Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at UNSW provides you with the opportunity to drive progress and make meaningful change where issues of politics, philosophy and economics intersect. This multi-disciplinary degree is led by UNSW's faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture – ranked #3 in Australia for social sciences & management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026). You'll gain in-depth knowledge and insight into three highly influential academic areas that examine urgent global challenges and potential solutions. You'll develop your critical thinking skills, hone your understanding of international relations and examine contemporary debates through a philosophical framework. You'll have the opportunity to complete an optional major in one of three fields or choose to study a combination of prescribed and free electives. Most importantly, as a PPE graduate, you'll be part of a select group of individuals who can drive important social, political and economic change.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Domestic (2026 Lowest Selection Rank): 92.0 (ATAR + adjustment factors)
2026 Lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors): 79.3
A Levels (domestic): 15.0 (based on four Advanced Level A2 subjects)
IB Diploma (domestic): 36.0
International ATAR: 87.0
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA: 7.6
Great Britain GCE A Levels (international): 12.0 (minimum two A2 subjects required; calculated from best two, three, or four A2 subjects using A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (international): 33.0 (must be completed; based on 2026 entry scores)
SAT (after 2016): 1230.0 (total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores; must be provided with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies)
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced
English language requirements: Evidence of English proficiency required for non-English speaking backgrounds; UNSW College Academic English Programs available for those needing improvement
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC; 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: up to 72 UoC; 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: up to 96 UoC

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

PPE graduates forge successful career paths in areas including public policy, diplomacy, politics and economic analysis. The degree equips graduates to work across a wide range of meaningful and fulfilling industries, from humanitarian aid to politics, non-government agencies and investment banking. Potential careers include: Government agencies (including foreign affairs), Political parties and lobby groups, Public service, NGOs, Social activist organisations, Human rights advocate, Politician, Diplomat, Economist, Policy and/or financial analyst, Business manager, and Investment analyst. As a general guide, the average annual salary in Australia for a policy analyst ranges from $85,000 to $105,000, compared to $90,000 to $100,000 for an advocate and $125,000 to $145,000 for an investment analyst (Seek, 2025).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units22 units

Critical Thinking for Today's World

Level 1 core course

Foundations of Politics and International Relations

Level 1 core course

Introduction to Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Level 1 core course

Quantitative Analysis for Business and Economics

Level 1 core course

Microeconomics 1

Level 1 core course

Contemporary Issues in Government and Global Politics

Level 1 core elective (one of two options)

Politics, Peace and Prosperity

Level 1 core elective (one of two options)

Mind, Ethics, and Freedom: Introduction to Philosophy

Level 1 core elective (one of two options)

Truth and Human Existence: Introduction to Philosophy

Level 1 core elective (one of two options)

Empirical Methods

Level 2 core course

Ethics: Theory and Practice

Level 2 core course

Philosophy and the Market

Level 2 core course

Political Philosophy

Level 2 core course

Microeconomics 2

Level 2 core course

Qualitative Research for Political and Social Problems

Level 2 core course

Who Gets What? The Global Politics of Inequality

Level 2 core course

Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy

Level 3 core course

Manias, Panics and Crashes: Global Political Economy in an Era of Crisis

Level 3 core course

Politics and Economics

Level 3 core course

PPE Capstone: Facing Contemporary Challenges

Level 3 core course

ATSI2012

Contemporary Issues in International Politics

Prescribed elective (for students not completing an optional major)

ATSI2014

Indigenous People and Policy

Prescribed elective (for students not completing an optional major)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I specialise in a particular area within the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

Yes. Students have the option to complete an optional major in one of three fields: Economics, Philosophy, or Politics and International Relations (48 UOC). Alternatively, students can choose to study a combination of 18 UOC of prescribed electives from approved course lists and 18 UOC of free electives from any faculty at UNSW.

Is it possible to combine the Bachelor of PPE with another degree?

Yes. UNSW offers a double degree option combining the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Law, allowing students to broaden their opportunities by studying different areas simultaneously.

What overseas study opportunities are available in this program?

Students can take advantage of exchange programs with UNSW's international partner universities, including University College Dublin and King's College London. International study is particularly valuable for those interested in working for NGOs, inter-governmental bodies or globally focused organisations. Students can also access established local internships to build important regional and global contacts.

What are the indicative fees for this degree in 2026?

For domestic students in a Commonwealth Supported Place, the indicative first year full fee is $16,000, with an indicative full fee to complete the degree of $50,500. For international students, the indicative first year full fee is $51,000, with an indicative full fee to complete the degree of $163,000. These fees are for tuition only and are subject to annual review.

Was UNSW the first university in Sydney to offer the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

Yes. UNSW was the first university in Sydney — and one of only a handful in Australia — to offer the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. The degree was developed by top academics across two faculties: the Business faculty (ranked #1 in Sydney for Business & Management, QS 2026) and Arts, Design & Architecture (ranked #3 in Australia for Social Sciences & Management, QS 2026).

Application

How to Apply

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Step 02

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Step 03

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Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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