UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN · SOUTH AFRICA
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) - Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS HB027
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Classic interdisciplinary combinationDiscipline Focus
- Academically rigorous groundingAcademic Rigour
- Opportunity for specializationSpecialization Options
- Prepares for Honours degreesPostgraduate Pathways
- Versatile career prospectsCareer Opportunities
The Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is an academically rigorous undergraduate program that provides a strong foundation in these three interconnected disciplines. The curriculum is designed in consultation with all three departments, offering a comprehensive study plan with some flexibility for students to specialize. Graduates are well-prepared for further studies at Honours level in any of the three fields or in PPE, and have pursued successful careers in commerce, government, and non-governmental organizations.
Curriculum
The PPE curriculum is a structured set of compulsory and elective courses designed to build expertise across Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. While there is a core structure, students have some choice in selecting courses, particularly in the second and third years, subject to timetable availability.
- First Year
- MicroeconomicsECO1010F
- MacroeconomicsECO1011S
- EthicsPHI1010S
- Introduction to PhilosophyPHI1024F
- Introduction to PoliticsPOL1004F
- Introduction to Politics BPOL1005S
- Statistics 1000STA1000S
- Mathematics 1010MAM1010F
- Second Year
- Microeconomics IIECO2003F
- Macroeconomics IIECO2004S
- Cooperation and CompetitionECO2007S
- Great PhilosophersPHI2041S
- Political PhilosophyPHI2042F
- Comparative PoliticsPOL2038F
- Political TheoryPOL2002F
- Politics of International Economic RelationsPOL2039F
- Comparative Public InstitutionsPOL2042S
- South African PoliticsPOL2043S
- Development EconomicsECO2008S
- Philosophy of Psychology and MindPHI2012F
- Philosophy of Art and LiteraturePHI2016S
- Applied EthicsPHI2037F
- Philosophy of SciencePHI2040S
- Business EthicsPHI2043F/S
- Philosophy of MathematicsPHI2044F
- Philosophy of RacePHI2045S
- Third Year
- Applied International Trade BargainingECO3025S
- Logic and LanguagePHI3023F
- Metaphysics and EpistemologyPHI3024S
- Politics of Africa and the Global SouthPOL3029F
- Conflict in World PoliticsPOL3030F
- South African Public Policy AnalysisPOL3037F
- Urban Politics and AdministrationPOL3038S
- Global GovernancePOL3045S
- South African Political ThoughtPOL3046S
- Natural Resource EconomicsECO3009F
- History of Economic ThoughtECO3016F
- Advanced Macro and MicroeconomicsECO3020F
- Quantitative Methods in EconomicsECO3021S
- Advanced Labour EconomicsECO3022S
- Public Sector EconomicsECO3023S
- International Trade and FinanceECO3024F
Careers
Graduates from the PPE program are highly marketable due to the demanding interdisciplinary curriculum and the development of strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The degree provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of career paths.
- Policy research and analysis (government and NGOs)
- Corporate and investment research
- Intelligence and analysis
- Advocacy work
- Jobs requiring high-level lateral thinking
Entry requirements
General University EntranceSouth African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with specific subject requirements and achievement levels for degree entry. Specific details for international qualifications are not provided but would typically be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for PPE may be considered for transfer from the general Bachelor of Social Science degree after a successful year of study, provided they take courses corresponding to the first-year PPE curriculum and perform well.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition and living cost information for international students is not available on the provided pages.
How to apply
1. Apply to the UniversitySubmit an application to the University of Cape Town, ensuring you meet the general entrance requirements and any specific programme prerequisites. International applicants must follow the university's international admissions procedures.
2. Transfer from a General Degree (if applicable)If you are currently studying a general Bachelor of Social Science degree at UCT, you can apply to transfer into the PPE programme. This typically requires performing well in first-year PPE-equivalent courses (especially Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics) and contacting the PPE convenor at the beginning of the academic year to seek permission.
3. Transfer from Another University (if applicable)Students from other universities can apply to transfer by emailing the PPE convenor with their latest academic transcript. The primary consideration is strong academic performance in a full load of courses from the previous year.
4. Await DecisionApplications will be reviewed by the university admissions and the PPE committee. Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission.