What is special about this course?
This multidisciplinary BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics offers the unique opportunity to study the three most influential realities impacting people’s lives and is a comprehensive programme aimed at developing the leaders of the future.
Economics: You will examine how economic agents (individuals, households, and businesses) and markets behave and interact, and are influenced by aspects such as inflation, economic growth and unemployment, and monetary and fiscal policy.
Politics: You will examine the different ways in which politics shapes our lives and is organised differently around the world. The programme looks at various forms of governance from clans, upwards to modern local governments, institutions, sovereign states and finally to international level.
Philosophy: The philosophy element will help you to think logically and coherently; to construct compelling arguments; and will enhance your ability to analyse critically assumptions and theories.
Special features
- You will have the opportunity to explore and understand key themes within the three disciplines and will be encouraged to debate, discuss and critically think about issues in life and society
- You will gain skills that will enable you to pursue careers in various fields including economics, local and national government, and civil and diplomatic services.
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
Entry to year one:
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry to year two:
- HNC Social Science (12 SCQF credits) with 3 additional SCQF credits at level 7 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two.
Year 1 - CertHE
Subjects may include:
Philosophy:
- Introduction to philosophy and logic
- Moral philosophy
Politics:
- Introduction to politics
- Politics of the British Isles
Economics:
- Introduction to micro economic theory and concepts
- Introduction to macro economic theory and concepts
Year 2 - DipHE
Subjects may include:
Philosophy:
- Logic
- Epistemology
Politics:
- History of political ideas
- Comparative politics
Economics:
- Applications of economic theory and analysis
- Government economic policy, decision-making and impact
Year 3 - BA
Subjects may include:
Philosophy:
- Decision theory
- Philosophy of religion
- Philosophy of science
Politics:
- Modern political ideas
- European politics
- Wars of the 'Promised Land'
Economics:
- Modern political economy: the politics of economics
- Globalisation and sustainable development
- Literature review
- Economics of mountain regions
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Subjects may include:
Philosophy:
- Philosophy of mind
- Scottish tradition in philosophy
Politics subjects may include:
- geopolitics:territory, security and strategy
- Governance and policy making
- Political theory
- Terrorism and unconventional warfare
Economics subjects may include:
- Social enterprise and the small business management
- The consumerist society
- Geo-political development issues.
You must also complete a dissertation (40 credits).
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will learn through a combination of face-to-face and video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE) with support from your tutors. Students are expected to engage in a significant amount of self-study.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time: 8 years
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland or the European Union/EEA (outside of the UK) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Degrees | 2017-18 | 2018-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £645 | £645 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £215 | £215 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Level | 2017-18 | 2018-19 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | Full-time | ||
| Year 1 | CertHE | £8,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £8,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £8,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free* | free* |
*4th year free only for students studying full-time who have paid for the previous 3 years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,340 (2017-18) and £1,500 (2018-19).
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living whilst studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2017-18 | 2018-19 | |
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £10,500 | £11,100 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year** | £5,250 | £5,550 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module)** | £1,750 | £1,850 |
**There is no part-time study option for Tier 4 sponsored international students.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time RUK and International undergraduate students for continuous and contiguous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant university partner college for more information.
What can I do on completion of my course?
The BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics is an interdisciplinary programme allowing graduates to pursue a career in economics; business; public services, including the civil and diplomatic services and local government; or to undertake further study in areas such as law, journalism, social work or education.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
