Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics | 2019

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

Overview 

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.

The program of study includes core subjects in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, plus a Major study focusing on a more extensive set of subjects within one of those three areas. A Capstone subject integrates key components from all three disciplines into a coherent package, allowing you to apply your understanding of complex problems to real world scenarios.

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 demonstrate:

Course Structure

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

1. The core subjects for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics as outlined below (84 credit points);
2. Subjects to complete at least one of the three majors: Politics, Philosophy, or Economics (30 credit points);
3. Elective subjects to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144. 

Note: Students may wish to use their electives to complete a second major.

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Core 

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Politics 

Through the study of Politics, you will learn the foundations of political theory, the impact of public policy, and the structure and history of politics in Australia. You will learn how political considerations affect international relations and the specific problems that arise in the politics of developing countries. You will also study the role of culture and media in politics, allowing you to situate your understanding in a broader social context. 

Subjects Required for Major Study

To qualify for a major study in Politics, students must complete 30 credit points as outlined below.

*Note that a maximum of 12 credit points from INDS, INTS and STS subjects can count towards the 30 credit points of the Politics major.

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Philosophy 

Studying Philosophy will develop your skills in critical thinking and logical analysis. You will learn how distinct ways of understanding concepts such as justice, fairness, and human rights depend on different assumptions regarding knowledge, ethics, and the nature of mind and the self. You will also learn how fundamental philosophical problems relate to serious practical issues in areas such as mental health, bioethics and climate change. 

Subjects Required Major Study

To qualify for a major study in Philosophy, students must complete at least 30 credit points outlined below:

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Economics

Economics includes three components: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods. Through these, you will learn to interpret complex economic ideas and assess economic factors that arise in a wide variety of contexts. You will acquire formal skills that are essential in business and financial modelling, and you will study economic history, ensuring that your skills are informed by a broader context.

Subjects Required for Major Study

To qualify for a major study in Economics, students will complete at least 30 credit points as outlined below.

* Students electing to do a major in Economics must complete both ECON205 and ECON215. Students will have completed one of these subjects as part of the core requirements for the BPPE. As a requirement of the major, they will need to complete the subject they have not yet undertaken.

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials and classes, visit the Timetable page.

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 POL346 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, The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts 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 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (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.

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 handbook page for further information about the degree and entry requirements.

For Honours in Economics please see the Discipline Leader, Economics, by the end of your second year. 

Other Information

Further information is available via email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au