BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics | Part-time

Entry year:
2026/27
Start date:
September
Study mode:
Part-time
Course duration:
5 years
Campus:
Mount Pleasant
Grades/points required:
BBC (112).

Why study this course with LJMU?

  • Part-time degree designed to help people study alongside their other commitments
  • Our International Relations courses at LJMU were recently ranked 7th best in the UK in the Guardian University Guide
  • Develop the skills and knowledge to reflect critically on the world
  • Understand how politics affects our day-to-day lives, study philosophical rigour to develop sound reasoning logically, critically, and ethically, and understand government policy and the choices facing businesses, governments, and society
  • A respected degree discipline rarely taught outside of Oxbridge and Russel Group universities often studied by people wishing to start a career in politics
  • Receive an internationally-minded education crossing broad geographical and thematic oriented modules and opportunities to study abroad
  • Prepares you for a wide range of careers by developing work-based skills, internships and opportunities to network with practitioners and employers

About your course

The BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree at Liverpool John Moores University will provide you with comprehensive knowledge of each discipline and how they affect our day-to-day lives

If you have a curious mind about the world in which we live in, how politics affects your life and how society works, then this degree is for you. 

A degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (better known as PPE) will give you a comprehensive understanding of the three disciplines. This degree will encourage you to unpick the world we live in by grounding you in the theories, concepts and methods while using real-world case studies. We want you to develop informed opinions and decide how you wish to engage with the world.

We recognise that people interested in these topics are not always able to dedicate three years full-time to their studies. Whether you have family or work commitments or need additional time to develop your skills and assimilate knowledge, the part-time degree is a great option for you. Delivered part-time over five years, this degree allows you to continue your existing lives whilst completing an undergraduate degree.

During the degree studies, we will aim to give you the skills and knowledge to reflect critically on the world. We will do this by introducing and combining theories, concepts and insights from across the three disciplines. In addition, we test out these arguments by using real-world case studies.

Our teaching is all driven by unique research conducted by our academic team. You will receive an internationally-relevant education, based on geographical and thematic oriented modules and plenty of opportunities to study abroad. We will prepare you for career employment by developing your work-based skills, offering internships and opportunities to network with practitioners and employers. You will also be encouraged to undertake a year-long work placement during your studies.

You will be invited to fieldtrips, you will meet experts, and receive opportunities to learn outside the classroom. We currently take all students to Edinburgh and Northern Ireland, and have a range of specialist trips to undertake activities such as Model NATO simulation exercise.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Introduction to Philosophy
20 credits

This module introduces a series of philosophical debates that have evolved over time.

Economics
20 credits

Introduces students to economic ideas and their relevance to business decisions.

Introduction to Political Philosophy
20 credits

Theory is an important tool in understanding why and how we act, whether it be as an individual or a group. This module encourages us to think about the different ways in which we have attempted to understand the relationship between the human, state and society. All too often our understanding of these theories are driven by Western political thought. Whilst an essential component, this module will also explore non-Western thoughts on this relationship in an attempt to gain a greater understanding of humans and the world in which we live.

Issues in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
20 credits

This module looks at the three disciplines combined to gain a greater understanding of a range of topics. It creates a multidisciplinary space for interdisciplinary work to occur.

Comparative Politics
20 credits

In order to understand how the state engages with other actors at the international level it is essential to understand how the state functions. It is driven both by theory and practical examples. In this module you will examine the various political models and how they operate in practice. How does China, for example, operate in the space between authoritarian rule and democracy? Does China's political model offer stability and an example for other states to follow? Can a state lose its democratic identity as well as gain one? These are all the kinds of questions that arise when comparing different political systems, states and societies with each other.

Being Politically Engaged
20 credits

By providing you with an understanding on how you can engage with the world, this module helps encourage your political development. It is not the purpose of the module to tell you what to believe in but it is responsible for showing you how you can advocate your political positions. This module brings in activists, experts and scholars to discuss how they are involved in politics in order to give you a grounding of the different ways in which you can engage with your own politics.

