Climate change, mass migration, transnational business, human rights and artificial intelligence – just some of the complex challenges facing the world today. This new interdisciplinary degree aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in both the public and private sectors. It will equip you as an all-round thinker and practitioner with the knowledge and skills to tackle both current and future issues worldwide.
This programme offers multidisciplinary breadth, integrating philosophical skills with political and economic knowledge. You’ll develop important critical thinking skills and apply these to major contemporary issues.
We’ll encourage you to seek connections across all areas of your learning and develop the applied, transferable skills you’ll need to address contemporary world problems.
Leadership is a recurrent theme, and you’ll learn how to adapt your approach to lead people and projects across cultures and industries. Working and debating in groups will hone your skills in communication, teamwork, argumentation and negotiation.
A wide choice of elective modules offers the chance to explore other subjects alongside your core studies, including languages and career planning.
Regent’s international campus community brings an extra dimension to the classroom experience. You’ll be learning in a multicultural environment, similar to an international professional setting, where politics and economics are intertwined, underpinned by philosophical ideas and ethical norms.
There is an emphasis on practical skills and employability. Work on real-life project briefs will encourage you to explore new perspectives and directions through debates and simulations. In Year 2, you’ll have the option to undertake an experiential project (the equivalent of a work placement) to better equip you for real-life professional experience.
In Year 2, you’ll also have the option to spend a term studying abroad at one of Regent’s international partner institutions in Europe, Asia or the USA.
For your final-year project, you’ll complete a major piece of work that synthesises all that you’ve learnt, researching a real-world dilemma and proposing new approaches or practical solutions to resolve the problem.
This is a guide to the overall structure of the PPE programme, mandatory elements, modules, term dates and periods of assessment.
The PPE degree is studied over three years, with two 12-week long terms: autumn and spring. Each year, you will take between six and ten modules, amounting to 120 credits per year. You will also be able to select a range of electives per year from a wide range of Liberal Studies and language modules. There are also elective modules available at level 5 which are focused on career development and work placement experience. The remaining four to eight modules are core modules.
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Global Economic Systems | Spanning four centuries of economic history, this module focuses on the evolution of economic systems. You will study a series of evolutionary thresholds which have shaped our global economic landscape. You will also examine the impacts of technological, cultural and political shifts on particular economic environments across the world. This will prepare you with the skills to approach core challenges faced by communities, businesses and governments in the 21st century. |
| Global Perspectives | This is a University-wide common module, which facilitates interpersonal, intercultural and cross-disciplinary learning for all level 4 students. The module introduces a range of ideas and ways of thinking based around the University’s values and learning outcomes. It gives you the opportunity to interact with the broader University community, both socially and academically, and expand your learning outside of your chosen discipline. Global Perspectives aims to increase self-awareness and prepare you with the skills and resources to meet your lifelong learning needs and capabilities. |
| History of Geopolitics | This module will introduce you to key themes in geopolitics and international history over the last two thousand years. Following themes rather than chronology, you will analyse the ways in which geography, economics and ideology have shaped the rise and fall of various world orders. You will also critically engage with some of the metahistorical theories which have sought to explain these phenomena. The module will also give you a historical background to some of the international institutions which you will study in more depth in Contemporary Global Issues. |
| Introduction to Economic Principles | No human phenomena – past, present or future – can be fully understood without a deep exploration into its economic dimension. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals guiding the production and distribution of material resources across societies. This includes the principles of economic activities, the relations between individual actions and market dynamics, and key evolutionary shifts in modern economic thought. This module will give you the pluralistic view of economics necessary for leadership in the 21st century. |
| Introduction to Philosophy | This module introduces a broad spectrum of topics in philosophy such as knowledge, reality, freedom, morality, and art. You will learn to engage with and critically analyse contrasting philosophical approaches to these topics, and construct and present philosophical arguments. |
