BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Placement Year Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Placement Year at York St John University integrates core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Learn about politics, philosophy and economics in a Business School which puts social justice at the centre of our teaching. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Placement Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 39% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (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: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 86% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (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.
Year 1 6 modules
- Introduction to the academic study of PoliticsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is your introduction to the academic study of Politics. Through it you will become familiar with basic terms, concepts, methodologies and issues in the study of politics, which will prepare you for the rest of your degree. We will explore the diverse definitions and the scope of politics, and discuss what politics means to you. We will also introduce you to some of the essential skills needed to succeed a degree level, including academic writing, researching and referencing.
- Principles of Applied EconomicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, focusing on understanding how these concepts can be applied in real world scenarios. You will build practical skills, learning to apply theory to address practical challenges faced by businesses. By studying this module, you will develop an understanding of how individual decisions and developments in economic environment may influence business strategies.
- Political PhilosophyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will investigate key issues in political philosophy, learning about the ideas of thinkers throughout the history of political thought. Through this you will learn the skills to respond to fundamental issues in political thought, questioning who should rule, why we should we obey the state, and what a just society looks like. Throughout the module you will develop your analytical skills by examining arguments and perspectives based on philosophical and conceptual frameworks.
- Macroeconomic AnalysisCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module builds on the concepts you will have been introduced to in your first semester, in Principles of Applied Economics. It explores the core principles and techniques of macroeconomic analysis, and will enhance your understanding of how theoretical and applied economic tools are used to analyse and interpret macroeconomic developments. You will investigate how decisions made by the Central Banks and governments impact critical macroeconomic variables, including inflation, consumption, ec
- International DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the policy and academic practice of international development and the key debates surrounding issues of global inequality and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). By exploring both historical change and contemporary issues, you will develop a broad understanding of key concepts and relevant literature as well as critically reflecting on the geographically diverse picture of development and inequality in the Global
- EthicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. You will consider: What informs the ethical decisions people make How people form their attitudes to moral dilemmas Whether there are sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones What, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations You will reflect on your own assumptions surrounding these issues, and explore the relationship between ethical tho
Year 2 8 modules
- International TradeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
International trade is extremely controversial. It is thought to be the engine of much worldwide economic prosperity. It is also blamed for inequality between countries and for the rise of populism and nationalism in some parts of the world. On this module we will investigate these controversies. This will help you understand the patterns of international trade, the forces that produce these patterns, and how they impacts different people. Ideas from economic theory, business strategy and politi
- International RelationsOptional20 credits
Module details
International Relations addresses the fundamental nature of power in the international system. The approaches used in this module are essential for understanding regional, international and global events. We will introduce you to some of the major theories in international relations, such as: Realism Liberalism Neoliberalism Marxism Critical theory Constructivism Feminism Postcolonialism Using case studies and coverage of historical and contemporary events, you will consider how you can apply th
- DemocracyOptional20 credits
Module details
Democracy is the dominant form of political organisation around the world, and it is essential to fully understand how it is put into practice. You will explore the development and evolution of democracy. This includes discussions on the concept and various models of democracy, as well as the institutions (executives, legislatures, judiciaries) and processes (electoral and party systems) that rely on it. You will complete a comparative analysis of democratic states throughout the world, examinin
- Political IdeologiesOptional20 credits
Module details
Since their development in the 18th and 19th centuries, and continued evolution, political ideologies have given birth to political parties and guided the decisions of politicians and leaders. This module is as a critical historical introduction to the coherent ideological movements that continue to shape our social, political and economic environment. You will learn about a range of ideological traditions, which may include: Liberalism Conservatism Socialism Anarchism Nationalism Fascism Femini
- Modern Western PhilosophyOptional20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on modern western philosophy in an important period of intellectual history. You will be introduced you to the most influential philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century and explore the ethical and religious issues surrounding their work. You will learn about the interaction between philosophical and religious, and construct your own arguments in response to these ideas. This will help you to understand the concepts behind the
- Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Understanding research and conducting it is a life skill, as well as being valuable to the functioning of organisations. This module will give you the foundational skills to evaluate, design and conduct research. You will learn to: Formulate and scrutinise research questions Design and propose research methodology Collect qualitative and quantitative data Analyse data, reach conclusions using it, and report it These skills will be transferable in all fields of business, including finance, market
- Business Problem-Solving ProjectCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will provide you with hands-on, business problem-solving experience, by working on live briefs. In most cases this would include visiting the organisation, communicating your progress with clients, conducting primary or secondary research, and making recommendations in form of report and presentation. This module goes beyond theory, equipping you with authentic workplace skills and a deeper understanding of your own strengths and abilities. All of our projects are designed to develop
- The Conservative Party in British PoliticsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The Conservative Party was once called the "natural party of government" and has dominated British politics since its incorporation in the mid eighteenth century. This module explores the traditions and ideas within Conservative party thought, from the Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 to the present day.
Year 3 2 modules
- AuthoritarianismCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore the persistence of authoritarian rule in the 21st century. You will study the characteristics of authoritarian systems, along with the structures, actors and actions that foster and maintain them. You will also consider the place of authoritarian systems in international politics, and examine their relationships with totalitarianism and democracy. This will involve using case studies to illustrate and analyse theoretical and conceptual approaches to authoritariani
- Global GovernanceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore in detail the institutions, structures and processes of global governance. In particular we focus on the institutions of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We also cover regional organisations such as the European Union, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Global issues will be examined to analyse the work of these institutions, which may include: Human rights International t
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
You'll study politics, philosophy and economics with an emphasis on social justice in teaching and learning. A course like this typically moves from foundational work in microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods in Year 1, through intermediate formal models and applied policy analysis in Year 2, to specialist options and independent research in Year 3. You'll usually progress from core economic reasoning, how consumers, firms and markets work, and what drives growth, inflation and employment, to econometrics and causal inference with real data, then to specialist study in areas such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, econometrics and data, public policy, or international trade. Most courses culminate in a dissertation involving your own empirical or theoretical research project.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding political systems, philosophical thought, and economic principles together. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff scores of 96–111 points. You'll need English language proficiency and commitment to four years of full-time study. The placement year makes this particularly valuable if you want to test your learning in a professional setting before graduating.
Careers & job market
Across Economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £26,500 to £35,000, rising to £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect broader graduate outcomes rather than guarantees specific to this course. The placement year may enhance your employability by providing real-world experience and professional networks before you graduate.
University & format
This four-year full-time BA (Hons) course is taught at York St John University, an established university located at YSJ Main Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is a recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification and has received a Silver rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent (95% over recent years); the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 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.
With 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. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John 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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £24,000 | £22,500 – £27,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £15,000 – £23,500 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £21,500 | £17,000 – £29,000 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 14% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
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: 30; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Placement Year worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Placement Year earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 8.5 out of 10: NSS 74% · in work or study 86% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John 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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 York St John 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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John 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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