Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a multidisciplinary degree that brings together some of the most topical subjects to understand better how societies and individuals function.

Below you will find information about the specific degree course offered by Oxford University to study PPE, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.

BOOK COURSE

Cambridge University do not offer a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Students are encouraged to look at Human Social and Political Sciences as an alternative to PPE.

Oxford University's prestigious Philosophy, Politics and Economics course lasts three years.

The application process is highly competitive with only 12% of applicants successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get AAA at A Level (or equivalent) and A-level Mathematics is recommended.

To prepare for your PPE application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this by reading beyond your school curriculum. Our interviewers recommend:

‘Think’ by Simon Blackburn
‘Freakonomics’ by Stephen Dubner & Steven Levitt

Practice interviews for PPE applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.

Henna (PPE, Oxford)

Henna completed her undergraduate degree in PPE at Regent's Park College, Oxford. Since graduating, she worked at Oxbridge Interviews before joining the think tank, Progress.

Q&A

Henna, why did you choose PPE?

"I chose to study PPE because I was interested in how the world works - why power is distributed in the way it is and why people behave the way they do. I also liked how it was relevant to current affairs - the degree felt relevant to the world around me and what happens on a day to day basis."

What’s your advice to students applying to PPE?

"Revise equations of lines and algebra for the economics portion and spent a lot of time reading the news and practicing speaking about it in an analytical way."

All applicants to Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford are required to take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA).

Learn more about the TSA