Core modules

Managing Data & Information
20 credits

Students will explore, from the perspective of the non-analyst, how organisations make use of statistical data and information in order to inform decision-making. They will be introduced to basic concepts of contemporary data analysis using appropriate data visualisation techniques, to illustrate and articulate how modern companies are using business intelligence to solve old problems in new ways. It will introduce students to the novel approaches that are revolutionising the way business management is done (Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence).

 

 

Politics, the Economy and the Good Life
20 credits

This module interrogates how the three disciplines working together can give a greater understanding of contemporary issues in societies.

PPE in Practice
20 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of a particular topic related to Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and enables you to develop the necessary research skills for the work place and prepares you for your Level 6 research project module. The requests for the reports will come from external actors.

Optional modules

International Politics at the Regional Level
20 credits

This module enables you to focus on a particular region of the world based on what is of particular interest in the year of delivery, and contingent on the research expertise of the instructor.

Terrorism, Race and Empire
20 credits

This module aims to bring together the critical study of terrorism and critical approaches to the study of race and empire. This module will critically examine contemporary counter-terrorism practices and their historical origins in colonial contexts. As such, this module will provide students with the necessary theoretical tools to understand how contemporary discourses on ‘terrorism’ open up wider questions of power, coloniality and empire. Students will further be provided with the tools to apply decolonial approaches to contemporary issues in world politics. In particular, this module will be important for students who are keen on pursuing a career within research, policy-making, NGO work, and organisations concerned with security, development and peace-building, counter-terrorism, and counter-insurgency, as well as race, gender, and decoloniality.

International Trade
20 credits

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand key issues in international trade.

International Crises
20 credits

Provides an introduction to international finance.

Ethics
20 credits

This module examines ethics from multiple philosophical perspectives and applies them to real examples that occur in the world in an effort to conceptualise what is happening.

Politics and Popular Culture
20 credits

This module enables you to explore politics and popular culture as a sub-field that articulates the ways in which politics is understood through popular culture. It demonstrates how theory as a means of making sense of the world impacts upon the everyday. It provides you with an opportunity to take ownership over your learning process through student-led seminars, guided by preceding interactive lectures.

Teaching PPE
20 credits

Students can choose to teach either in Politics, Philosophy or Economics at A-Level. Numbers on this module are strictly capped at 5 per secondary or further educational institution we are working with. Alongside selecting this module in OMS, students wishing to follow this course will also have to make a direct application for consideration to the host institution. That application will take the form of a letter/personal statement outlining their suitability for this role and their commitment to teaching as a profession. 

Initial shortlisting will be undertaken by the LJMU IRP team taking account of the following criteria:

  1. Record of attendance through Level-4 to be at least 75% across semester
  2. Academic performance at Level-4: successful applicants will have achieved a minimum overall level mean mark of at least 60%.
  3. A clearly articulated appreciation of the nature of teaching and a commitment to this vocation.
  4. Where possible, evidence of teaching experience either as a classroom assistant, or equivalent, or teaching observation.

    All DBS checks will be completed with the host institution.

International Organisations
20 credits

This module enables you to explore the roles and relations of international organisations through a thematic approach. This will allow you to engage with key organisations focussing on broader themes of international politics, such as aid and development, health, security and the environment. This approach will allow you to engage with core debates and explore the roles of a multitude of organisations.

British Politics: Continuity, Change and Crisis
20 credits

This module will introduce you to the structures and practical functioning of British politics and government. You will take a contemporary focus of British politics, examining the elements of continuity, change and crisis. This will allow you to explore political processes in the UK, both formal institutions of the state and alternative political processes. In doing so, you will analyse the relevance of the Westminster model of governance and set British politics within a comparative context

The Scandinavian Dream: Nordic Politics, Culture, and Society
20 credits

This module deepens students' understanding of Scandinavian history, society, and politics. They engage in key debates, study various political systems, and explore Nordic culture through media and literature. The syllabus covers topics like the Welfare Model, colonialism, modernization, and contemporary political issues, offering a well-rounded perspective on the region's past and present.

From the Confucian World to Chip War: Politics and Development in East Asia
20 credits

Weekly lectures will provide background and contextual setting against which students will consider a range of primary source material in seminars. The seminars will provide a structured framework where sources will be dissected by students and used to stimulate discussion and debate.

