2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar) | 2020 

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar)

Abbreviation:

BPPE(Dean'sSchol)

UOW Course Code:

1871

CRICOS Code:

085658K

Total Credit Points:

144

Duration:

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Intake Session(s):

Autumn/Spring*

Delivery Mode:

On-campus (Face-to-face)

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

Wollongong / 753116

* Students eligible for credit transfer may begin in Summer Session if appropriate subjects are available.

Overview

If you are a high-achieving and motivated student, the Dean's Scholar program will give you an enriched educational experience. The program includes a member of academic staff to assist you on matters concerned with your degree, as well as an annual text book or resource allowance, and designated study space. You will produce a major self-directed research project as a capstone to your degree in the final year of study.

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics provides rigorous training in three interconnected areas that shape the world around us. You will learn to understand the complex interactions between economic and political factors that affect policy and decision-making in contexts ranging from local communities to international organisations. You will develop skills in political understanding, critical thinking, and economic analysis that are essential for careers in politics and government, entrepreneurship, international development, public service, and many other areas.

Dean's Scholar Degrees

Dean's Scholars have the opportunity to attempt subjects not normally available to first-year students. They may be granted exemption from certain first-year subjects and may be permitted extended subject loads, enabling them to complete the degree in less than the normal time and enter Honours in their third year.

Dean's Scholar students benefit from:

  • Access to shared study and workspace;
  • Yearly text book or resource allowance for full time students;
  • Limited printing privileges;
  • Specialised subject PPE 302 Dean's Scholars Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Applied Research Project;
  • Opportunities to attend academic and higher degree research workshops and seminars.
  • On successful completion of this degree, students will be guaranteed admission to Honours.

Dean's Scholars are able to use the University's student exchange program to undertake a period of study overseas. Several Dean's Scholars have competed successfully for places in the Australian National Internship Program or the University Capitol Washington Internship Program, which places students in political offices in Canberra or Washington D.C. respectively.

To remain in the program, students must maintain an average of 75% in each year of study. If the student's average falls below 75%, the student will be transferred into the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics degree.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Identify and evaluate key methods and concepts in the academic disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
2 Demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and the points at which their key methods and concepts diverge
3 Apply the theories of each discipline to analysis of practical questions and problems
4 Communicate ideas and arguments related to Politics, Philosophy and Economics with diverse audiences and communities
5 Understand, interpret and apply qualitative and quantitative social science research methods in the investigation of political, philosophical and economics issues
6 Independently plan and execute a research or professional based project that demonstrates an understanding and critical analysis of the three disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Course Structure

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, comprised of:

  1. The core requirements of the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics  (84 credit points);
  2. At least one of the three majors for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (30 credit points);
  3. PPE 302 - Dean's Scholars Politics, Phil and Econ Applied Research Project (12 credit points)
  4. Electives to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144.  

Note: In addition to PPE 302 Dean’s Scholars Politics, Philosophy and Economics Applied Research Project, meetings and events will be held throughout the degree to provide students with opportunities to meet with practitioners of the three disciplines and to build their skills and knowledge in the disciplines. 

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

Students in the Politics Major can apply to the Discipline Leader to complete an Internship under the subjects POL 345, POL 346, or POL 347 .

  • POL 345, Politics Internship, enables students to undertake internships in relevant political offices in the Illawarra or Sydney attached to the office of an elected politician, or working within a part of government bureaucracy. Students will undertake duties as directed by their supervisor in that institution.
  • POL 346, Australian National Internship Program (ANIP), is highly competitive and by application to the ANU. If selected students will undertake two months or more full-time work in as a parliamentary intern based in the offices of Members of Parliament and Senators and engaging with a range of activities that shape national policy-making. Placements in the Public Service or other agencies are also possible. Enrolment in POL 346 is conditional on being selected for the ANIP.
  • POL 347, Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program (UCWIP), provides interns with a unique perspective of the US political system and institutions over a two-month placement. In-office experiences will vary widely according to the needs of the congressional hosts but will typically include administrative functions, constituent liaison and legislative research and support. Interns are encouraged to attend hearings, briefings and press conferences both on and off Capitol Hill in addition to the UCWIP-organised briefings at the US State Department and the Australian Embassy.

For students in other majors, internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

INDS208 Working with Indigenous Communities is an elective subject available to all students. INDS208 fosters work skills, cultural competency and develops student awareness of Indigenous knowledges and community practices.

Honours

Honours is a fourth year of study that provides training in independent research. Students who complete the single degree with the required academic standard are encouraged to proceed to the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours). Please refer to the Honours handbook page for further information about the degree and entry requirements.

Other Information

To remain in the program, students must maintain an average of 75% in each year of study. If the student's average falls below 75%, the student will be transferred into the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics degree.

Further information is available via email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020