Economics and Philosophy

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The MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Programme:

* offers students an integrated, multi-disciplinary PPE education at a university with an international reputation in Humanities and Social Science research
* prepares students for a broad range of careers, including careers in international organisations, finance and research
* is suitable for a variety of students including those completing an undergraduate degree and mid-career professionals
* is unique in giving students a choice between a balanced education and tailor-made courses with a specialised focus
* offers modules from Economics, Philosophy and Politics departments each of which scored 24/24 for teaching in subject review and 5 in the Research Assessment Exercise.

This course is constructed around an inter-disciplinary module in social choice with contributions from the departments of economics, philosophy and politics. It allows students to explore inter-connections between normative economics and ethics at an advanced level. These connections have been central to the development of modern economics and moral philosophy. The course provides students with suitable research training for doctoral study in economics. By allowing students a wide range of options, it prepares students for a wide range of careers including careers in economics, public life, finance and research.

Course Structure

Core modules totalling 160 credits are as follows:

* The Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) of Social Choice The module covers a range of topics - such as decision making, rights and justice - relating to social choice (broadly interpreted) at an advanced level. It is inter-disciplinary and jointly taught by the members of the three PPE departments. (20 credits)


* Microeconomic Theory This is the first part of the Applied Microeconomics module offered by the Department of Economics. It covers central topics in micro-economics including consumer theory, decision theory, welfare and market equlibrium and efficiency. (10 credits)


* Ethics This module covers central topics in ethics split into those relating to the `good´ (varieties of goods, desires, reasons and virtues) and the `right´ (duties, obligations, rights and responsibilities) and consequentialism and contractualism. (20 credits)


* International Macroeconomics This module addresses important policy questions and provides an understanding of exchange rate determination, balance of payments problems and implications for macroeconomic and financial linkages between economies. (10 credits)


* Quantitative Analysis This module covers probability theory, hypothesis testing and regression analysis. It provides research training in quantitative analysis for economists. (20 credits)


* Personal and Career Development Skills & Research Management and Dissemination These modules provide students with a range of skills for Social Scientists including transferable skills useful outside academic life. (10 credits)


* Dissertation Proposal This module covers issues relating to the writing of dissertations, with specific guidance relating to dissertations in economics where at least one other PPE discipline is relevant. (10 credits)


* Dissertation This is a focussed piece of writing of about 12000 words in which students are expected to display skills acquired in taught modules. (60 credits)

Students also do a short-course in Mathematics for Economics in weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the Autumn term. This is not assessed.

Optional Modules:

Students choose a total of 20 credits as follows:

EITHER:
One or two Economics modules from:

* Corporate Finance
* Cost-Benefit Analysis
* Experimental Economics
* Game Theory
* Labour Economics
* Public Finance
* Public Sector Economics
* Development Economics
* Social Policy Analysis
* Theory of Finance

OR:
One Philosophy module from:

* Bioethics
* Environmental Philosophy
* Ethical Thinking
* Metaphysics and Epistemology
* Philosophy of Law
* Philosophy of Mind and Language

There is some additional flexibility on this course since students who wish to pursue more advanced training in economics/econometrics can make a request to the Board of Studies to do so.

Assessment Structure:

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Social Choice (11%)
Microeconomic Theory(5.5%)
Ethics (11% Credits)
International Macroeconomics (5.5%)
Optional Module(s) (11%)
Quantitative Analysis (11%)
Personal and Career Development Skills (2.25%)
Research Management and Dissemination (2.25%)
Dissertation Proposal (5.5%)
Dissertation (34%)

The MA is open to those with a good first degree (i.e. an upper second or equivalent) in any subject. For students whose first language is not English the School normally requires a minimum proficiency level of 6.5 in the IELTS test or 250 in the computer based American TOEFL test (580 in the paper based test). Students with no previous knowledge of economics are in general expected to attend a summer session in economics. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.