Critical Theory and Us
20 credits

After completing the module, you should be able to:

  • Use approaches within social and critical theory to explore modern and contemporary experiences and phenomena.
  • Assess and respond to competing perspectives within critical theory.
  • Explain the emergence of key strands of modern critical theory within historical and epistemic context.

Core modules

Research Project in PPE Route 1
40 credits

The dissertation is an independent research project. Working under the direct supervision of a research-active member of staff, you will produce an extended piece of original independent research which will draw upon the latest developments in your field and demonstrate your in-depth knowledge. It will further enhance key transferable skills developed from Level 5 such as project management, effective research skills, effective communication, critical analysis and high-level evaluation of data, as well as professional time-management.

Research Project in PPE Route 2
40 credits

In the first semester students will take workshops focused on research skills, including interview techniques. In the second semester, they will participate in the MOD or Department of Transport hacking programme, respond to the question set, interview government personnel, and present and write-up their findings. Their advisor will support them in delivering this part of the module.
There is a cap on having no more than two groups enrolled, with a maximum of 5 students per group. 
It is important to note that LJMU will be responsible for providing the advisor for the academic delivery/research skills sessions, for academic supervision of the project and for assessment of the module.

Optional modules

Challenging Western-centrism in International Relations
20 credits

This module is designed with the understanding that our extant historical knowledge (which is implicitly Eurocentric) needs to be globalised. It means the non-western world should be better weighted and given due attention rather than seen as a passive receiver of western impacts. It emphasises a lot on the historically situated forces in the making of non-western world of ideas and, more importantly, their connections and complex relationships.

The Politics of War and Organised Violence
20 credits

This module will help you to understand the different forms of organised political violence. During the module you will engage in traditional and critical theories of international security to understand the role of states and non-state actors in organised political violence.

Sustainable Futures
20 credits

Recognise and critically evaluate the global challenges we face and the role of business and organisations in addressing them.

Contemporary Economic Policy
20 credits

Provides students with an ability to relate macroeconomic and microeconomic theory to the design and analysis of public policy. To assess the contribution of economics to a range of contemporary policy debates in both the public and private sectors.

Global Justice
20 credits

This module looks at the philosophical questions on justice and uses cases to explore them.

Philosophy and Public Policy
20 credits

This module queries the role and content of public policy from a philosophical perspective. 

Securing Spaces: Security and Places in the Modern World
20 credits

Within this module you will explore the contested concepts and practices of security in the twenty-first century. You will engage with existing debates in the fields of international relations, security studies and critical security studies. Alongside this, you will also be introduced to the socio-spatial implications of contemporary security governance. Exploring the impact of external security developments on urban places and environments such as cities, built environments and crowded spaces.

Comparative Nationalism, Secession and the Politics of Territory
20 credits

This module will introduce you to the comparative study of nationalism and secession. You will explore the historical and contemporary relevance of nationalism and secession. Whilst understanding the contestation involved in studying such topics. Throughout the module, you will be required to apply theoretical knowledge to empirical examples, whilst comparing and analysing various case studies from around the world.

The International Politics of Development at the Regional Level
20 credits

This module is designed to familiarise students with debates surrounding the international politics of development. We live in an international system deeply divided in terms of national income and access to basic human welfare. This module aims to explore the politics behind why certain regions are rich and others poor. It does so by narrowing its focus onto a specific region of the world and examines the historical and contemporary factors shaping its economic development (or underdevelopment). In this module, students will examine key theories of development from the fields of international politics, political economy and development studies and the points of contention between them. It will then apply these empirically to explore different themes and case studies related to the development trajectory of a specific region of the world.

Britain, Brexit, Europe and the Media
20 credits

This module highlights the relationships between politicians and the media and the role of the media as a primary space for political agenda setting. The module will look at the political structures in Britain, including what devolution has meant for people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It will encourage you to engage closely with the political economy of the news media in Britain and the role that it plays in political communication. It will address the historically often jingoistic and patriotic nature of the English-based national news media and how that led to the grotesque caricatures of other nationalities and identities from the 19th century onwards. This ultimately led to the Euro-sceptic tradition in British newspapers which developed from the 1980s, just a decade after Britain had entered Europe, to the heated media and public debates leading up to Britain’s exit from the European Union following the Brexit referendum of 2016.

