BA, 3 years, UCAS: L0V0
Typical A level offer: AAA
Subject overview
Why politics?
- Because politics is about ‘who gets what, when and how’, it is, as a famous statesman once put it, ‘too serious a matter to be left to the politicians’.
- Politics is not simply about institutions, ideas and individuals. It’s also about identity – about who we are and what we want to be.
- Studying politics encourages you to ask the big questions and it also helps you to appreciate the deals and the processes that stop ideological and resource conflicts spilling over into violence.
- A politics course can take you all around the world, both while you’re doing it and once you’ve graduated.
Why politics at Sussex?
Sussex is ranked among the top 20 universities in the UK for politics in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and in the top 25 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014. We also rank among the top 100 universities in the world for politics and international studies in the QS World University Rankings 2013.
Politics at Sussex was ranked 5th (90 per cent) for organisation and management in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Rated joint 2nd in the UK for ‘European Studies’ and ‘Politics and International Studies’ research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 90 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
An impressive track record of internationally recognised research, with a clear and ongoing commitment to great teaching.
Teaching delivered by experts – we are proud to count three winners of national prizes for teaching excellence in our Department – with a healthy staff-student ratio.
Individual modules that don’t just cover the basics but encourage you to range wider and probe deeper.
The chance to study abroad, including on our exchange programme with City University of Hong Kong, China.
A diverse, dynamic but balanced mix of students from the UK, Europe and overseas: lots of people just like you but also the kind of people you might not have met before.
Why economics?
Addressing many of the world’s problems and issues requires an understanding of economics. Why are some countries so rich and others so poor? Should Microsoft be broken up? Should the private sector be involved in providing health and education? Could environmental taxes help reduce global warming? What is the future of the euro?
Economics provides a framework for thinking about such issues in depth, allowing you to get to the heart of complex, topical problems. The methods of economics can be applied to a wide range of questions and will prove useful to you in your future career. In addition, the study of economics teaches you a variety of practical skills, including the ability to use and evaluate evidence (often statistical) in order to arrive at sound conclusions.
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Why economics at Sussex?
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 100 per cent of our economics research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
We emphasise the practical application of economics to the analysis of contemporary social and economic problems.
We have strong links to the major national and international economic institutions such as the European Commission, the World Bank and the Department for International Development.
The Department of Economics has strong research clusters in labour markets and in development economics, and is one of Europe’s leading centres for research on issues of international trade.
We offer you the chance to conduct an economics research project supervised by a faculty member.
Why philosophy?
To study philosophy is to examine the most deeply held assumptions about the most fundamental things in order to understand what should be believed about them and why. It is to raise questions such as: what is truth? What is knowledge? What is the mind? What is justice? What is art? Do human beings have free will? What reason do we have to behave morally? Is religious faith compatible with reason? Philosophers demand rigorous arguments for any view on these matters and try to produce such arguments for themselves. They require a critical engagement with the philosophical traditions in and from which such questions and arguments have arisen. They also consider how the way in which we think about these things affects our everyday lives.
To study philosophy is to participate in these sorts of discussions. For those who have the taste for it, there is perhaps no subject as excitingly thought provoking. It calls for precision, imagination and the ability to abstract and to reflect. It involves handling complex ideas, texts and arguments.
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Why philosophy at Sussex?
Philosophy at Sussex was ranked in the top 10 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and in the top 30 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
Philosophy at Sussex was rated 18th in the UK for research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 100 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Philosophy at Sussex is thriving and, unlike most other philosophy departments in the country, offers an opportunity for study in the two dominant traditions: analytic philosophy and continental philosophy.
Our tutors have research and teaching specialisms across a wide range of topics and historical figures.
We’re a friendly and lively intellectual community, with a mixture of ages, genders and ethnicities.
We have strong teaching and research links with universities in Europe, South Africa and India.
Programme content
Ever since it was first introduced at the University of Oxford in the 1920s, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) has been famous for the distinctive intellectual training and understanding of the contemporary world it provides. PPE brings together the individual approaches of three different subjects, which equip you with skills and knowledge that are key to understanding and engaging with the world:
- Philosophy gives you intellectual clarity and argumentative rigour, forged through engagement with large questions about the nature of truth, knowledge, and justice, and through close attention to the great texts of the philosophical tradition.
- From Politics, you come to understand not only how institutions and governments work but also the nature of political identity. You learn about the ideas that define societies and about how deals are done.
