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Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Testamur Title of Degree: | Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics |
Abbreviation: | BPPE |
UOW Course Code: | 1870 |
CRICOS Code: | N/A |
Total Credit Points: | 144 |
Duration: | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Home Faculty: | Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts |
Intake Session(s): | Autumn/Spring* |
Delivery Mode: | On-campus (Face-to-face) |
Delivery Campus / UAC Code: | Wollongong / 753115 |
Additional Information: |
*Students eligible for credit transfer may begin in Summer Session if appropriate subjects are available.
Overview
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BPPE) is specifically designed to provide high level training and skills necessary for a successful career in the public service or politics.
A cross-disciplinary degree, the BPPE affords students an appreciation of the political, ethical and economic perspectives needed to make a difference in contemporary society. In particular, students will be enabled to interpret and apply complex economic ideas and data, understand the basis behind political organisations and policy making processes, and develop a broader philosophical lens for understanding popular movements, systems of government, and ethical forms of behaviour.
Students will develop a broad knowledge base across all three areas by studying core and elective subjects and will deepen their knowledge in at least one of these areas through a major field of study. A capstone subject allows students to bring the key concepts from all three disciplines together into a coherent whole and to simulate real world scenarios.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate key methods and concepts in the academic disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and the points at which their key methods and concepts diverge
- Apply the theories of each discipline to analysis of practical questions and problems
- Communicate ideas and arguments related to Politics, Philosophy and Economics with diverse audiences and communities
- Understand, interpret and apply qualitative and quantitative social science research methods in the investigation of political, philosophical and economics issues
Course Structure
To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics a student must complete a total of at least 144 credit points from subjects listed in the Course Structure for the degree and other subjects as approved by the Faculty as outlined in the table below.
Students must complete: | Credit Points |
The program of study for the 3 PPE components of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (outlined below) | 84 |
Subjects to complete at least one of the three majors in this degree: Politics, Philosophy or Economics (outlined below) | 24 |
COMM121 Statistics for Business | 6 |
PPE 300 Politics, Philosophy and Economics Applied Research Project | 12 |
Additional credit points of electives from the general schedule to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144. | 18 |
Total | 144 |
Politics
The discipline of Politics is an exciting, vibrant and constantly changing body of ideas, approaches and methods. The Politics program offers subjects in international relations, Australian politics, political theory, comparative politics, the politics of developing countries, public policy, culture and media. Students are advised to study as broadly as possible across the areas offered by the discipline.
The purpose of the major is to acquaint students with key areas of Politics as a discipline. Political study involves examining the origins and nature of consent, authority, and consensus, which underpin social order. Many factors are covered in this examination; political institutions, political economy, culture, class, gender and ethnicity. Politics can and does occur at many levels, from international relations to the nation state, from local communities to the individual. The study of politics is not just to do with politics in the here and now, but concerns itself with both the past and the future. Whether it is a country being studied, relations between countries, or a body of political ideas, politics engages us with choices about how to live life and how best to contribute to society.
Program of Study for PPE
The program of study for Politics will consist of 30 credit points in subjects from the following table.
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
PPE Core | |||
POL 150 | Government, Power and Political Systems | 6 | Autumn |
Plus 24 credit points from the following 200- or 300-level subjects: | |||
200-level Subjects | |||
POL 213 | Key Concepts and Thinkers in Political Theory | 8 | Autumn |
POL 222 | Australian Public Policy | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
300-level Subjects | |||
POL 314 | Power and the State | 8 | Spring |
POL 319 | Global Political Economy | 8 | Spring |
Major Study
For a major study in Politics, students must complete the program of study for Politics (30 credit points) and a further 24 credit points of 200 and 300 level subjects. Subjects are to be selected from the list below, with a minimum of 16 credit points at 300 level.
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Politics Electives | |||
200-Level | |||
POL 211 | Democracy in Theory and Practice | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
POL 216 | Politics in the USA | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
POL 224 | Politics and the Media | 8 | Spring |
POL 225 | International Relations: Issues, Concepts and Theories | 8 | Spring |
300-Level | |||
POL 301 | Politics Internship | 16 | Spring |
POL 303 | Complex Peace Operations | 8 | Spring |
POL 317 | Politics in the South Pacific | 8 | Autumn |
POL 318 | The Politics of Asian Development | 8 | Autumn |
POL 320 | Twentieth Century Dictatorships | 8 | Spring |
POL 323 | Global Inequality | 8 | Autumn |
POL 324 | Culture and Politics | 8 | Spring |
POL 340 | Special Topics in Politics | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
POL 368 | Protest and Power in America : The Sixties | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
Students may include electives from the following subjects: | |||
INTS121 | Global Politics and Power | 6 | Spring |
INTS202 | Conflict, Peace & Security | 8 | Autumn |
INTS201 | Model United Nations | 8 | Autumn |
INTS203 | Introduction to Global Development | 8 | Spring |
STS 300 | The Environmental Context: Imagining a Zero Carbon Future | 8 | Autumn |
STS 309 | Future Tense: Politics and Regulations of Technoscience | 8 | Spring |
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions in ethics, politics, reasoning, and understanding. What are the ethical implications of global poverty and climate change? What is the impact of biotechnology on humans and the environment? How are we able to understand other people’s beliefs, motives and actions? What are the principles of good reasoning? What is the nature of scientific understanding and explanation?