Your Learning Experience

Excellent facilities and learning resources

During your time studying with us, we will help you develop your academic and employability skills and introduce you to subject content. We will introduce you to a variety of conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues in the fields of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

The teaching timetable will be designed to fit around your other commitments, to make studying for a degree over the five year period possible.

We continuously connect these subject discussions to the real-world so that you always see the relevance of what you are studying via interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, simulation exercises, presentations by experts, student presentations, fieldtrips, seminar discussions, internships (where available), and study abroad (where applicable).

We will also encourage you to work independently as well as in groups, train you to use, and critically analyse, texts, sources and data. We offer you a range of specialist modules driven by our academic staff’s research interests which ensures you get committed and engaging sessions on cutting-edge topics.

All of what we do is in line with the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency’s national guidance, which is designed to ensure we offer you a comprehensive degree programme.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

From the moment you begin your studies at Liverpool John Moores University, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will meet with you on a one-to-one basis to discuss course-related issues, monitor your progress and help you to put your career plans in place.

We offer comprehensive university support services designed to help you develop your skills and provide support for your wellbeing.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

We will ask you to use different methods to communicate your research from written, audio, and video essays to presentations, simulation exercises and work-based learning projects.

We will pay attention to those of you who need additional learning support, ensuring you receive the support you need to thrive by offering assessments that play to your strengths.

All our assessments encourage you to develop your communication skills and to present arguments and ideas with precision and clarity. By the end of your studies, using the skills and knowledge you have developed, you can do an in-depth extended independent piece of research or do a group project in association with the UK government’s Ministry of Defence.

Where you will study

The School of Humanities and Social Science offers an ideal environment in which to expand your knowledge and horizons. Situated on Mount Pleasant in the new ‘Knowledge Quarter' of Liverpool, the School is home to six subject areas: Creative Writing, English, History, International Relations, Sociology, and Media, Culture & Communication. It has a lively programme of cross-disciplinary research seminars, conferences, visits from international scholars and public events. Research from the School is recognised nationally and worldwide.

Course tutors

At a time of increasing tensions between people at political, social, and economic levels we thought a degree in PPE would help those curious about the world delve further into what makes us tick. People with knowledge and passion about the world and all its peculiarities is what we need to transition to a better place.

Career paths

Committed to preparing you for a successful career

Throughout your time with us, we are committed to preparing you for a career. We will train you to complete work-styled assignments, we will enable you to translate what you learn on the programme into the work environment, and we will provide work-based opportunities such as internships and the final year group project working with the Ministry of Defence. To help you choose a career and refine those skills that increase your chances of being selected for interview, our Student Futures team will be ready to help you.  

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Part-time per year:
£7,335

Fees

Tuition fees for home students beginning their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to Parliamentary approval.

In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are set in accordance with the Government’s regulated fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this cap will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28, in both cases subject to Parliamentary approval.

The Government has also stated that from the 2028/29 academic year onwards, the fee cap will be adjusted annually in line with inflation. As a result, tuition fees in future years may increase accordingly. We will provide confirmation of any changes as early as possible in advance of each academic year.

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.

Financial Support

The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC (112).

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Qualification requirements

GCSEs and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme, applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alterative qualification below:

- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essentials Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Welsh GCSE in Maths or Numeracy
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

BBC 
Minimum number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS points: 20

BTECs

Extended Diploma: DMM.

Access awards

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points.

International Baccalaureate

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

OCR Cambridge Technical

Extended Diploma: DMM.

Irish awards

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

T levels

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

Alternative qualifications considered

Mature applicants will be considered on an individual basis.  These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.

Further information

  • DBS, Occupational Health requirements

    Is a DBS check required?

    No

  • Contextual Offers

    At LJMU, we are dedicated to widening participation in education. We understand that academic potential isn't always accurately represented by grades alone. Therefore, we consider additional information included in your application. If you meet certain eligibility criteria, we may make an offer lower than our typical entry requirements. 

International requirements

IELTS

6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.

Further information

  • DBS, Occupational Health requirements

    Is a DBS check required?

    No

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your university life

From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

Talk to our students

Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.

See what our students are saying

At LJMU we want you to know you're making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:

The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.