- Economics provides a framework for thinking deeply about many of the world’s great problems – the causes of differences of wealth, globalisation, the operation of markets, financial policy – and it provides you with the practical skills needed to solve those problems.
PPE and Sussex complement each other perfectly: a course concerned with the world’s most pressing issues taken at one of the world’s top 100 universities. The three departments contributing to PPE – the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Politics and the Department of Economics – are dynamic and friendly, dedicated to teaching, and have strong reputations for original research.
In the Sussex PPE, you take all three subjects for the first two years and specialise in two subjects in the final year. You will reach a high level of skills and knowledge in all three subjects, which will prepare you for a wide range of careers as soon as you graduate. If you decide to continue with academic work, you will be well-placed to pursue postgraduate study in either of the two subjects you choose in your final year.
Core content
Year 1
Philosophy: at least two modules. Options include topics such as early modern philosophy • existentialism • logic and meaning • reading philosophy • science and reason • society, state and humanity • truth and morality: the meaning of life
Politics: at least two modules. Options include topics such as British political history • explanatory concepts in political science • foundations of politics • research skills and methods in political science
Economics: introduction to economics • macroeconomics I • microeconomics I
Year 2
Philosophy: at least two modules. Options include topics such as aesthetics • epistemology • feminist philosophy • Kant • perception and reality • phenomenology • philosophy of mind • philosophy of religion • philosophy of science • Plato
Politics: at least two modules. Options include topics such as contemporary public policy • European politics • modern political thought • politics of governance
Economics: at least one of macroeconomics II and microeconomics II, and an option. Options include topics such as advanced macroeconomics • advanced microeconomics • applied economics • statistics for economics and finance
Year 3
Philosophy: options include topics such as ethics • figures in analytic philosophy • figures in classical philosophy • figures in post-Kantian philosophy • figures in social and political philosophy • language, truth and literature • metaphysics • modern European philosophy
Politics: options include topics such as conservatives and conservatism • contemporary political theory • EU politics and policy • European political economy • France: the Mitterand years • parties and voters in the UK • political change • political corruption • political parties and party systems • politics and industry • populism and politics
Economics: options include topics such as applied econometrics • behavioural economics • climate change economics • econometrics • economics of European integration • environmental economics • international trade • labour economics • monetary theory and policy • understanding global markets
How will I learn?
- combination of lectures and small-group work in seminars
- carefully directed independent study
- one-to-one supervision for final-year dissertation.
For more information, visit Studying at Sussex.
What will I achieve?
- a deeper and disciplined understanding of the political process
- mastery of different research skills and methods
- familiarity with a range of global political cultures
- the capacity to absorb, organise and cut through a mass of sometimes conflicting sources of information and arguments
- the confidence to construct and present logical and persuasive arguments
- the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- the experience of working in groups to achieve the best collective and individual outcomes.
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
- A level
Typical offer: AAA
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B.
- International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 36 points overall
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
- Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
Specific entry requirements: The Access to HE Diploma should ideally be in the humanities or social sciences. Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B.
For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.
- Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass with grade A in the Diploma and A in the Additional and Specialist Learning.
Specific entry requirements: The Additional and Specialist Learning must be an A level (ideally in a humanities or social science subject). Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B.
For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: DDD
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
- European Baccalaureate
Typical offer: Overall result of 85%
For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.
- Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto
Typical offer: Overall average result in the final matriculation examinations of 7.0
- French Baccalauréat
Typical offer: Overall final result of at least 14/20
- German Abitur
Typical offer: Overall result of 1.5 or better
- Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)
Typical offer: AAAAAA
- Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato
Typical offer: Final Diploma mark of at least 95/100
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: AAAAA
Specific entry requirements: Successful applications will also need Mathematics at Standard Grade, grade 1 or 2.
For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.
- Spanish Titulo de Bachillerato (LOGSE)
Typical offer: Overall average result of at least 9.0
- Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Core plus at least AA in two A-levels
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will also need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade B.
For more information refer to Welsh Baccalaureate.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Overseas students: £13,0002
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2015
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 12 June 2015
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,622.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2014)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 12 June 2015
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Undergraduate Study (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 1 March 2014
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Undergraduate students following an undergraduate degree courses in any subject.
Careers and profiles
PPE has a reputation as a degree for people who get things done.