| Logical Reasoning | This module will help you to differentiate between correct and incorrect reasoning. You will be introduced to the study of reasoning, including the nature of arguments, deductive and inductive inference, meaning and inference, validity, hypotheticals, syllogisms, and the identification of fallacies. The module will emphasise reasoning in natural language and arguments in practical contexts. |
| Non-Western Worldviews | This module will introduce you to some of the major non-Western worldviews, which are dominant in large parts of the world. You will be exposed to different philosophies from those studied in the first term. This contrast will help you understand how philosophical thought can be affected by geopolitics. You will explore questions such as what is the nature of truth? What counts as validity? What is the aim of knowledge and how do we define wisdom? This will give you a better understanding of how leaders might think differently across the globe, and how dialogue might be possible across cultures. |
| Political Theory and Institutions | This module focuses on the fundamental ideas and institutions related to politics. You will cover topics such as liberty, equality, the legitimacy of the state, nationalism and cosmopolitism. You will engage with both Western and non-Western traditions and read works by authors such as Plato, de Tocqueville, Machiavelli, Marx, Rousseau and Judith Butler. This will help you to develop your understanding of politics as both a theoretical construct and a practical activity. |
| Politics and Society | The module focuses on how politics is actually experienced in societies, in both democratic and non-democratic countries. You will reflect on the impact of some key policies on economic, political, and cultural dimensions as well as on the socio-historical roots of the policies themselves. You will examine questions such as what has driven the rise and demise of the welfare state? What are the consequences of neoliberal privatisations? |
| One Elective Module | You will have the choice of elective modules across the Liberal Studies Year 1 curriculum. These include: Art History, Business & Management, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Journalism, Media & Communications, Political Science and Public Relations. |
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Argumentation, Rhetoric and Debate | Argumentation is a vital element of everyday life and cuts across many disciplinary contexts. This module will help you develop your argumentative and rhetorical skills and teach you how to apply them to public discourse. Selected theories of argumentation will be explored with a view to apply different theoretical perspectives to real life issues. This will help you relate common theoretical models to true-to-life examples from politics, law, ethics, education, and business. |
| Business Ethics | This module introduces you to fundamental questions related to business, such as how the gap between shareholder and stakeholder interests can be bridged. You will examine various ethical theory frameworks and learn how to use them to solve ethical dilemmas that arise in business. You will also explore the concept of corporate social responsibility and evaluate the different ways in which business can fulfil its role in society. |
| Contemporary Global Issues |
This module will revisit the establishment of international governance. You will explore the role and functions of international organisations such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, IOM, and the ILO amongst others. Using this knowledge, you will approach current debates in geopolitics such as the rise of extremism, climate change, conflict and resolution, migration and the refugee crisis, trafficking and international security, and transnational business and human rights. |
| Political Economy, Between Theory and Praxis | This module sits at the cross-roads between economics and politics and builds upon your understanding of economic and political theories and systems. You will explore some of the leading tensions, contradictions and dilemmas emerging within our modern economic systems, and examine how they have impacted on political ideologies and decisions. From understanding the drivers of inequality to the impact of environmental constraints, you will learn how to analyse trends, overcome challenges and identify opportunities for creating a better economic future for all. |
| Political Philosophy | This interdisciplinary module examines major themes from Western thinkers and political traditions. Key topics include the meaning of public life (in the Greek tradition), the sovereign state, and notions of liberty, power, democracy, and global justice. You will explore the ways in which different political philosophies have informed specific political institutions and ideologies. |
| Research Methods | Research Methods gives you the philosophical foundations and research skills necessary to conduct original research in a cross-disciplinary setting. Topics will include research methodology, data collection and fieldwork, research design and data analysis. You’ll be introduced to the philosophical underpinnings of social research within the social sciences. These foundations will inform the collection of primary and secondary data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. |
| Two Elective Modules | See the Year 2 Elective Modules section below for more information. |
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Career Management | This module aims to teach you how to make successful career decisions. This includes researching opportunities, building self-awareness and articulating your key knowledge, skills, strengths and experiences. Not only will you be equipped to make effective job applications, but also to make informed decisions for a successful transition into your chosen career. The module will cover preparation for job applications and interviews, personal branding, networking, social media and entrepreneurship. |
