilise academic study into the real world?' You will also be encouraged to prepare for placement work that you may pursue and reflect on your social media footprint; developing your personal/professional brand and digital networking platforms.
- Contemporary Business Ethics and DebatesOptional
Module details
The business world is full of ethical dilemmas. This module is a practical, discussion-based course where you will select and explore current ethical issues in business. With your peers, you will engage in debates, presentations, and discussions, applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach develops critical thinking and communication skills, preparing you to navigate and address ethical challenges in today's business environment.
- Social Sciences PlacementOptional
Module details
This module gives you, as a student in the School of Social Sciences, the opportunity to contribute to the world beyond the University, in any workplace where the specialist knowledge, research, analytical, and communication skills developed as part of your Social Science degree can be used and can make a difference. The chosen workplace or volunteering opportunity may be, for example, with a local government agency or third sector organisation, a charity, a community group, a criminal justice a
- Engaged Social ScienceCompulsory
Module details
Moving on from the previous skills modules, you will further consider how your degree can link to a range of life skills and careers through engagement with community groups, activists and people working in public and private sectors. You will be supported in your next steps either through transition to the workplace or postgraduate study.
- Challenge Project for PPEOptional
Module details
In this innovative, multi-disciplinary module, you'll work in a team to tackle a real-world challenge set in collaboration with an external partner. Drawing on your knowledge of philosophy, politics, and economics, you'll develop practical solutions to complex societal issues. Through hands-on collaboration, you'll gain valuable project management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, enhancing your employability. The experience culminates in an individual reflective piece, allowing you to crit
- Dissertation in Politics and IROptional
Module details
You may write a dissertation on any topic in Politics or International Relations that is of interest to you. You will meet regularly with a supervisor throughout the year and they will provide you with guidance and advice at every stage of your project. In addition, in Semester 1 you will attend 10 workshops in which you will obtain further guidance on how to successfully undertake and complete a Level 6 dissertation in Politics or International Relations.
- Philosophy DissertationOptional
Module details
This module will enable you carry out independent research on either a philosopher or a philosophical problem of your choice. You will learn how to set your own title, devise your own research questions and how to write an extended research essay. After a number of seminars on how to design and implement an extended research project, you will have regular meetings with your Dissertation Supervisor.
- Dissertation (Economics)Optional
Module details
This module will enable you carry out independent research on an issue in economics. You will learn how to set your own title, devise your own research questions and how to write an extended research essay. After a number of seminars on how to design and implement an extended research project, you will have regular meetings with your Dissertation Supervisor.
- Evaluating Science with PhilosophyOptional
Module details
The philosophy of science is a central area of contemporary philosophy, as it should be in a world dominated by scientific understanding. However, not all attitudes to science are rational, with scientism generally regarded as an inappropriate, uncritical, almost religious trust in science. This module develops transferrable skills with an innovative video-making project for one of its assessments, showcasing how to channel your perspectives into engaging, audience-focused and interactive conten
- The Dark Side of PoliticsOptional
Module details
The global political landscape is increasingly dominated by self-interest, violence, corruption, distrust, alienation, deception, polarisation and institutional failure. As citizens feel increasingly alienated
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree combines philosophy, politics and economics to tackle societal challenges and solve complex problems through integrated study of how ideas, power and markets intersect. You'll usually begin with foundational economic reasoning, microeconomics covering consumers and firms, macroeconomics addressing growth and policy, and quantitative methods. Alongside this, you'll study political theory and philosophical reasoning. Year 2 typically moves to intermediate economic models, econometrics with real datasets, and applied policy analysis, whilst deepening philosophical and political analysis. In Year 3, you'll pursue specialist options such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, public policy, or international trade, study advanced econometrics or economic policy, and complete an independent research dissertation. The progression builds from core principles to specialist depth and independent inquiry.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding how philosophy, politics, and economics intersect. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff points ranging from 96 to 111. Keele's student body numbers around 10,600.
Careers & job market
Across Economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 75% were in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £26,500–£35,000 at 15 months, rising to £26,775–£37,800 after three years, and £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is delivered full-time over 3 years at Keele University, a university founded in 1949. Teaching is in English. The degree is a recognised UK degree from a national degree-awarding body. Keele holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Most recent entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff scores of 96–111 points.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Contextual Offer Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LV50). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Keele University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Economics graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £22,000 – £30,000 | 50 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £19,000 – £28,000 | 250 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £23,500 – £36,000 | 260 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in economics · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Economics nationally
National figures for Economics graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Economics courses at the same study level.
Compared with 594 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Economics graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Economics graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Banks & consultancies
- Bank of England
- Government Economic Service
- Think tanks
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Economics graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 80% · in work or study 95% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele University
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Keele University
88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Economics right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Keele University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Keele University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Keele University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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