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Politics, Philosophy and Economics

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our MSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) offers you a unique opportunity to explore the forces that shape our world. Designed for students from a variety of backgrounds, this interdisciplinary course equips you with analytical and critical-thinking skills essential for understanding complex global issues.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It combines three influential disciplines - politics, philosophy and economics - into one comprehensive and integrated course.
    • Whether you’re aiming for a career in finance, policy, law or academia, this course provides you with a rigorous, flexible and intellectually stimulating foundation.
    • You will learn from leading academics whose research directly informs your studies, ensuring cutting-edge and relevant content.
    • You can tailor this course to your interests and career ambitions by choosing from a wide range of option modules and exploring a topic of your choice in depth for your dissertation.

  • What will I learn?

    You will gain a deep understanding of how political institutions, philosophical ideas and economic systems interact to shape society.

    Through core and option modules, you will develop analytical, evaluative and reasoning skills that are highly valued across a wide range of careers. The course content is designed to build your confidence in applying interdisciplinary approaches to real-world challenges.

  • How will I learn?

    You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops that take place in the evening so are ideal for balancing your studies with work and other commitments.

    The course includes both theoretical and practical elements and is designed to encourage critical debate and independent thought. You will also receive individual dissertation supervision to support your academic journey and prepare you for research, professional advancement or further study.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Four to five evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: Two to three evenings a week, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • This is the only PPE course available for part-time evening study in the UK. 
  • Birkbeck has a strong international research reputation in politics, philosophy and economics.
  • Birkbeck Library has large politics, philosophy and economics collections, including the major specialist journals, and provides you with access to an extensive range of online materials. 
  • You can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including Senate House Library, which is right next door to Birkbeck, the British Library, which is five minutes’ walk away, and the British Library of Political and Economic Science at the London School of Economics, which is also walkable from Birkbeck.

Modules and Teaching

Birkbeck Business School

The school is research-driven across a wide range of disciplinary themes with academic staff who create new knowledge, push boundaries and publish in leading academic journals.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject; prior exposure to at least one of the three component subjects would be a distinct advantage, but it might be possible for able students to acquire the relevant knowledge as part of this course.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study  (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Come and meet us

14 October
Postgraduate International Webinar

If you are an international student looking to start postgraduate study in January 2027, this webinar is for you. Book Postgraduate International Webinar

11 November
January Starts 2027: Postgraduate Open Evening

Are you looking to start postgraduate study in 2027? Join us on campus and discover your postgraduate study options. Book Postgraduate Open Evening

Campus tours

Join a current student for a lively 45-minute campus tour available year-round. Book a campus tour

Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Part-time international students: £11,115 per year
Full-time international students: £22,230 per year

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027

Academic year 2027-28

To be confirmed

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this MSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • critical thinking and the ability to evaluate complex ideas and arguments
  • strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting analysis clearly and persuasively
  • quantitative and qualitative research skills applicable to real-world issues
  • problem-solving and decision-making skills underpinned by interdisciplinary insights
  • confidence in working independently and collaboratively in diverse, professional contexts.

Studying this course will prepare you for a career path in a range of fields and professions including as a:

  • policy analyst in government departments or public agencies
  • political adviser or campaign strategist
  • journalist or political correspondent
  • international development officer
  • researcher or analyst in a think tank.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at:

  • the Civil Service and local government bodies
  • national and international media organisations
  • NGOs and international development agencies
  • political parties, advocacy groups and lobbying firms
  • research institutes, policy think tanks and consultancies.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more on our how to apply page.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

Related courses

Study routes for Politics, Philosophy and Economics (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study starting in 2027/28 will open in September 2026.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time

Starting in October 2027

Full-time

Part-time