| Experiential Project | The aim of this module is to develop your confidence to undergo recruitment processes and skills through a period of work experience. This module will enable you to identify relevant placement opportunities, practice the strategies needed to apply successfully, and learn from your practical experience through reflection. After preparation in workshops and individual tutorials, you will undertake a placement of a minimum six weeks. This will give you early exposure to the workplace environment and teach you how to adapt and reflect on your experiences in order to prepare you with future applications in your career. |
| Liberal Studies Year 2 Elective Modules |
You will have the choice of elective modules across the Liberal Studies Year 2 curriculum. Topics include: Art History, Business & Management, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Journalism, Media & Communications, Political Science and Public Relations. |
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Complex Applications | This module provides a historical and theoretical overview of the complex relations between states and various non-state actors. You will apply your critical thinking skills to contemporary case studies in the fields of international politics, diplomacy, and political economy. This application will help you to understand how theory and policy work in the real world. You’ll also participate in experience-based simulations such as a Model United Nations, a simulation of European Union negotiation, or a UN-led consultation on a new Human Rights Treaty. This will be facilitated either through field trips or by guest lectures hosted by experts from a range of institutions such as the European Union, NATO, the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Practical experience will train you to use diplomacy and negotiation as peaceful instruments of international affairs. |
| The Fourth Industrial Revolution | The Fourth Industrial Revolution is set to disrupt almost every industry in every country at an unprecedented speed. Spurred by smart technologies such Artificial Intelligence, this revolution offers great opportunities but also equally raises moral, ethical, political, legal, economic and social implications. Focusing specifically on artificial intelligence as a key example, this module examines the potential dilemmas that this revolution presents. It will equip you with the intellectual tools, ethical foundation, and multifaceted knowledge to navigate the coming Era of Machines. |
| Final Project | The purpose of this module is to bring together everything you have learnt in one final project. Using an integrated approach, you will confront a multi-faceted, ‘real-world’ issue. Your approach will draw upon all three disciplines to demonstrate the totality of your learning on the programme. This project will showcase your abilities and provide an applied exemplar that can be shared with potential employers or in admissions processes for further study. The Final Project, which runs over two semesters, can take the form of a reflective practice-based project such as a consultancy or a traditional written dissertation. |
| Two elective modules | See the Year 3 Elective Modules section below for more information. |
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Language Module | This module gives you the opportunity to learn a language and how it’s used in a professional context. You will have the choice of Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. |
| Liberal Studies Year 3 Elective Modules | You will have the choice of elective modules across the Liberal Studies Year 3 curriculum. Topics include: Art History, Business and Management, English, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Journalism, Media and Communications, Political Science and Public Relations. |
Applying to study at Regent's University London is quick and easy. We have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process. We accept direct applications and there is no application fee.
Not received your results yet?
That's fine, you can still apply even without your exam results. We can issue a conditional offer without your results. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you are currently studying for.
There's still time to submit an application. Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
You can apply in the following ways:
If you have not uploaded the relevant supporting documents during the online application process, you should ensure that we have the below supporting documents as soon as you have completed your application. These can be sent via email to the Regent’s Admissions Department.
For some of our programmes, the selection process may include an interview. Interviews can take the form of a one-to-one interview or group interview. These are generally conducted on campus but may be conducted by telephone or as a Skype call. Arrangements of these are made between the Admissions Department and the applicant.
You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days of receipt of your completed application and supporting documents.
We will assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of the decision via email.
If you wish to accept the offer, please pay the advance tuition fee deposit (non-refundable) to confirm your place.
Please see here for information on how to pay.