PPE graduates from various institutions are now successful politicians, or journalists who write about and interview them. PPE graduates from various institutions also lead non-governmental organisations and multinational companies, advise governments and manage organisations of every kind and size.
The skills and knowledge that PPE at Sussex helps you to develop are an ideal preparation for a very wide range of careers, including: management and marketing • law • finance and business • project management • politics • charities • civil service • local government • journalism and the media • planning.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Joe's career perspective
‘I had the best three years of my life at Sussex, and the Politics degree is great. The course is flexible enough to enable you to focus on issues you care about, which for me was international politics, and I developed a rapport with the lecturers, who are all open and friendly.
‘I was also joint-President of the Politics Society and News Editor for the student newspaper, The Badger. Both were brilliant opportunities that helped me to develop my practical skills.
‘After leaving Sussex I worked for PoliticsHome (www.politicshome.com) and then did an MA in Newspaper Journalism at City University, London. After finishing I worked for The Independent newspaper but decided to follow my dream of working as a foreign journalist and got a job with the Press Association based in Beirut. The grounding that Sussex provided is crucial to my work.’
Joe Dyke
Freelance Journalist
Beirut
Sally's career perspective
‘Having worked in television production since graduating from the University of Sussex, I’ve progressed from researcher to assistant producer on a wide variety of programmes from BBC’s Panorama to – most recently – Channel 4’s 10 O’Clock Live, a fun mixture of current affairs, commentary and stand-up comedy. My degree was in politics and I tend to gravitate towards programmes calling for political knowledge and research, although I have also done my fair share of British television’s ubiquitous lifestyle programmes.
‘My job calls for me to acquaint myself with a wide variety of subject matter in the shortest possible time, and I’ve been helped over the years by the interdisciplinary approach offered by Sussex, an invaluable asset when attempting to get to grips with disciplines ranging from philosophy to the history of art.
‘I was hugely privileged and very grateful to be part of Sussex’s study abroad scheme, which led to me being able to study Chinese politics at Hong Kong’s Kowloon University in my final year. The experience has been of great influence in my professional life and I’ve subsequently been keen to develop programme ideas to do with China.’
Sally Griffiths
Freelance Associate Producer
Contact our School
School of History, Art History and Philosophy
The School of History, Art History and Philosophy brings together staff and students from some of the University's most vibrant and successful departments, each of which is a locus of world-leading research and outstanding teaching. Our outlook places a premium on intellectual flexibility and the power of the imagination.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact the admissions tutor:
Philosophy, Arts A7,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QN, UK
E ug.admissions@philosophy.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678001
F +44 (0)1273 678434
Department of Philosophy
School of Business, Management and Economics
The School of Business, Management and Economics is a unique, research-focused business school, which takes a strong policy-directed view on business practices while also developing the underlying core disciplines.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact the admissions tutor:
Department of Economics,
Jubilee Building,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9SL, UK
E ug.admissions@economics.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678889
F +44 (0)1273 873715
Department of Economics
School of Law, Politics and Sociology
Engaging with key issues of contemporary concern, the School of Law, Politics and Sociology brings together academic units that are committed to excellence in teaching, and recognised nationally for research.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact the admissions tutor:
Politics,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9SP, UK
E ug.admissions@polces.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678578
F +44 (0)1273 873162
Department of Politics
Visit us
Sussex Open Day
Saturday 5 October 2013
Open Days offer you the chance to speak one to one with our world-leading academic staff, find out more about our courses, tour specialist facilities, explore campus, visit student accommodation, and much more. Booking is required. Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Campus tours
Not able to attend one of our Open Days? Then book on to one of our weekly guided campus tours.
Mature-student information session
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Jonathan's staff perspective
‘Sussex provides world-leading teaching and excellent academic facilities, with a vibrant student life in a fantastic location. All of this meant that I left Sussex with a unique set of experiences and a degree that has prepared me for my future.
‘Joining Student Recruitment Services at the University has enabled me to share my experiences of Sussex with others. Coming to an Open Day gives you the opportunity to meet our research-active academics and our current students, while exploring our beautiful campus. But don’t worry if you can’t make an Open Day, there’s plenty of other opportunities to visit Sussex. Check out our Visit us and Open Days pages or our Facebook page to find out more.
‘I’ve loved every moment of my time at Sussex – these have been the best years of my life.’
Jonathan Bridges
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services