By studying Philosophy students will improve their critical thinking skills and broaden their understanding of diverse points of view. They will acquire research skills and gain experience in analyzing and carefully assessing arguments and ideas on a wide range of topics.
Areas of study include ethics (both practical and theoretical), political philosophy, gender, philosophy of psychology and mind, philosophy of language and logic, and philosophy of science.
Program of Study for PPE
The program of study in Philosophy will consist of 30 credit points in subjects from the following table.
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
PPE Core | |||
PHIL107 | Values, Mind and Self | 6 | Autumn |
PHIL317 | Contemporary Political Philosophy | 8 | Spring |
Plus 16 credit points from the following 200- or 300-level subjects: | |||
200-Level Subjects | |||
PHIL217 | Global Ethics | 8 | Autumn |
PHIL220 | Knowledge, Explanation and Understanding | 8 | Autumn |
300-Level Subjects | |||
PHIL309 | Great Thinkers | 8 | Autumn |
PHIL314 | Understanding Minds | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
Major Study
For a major study in Philosophy, students must complete the program of study for Philosophy (30 credit points) and an additional 24 credit points of 200 and 300 level subjects. Subjects are to be selected from the table below, and the following conditions are to be met.
Conditions:
Students electing to do a major in Philosophy must complete PHIL206 (Ethics), PHIL220 (Knowledge, Explanation and Understanding) and PHIL309 (Great Thinkers).
Students may have completed PHIL220 (Knowledge, Explanation and Understanding) and/or PHIL309 (Great Thinkers) under the program of study for PPE for Philosophy. Students who have not completed either or both of these subjects under the program of study for PPE for Philosophy will need to complete the subject(s) they have not yet undertaken as part of their major.
All students electing to do a major in Philosophy must complete PHIL206 (Ethics).
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Philosophy Electives | |||
200-Level | |||
PHIL206 | Ethics | 8 | Spring |
PHIL207 | International Studies in Philosophy | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
PHIL213 | Gender, Sex and Power | 8 | Autumn |
PHIL241 | Contemporary Phenomenology | 8 | Spring |
PHIL255 | Language and Logic | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
PHIL256 | Ethics and the Environment | 6 | Autumn |
PHIL258 | Ethics and the Environment | 8 | Autumn |
PHIL288 | Philosophy of Mind | 8 | Autumn |
300-Level | |||
PHIL305 | Special Philosophical Questions | 8 | Autumn, Spring |
PHIL310 | Advanced Practical Ethics | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
PHIL313 | Contemporary Ethics | 8 | Spring |
PHIL324 | Digital Philosophy | 8 | Not offered in 2015 |
PHIL325 | Life and Mind | 8 | Spring |
PHIL380 | Bioethics | 8 | Autumn |
Economics
Economics provides an understanding of the operation of the economy at macro and micro levels. These include modern business, health care, the environment, the labour market, national economic policy and international monetary issues. You will learn general principles and tools which can be applied to a wide range of issues affecting the national and international economy. You will discuss the big issues including unemployment, the level of national debt, the existence of poverty and the problems confronting developing countries. You will study the three major components of Economics:
Macroeconomics, which focuses on the way the whole economy functions, examining issues such as economic growth, unemployment and interest rates.
Microeconomics, which focuses on the behaviour of individual components of the whole economy, such as consumers, companies, trade unions, employers' associations and the various levels of government.
Quantitative Methods, which focuses on quantitative and mathematical techniques and their application to business economics.
Program of Study for PPE
The program of study in Economics will consist of 24 credit points in subjects from the following table.
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
PPE Core | |||
ECON101 | Macroeconomic Essentials for Business | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
ECON111 | Introductory Microeconomics | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
ECON305 | Economic Policy | 6 | Spring |
Plus ONE of the following 200-level subjects: | |||
ECON205 | Macroeconomic Theory and Policy | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
ECON215 | Microeconomic Theory and Policy | 6 | Autumn |
Major Study
Students electing to do a major in Economics must complete ECON205 (Macroeconomic Theory and Policy) and ECON215 (Microeconomic Theory and Policy). Students will have completed either ECON205 or ECON215 under the program of study for PPE for Economics. As a requirement of the major, they will need to complete the subject they have not yet undertaken.
Students must complete a further 24 credit points of 200- and 300-level Economics subjects as listed below.
Subject Code | subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Choose ONE of the following subjects (not already taken): | |||
ECON205 | Macroeconomic Theory and Policy | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
ECON215 | Microeconomic Theory and Policy | 6 | Autumn |
Plus ONE of the following subjects at 200-level: | |||
ECON222 | Mathematics for Business | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
ECON240 | Financial Modelling | 6 | Spring |
Plus ONE of the following subjects at 300-level: | |||
ECON316 | History of Economic Thought | 6 | Spring |
ECON304 | The Historical Foundations of the Modern Australian Economy | 6 | Autumn |
Plus a further 6cp 300-level Economics subject |
Dean's Scholar Degree
In January of each year, the Faculty invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar) Degree.
Selection Criteria
To be eligible to apply for a place in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Dean's Scholar) Degree, applicants would normally meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in the BPPE, BA (Course Code 702) or any other degree;
- Full-time student;
- Have successfully completed two full sessions of study or 8 subjects;
- Have a WAM (weighted average mark) of at least 80.
- For more information including the full list of Dean's Scholar Degrees and how to apply online, visit the LHA Dean's Scholar website.
Credit Arrangements
Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au