Closer to the start of the term the Admissions Team will send information regarding the registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment prior to your arrival as well as a checklist of documents you will need to bring with you to fully register onto the programme.
If you are an overseas student requiring visa sponsorship to study in the UK, our team will be in touch with information on applying for your student visa and the documents you will need. More information can be found on our visas and immigration page.
Students with three B grades at A-level (or equivalent qualification), and progressing Regent's foundation students who achieve a minimum 70% average across all modules will receive a £1,500 scholarship for each year of their degree programme.
The Regent’s Achievement Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students from across the United Kingdom. Regent’s University London offers recipients a full fee-waiver for the duration of their undergraduate studies. This award is means tested.
Funding for UK, and EU nationals, as well as students with the status of Migrant Worker.
Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Regent’s University London, wishes to recognise and reward three students each year who demonstrate particular commitment to upholding the University’s values and the ability to play an ambassadorial role for the University during their studies.
Alternative loan funding for students studying at Regent's University London.
Loans and grants for Norwegian students studying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Regent's University London.
Loans and grants for Swedish students studying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Regent's University London.
The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences has established three scholarships that celebrate the University’s independent, cosmopolitan and enterprising spirit.
Regent’s offers an intimate style of education, characterised by lots of personal attention. This personalised approach extends beyond our students to their families, with the University welcoming increasing numbers of brothers, sisters and even children of our alumni each year. The University is delighted to offer the Regent’s Family Reward as a thank-you to our alumni for their and their families’ loyalty.
The University awards two polo scholarships each year to students who show both the polo skills and the leadership acumen to help the Regent’s polo team's development. The scholarship is named in memory of Regent’s student Prince Filippo Corsini, an accomplished equestrian and showjumper.
Direct subsidised and unsubsidised loans for US citizens, as well as Direct PLUS loans for eligible US citizens and Green Card holders administered by the US Department of Education (USED) for all eligible degree programmes offered at Regent’s University London.
Annual tuition fee for September 2021 entrants: £18,500
Home/EU students: £1,000
Non-EU students: £4,000
Non-EU students in receipt of US Federal Loans: £1,000
Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources.
You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses (such as Summer programmes) that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of the programme.
The library hold a limited number of copies of core text books and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own text books and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your programme of study.
Fees are payable in the following instalments:
Some programmes at Regent’s University London offer an optional or mandatory Study Period Abroad, for one or two semesters. Students receiving Federal Student Aid are required to attend a school deemed “eligible” by the US Department of Education, or a “deferment only” school with which Regent’s has a consortium agreement. No SPA can be undertaken in the United States. Students who have American citizenship or are Eligible non-citizens who do not currently have US financial aid, are also subject to these terms and conditions if they wish to have Federal funding during any future part of their programme.
A student who wishes to attend an “ineligible” school, which includes any school in the USA, will forfeit all funding from that semester going forward and all current loans will become due with immediate effect. For any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please email the US Loans Advisor at [email protected]. For questions regarding what an “eligible” or “deferment only” school is, please email the IPO office, [email protected] or [email protected] before applying for a programme with an SPA module.
You will be taught by expert faculty members who are active in their fields, offering a high level of academic qualification, research and professional experience. Teaching methods are varied and include tutorials, interactive seminars, field trips, role play, simulations and lectures from guest speakers. You will learn through research and analysis, debate, presentations and team work.
Assessment methods include written assignments, exams, presentations and group projects.
What skills will I gain?
A Regent’s education provides you with a high level of personal attention, and this begins from the moment you apply to study with us. We want to understand who you are and what your skills and interests may be – we are interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements. We review each application comprehensively and on its individual merit, considering all of your skills, interests and attributes.
We receive applications each year from over 170 countries and are happy to assess all international qualifications.
Level 3 entry (Foundation)
For applicants entering at Foundation Level 3, we would typically make you an offer for at least 5 GCSEs at grades A-C / 9-4 or international equivalent, including mathematics.
We will require proof of English language proficiency, for example we ask for:
Or equivalent qualification.
Level 4 entry (Year 1, undergraduate)
For applicants entering at Level 4, if you are holding A-Levels, we would typically make you an offer at A-Levels at grades BCC.
We will also assess your application for proficiency in mathematics, asking for a GCSE in this subject at grade A-C / 9-4 (or the international equivalent).
We will require proof of English language proficiency, for example we ask for:
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
You will take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module in your first term in order to support the development of your academic work in English.
Students who achieve an IELTS 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent result, are exempt from the EAP module and will take an additional academic module instead.
Students entering with Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are joining your programme at an advanced entry point, we require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing, with no score below 5.5 in any other components.
We offer a range of courses that can help to improve your English language proficiency. Please see the website for more details: regents.ac.uk/study/short-courses/english-courses-london
For more information, see the How to Apply tab under each programme on our website.
You can find our Admissions Policy and Admissions Appeals and Complaints Policy at: regents.ac.uk/about/governance/academic-governance/academic-governance-documents
We provide an online English diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Password Test (REPT). This test must be booked in advance. To find out more information and to book a test, please visit the REPT page. The REPT test is currently free of charge.
Your versatile approach to multifaceted contemporary issues will make you attractive to a wide range of employers in both the public and the private sectors. Many people in public life began by studying PPE, and careers in fields such as politics, law, international finance, industry, journalism, broadcasting and public policy could be open to you.
All students benefit from an initial consultation with a careers adviser in their first weeks on campus. Based on your individual interests you will, guided by your adviser, develop knowledge and networks in relevant sectors and roles. You will be encouraged to team up with like-minded individuals to build communities centred around shared interests.
You will have access to the vacancies shared by our business relations team on the Student Hub, as well as multiple other resources, and help with making applications for internships and graduate roles in the UK and beyond. Students who have not identified an area of interest are offered guidance consultations to enable decision-making.
A variety of workshops throughout the year will help you succeed at every stage of the selection process, including CV and cover letter writing, interview (including video interviews) and assessment centre preparation, networking, LinkedIn and psychometric testing. Support with individual applications is available.
Students who wish to start their own business will be invited to work in The Hive (see below).
Students looking to complete a consultancy project, such as a capstone, receive support in developing practical consultancy skills, as well as help with sourcing suitable projects. This offer is tailored with sector relevant information to reflect subject specialisms (e.g. fashion, design, business).
Each term a number of masterclasses (held by industry specialists), seminars, networking events and meetups are organised on campus. They offer an invaluable opportunity to find out about employment prospects in different industries and business sectors and to develop a professional network.
At our hiring breakfasts, employers who currently seek students via the Student Hub vacancy board (internships, placements, or graduate jobs) are introduced to (and given the opportunity to interview onsite) students directly.
In addition to regular face-to-face contact with our expert staff, we offer a wide range of online resources including VoIP (e.g. Skype) appointments to help you in your job search. These include advice sheets, videos and self-assessment tools. All this is accessible on the Student Hub to current students and alumni.
The Hive is a workspace and community for both current students and alumni, which offers a full suite of services, including start-up advice, masterclasses, careers advice, student consultancy services and a bookable hot desk environment for start-ups. There is also support with graduate entrepreneurship visas if required. The Hive offers a collaborative environment in which careers and enterprise advice happens in a live working environment, allowing knowledge and opportunities to flow between its users. It aims to break down barriers between job seekers and creators, learners and staff, changing the way our learners relate to the University and develop their career skills.
We take an integrated approach to this prestigious degree by focusing on the areas of overlap between the disciplines and seeing how they work together to shape society. It’s this which makes our PPE programme stand out from many others across the UK. Dr Ana-Maria Pascal, Reader in Philosophy and Public Ethics and Course Leader - BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics & Economics
