Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE)

The Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE) undergraduate programme at the University of Amsterdam offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex mechanisms that shape our society. This highly esteemed Bachelor's degree combines insights from four key disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political, social, and economic issues. Students are introduced to the foundational theories and methodologies of politics, psychology, law, and economics, enabling them to analyze and address real-world problems from multiple perspectives.

Throughout the programme, students engage in rigorous coursework that covers a wide range of topics, including the functioning of political institutions, human behavior and decision-making processes, legal frameworks and their societal implications, as well as economic models and policies. This diverse academic foundation prepares graduates for insightful analysis of issues such as governance, social justice, international relations, and economic development. The programme places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, encouraging students to develop their own nuanced viewpoints supported by empirical evidence.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, students have opportunities to participate in practical projects, internships, and simulations that foster hands-on experience. The university's vibrant learning environment promotes active collaboration among students from different backgrounds, enhancing their intercultural communication and teamwork skills. The interdisciplinary nature of PPLE also facilitates specialization in areas of personal or professional interest, ranging from policy analysis and legal studies to behavioral psychology and economic policy.

The programme is designed to equip students with key competencies that are highly valued in various careers, including policymaking, law, consultancy, international relations, and academia. Graduates of PPLE possess a broad, integrated perspective on societal issues, enabling them to contribute effectively to solving complex challenges faced by modern societies. The interdisciplinary approach not only enriches academic understanding but also fosters a reflective, open-minded attitude essential for leadership roles and lifelong learning.

Overall, the PPLE Bachelor's programme at the University of Amsterdam offers a challenging, stimulating, and rewarding educational experience. It prepares students to become thoughtful, informed citizens and professionals capable of making impactful contributions in diverse fields. With its strong academic curriculum, practical orientation, and international outlook, PPLE is an ideal choice for students passionate about understanding and influencing the world around them.

The first year

The first year consists of academic core courses. Interdisciplinary courses such as ‘Law, justice and morality', 'Politics, power and governance’ and ‘Decision making’ help students foster a broad mindset and provide a good foundation in the disciplines. This in turn gives them the required knowledge for the courses in the second and third year.

In the methodological courses (‘Doing research’), students will learn about the main qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques. At the end of each semester, in the integrated seminars, students conduct a project based on social challenges and themes, such as security, solidarity and global justice.

By the end of the first year, students must choose one major.

In the second year, students start on their specialisation (major) in either politics, psychology, law, or economics and business. The majors have been specially and carefully designed by teams of leading scholars from all across the University of Amsterdam. During the first semester of their third year, PPLE students can study abroad for one semester. Before receiving their Bachelor’s of Science degree, they will write an extensive Bachelor’s thesis.

Politics

The world of politics has been transforming dramatically over the past 50 years or so. The focus of political science is no longer only the state. Non-state actors (such as NGOs and social movements) have come to play a larger role, new axes of economic and military power have emerged, and the dynamics of inter- and intra-state conflicts have changed. The global order increasingly has to deal with challenges of a truly global nature. Increasingly also political scientists study the linkages between politics on different scales, from the local to the global

Psychology

The human factor is a critical variable in almost all the complex problems we face today. Psychology, as the study of human behaviour, will help to understand (and change) the role we as humans play in topics such as social inequality, climate change and consumer behaviour.

Law

As a guiding framework for modern societies, law affects people in all domains of life. Interdisciplinary courses in law will help you interpret complex social issues, such as international relations, immigration and European integration, through the lens of the legal system and principles of justice.

Economics and Business

Economic reasoning is crucial to the analysis of the major challenges that the world faces. Policies on, for instance, international trade, economic and social development as well as management of the environment all benefit from a thorough understanding of economic behaviour and the relations between the major stakeholders.

Entrance test

Students who want to major in economics need to successfully pass the economics major entrance test in the spring semester of their first year. 

Applicants must self-report and submit all test scores without delay. We strongly recommend applicants take the required tests well in advance of the final submission deadline of 20 July. Please allow sufficient time for official scores to arrive by this deadline.

Do you have the right diploma?

You are eligible to apply if:  

• you hold a diploma from Dutch university preparatory education (VWO), combined with mathematics A, B, or D (final grade 6.0 or higher) and English, or  
• your preparatory education is equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with mathematics (and English for non-native speakers) included in the final examination.

 Grade point average

Do your grades reflect that you will be able to maintain a good to excellent study level? PPLE is a small-scale and intensive programme and therefore a high study level is required to be able to successfully complete the programme in three years.

Russia: Secondary school diploma with a suitable study programme of sufficient level with EGE and 1-2 year(s) of full-time university/college education. Grade point average 4.0, mathematics minimum grade 3.0, English minimum grade 5.0

Ukraine: secondary school diploma (Atestat pro zagal’nu serednyu osvitu) with a suitable study programme of sufficient level or 1 year of university/college education. GPA 8 (1-12), Math 4 (1-12), English 10 (1-12)

Please note that if we receive a lot of good applications, we will only select candidates with a higher grade point average. This entails that the current minimum GPAs may be raised if we receive a large quantity of outstanding applications.

Mathematics requirements

Several PPLE courses require advanced math skills. Therefore, proficiency in math is an important entry requirement for PPLE. This requirement needs to be met by July.

• Applicants holding a diploma from a Dutch VWO school in one of the four profiles, combined with mathematics A, B or D (final grade 6.0 or higher), meet the math requirement. 
• The preparatory education of applicants holding a foreign diploma must be equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with a pass grade for mathematics on the final examination.

If you are not studying maths or you are not sure that you will get a sufficient grade, you will need to show sufficient results from a recognised test centre well before your intended starting date. Any offer of acceptance will be conditional, pending the test results.

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Study costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you will need to include a number of other study costs in your budget, such as books, stationary, excursions, a laptop or other equipment up to an amount of max. €642,-.

Living costs

Keep in mind that living in Amsterdam also includes costs such as accommodation, food and public transport.

Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE) at the University of Amsterdam is an interdisciplinary honours programme designed for students interested in the complex interactions between political systems, psychological behavior, legal frameworks, and economic structures. The programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these domains influence societal developments and individual actions. Typically, the programme combines core courses that cover fundamental concepts in each discipline, alongside specialized electives that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an integrative perspective, enabling them to address real-world problems that span multiple fields.

The curriculum often includes a mix of lectures, seminars, and project work, fostering active participation and practical application of theoretical knowledge. Interdisciplinary research methods are emphasized, preparing students for careers in policy analysis, consultancy, law, psychology, or further academic pursuits. In addition, the programme frequently offers opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and exchanges with partner institutions, enriching students' academic and professional experience.

Students graduating from the PPLE programme are equipped with a unique interdisciplinary skill set, enabling them to understand societal issues from various angles and to communicate effectively across disciplines. The programme’s structure typically spans three years for a bachelor's degree, with the possibility of continuation into master's degrees in related fields at the university or other institutions. The language of instruction is primarily English, attracting international students from around the world.

Career paths for graduates include roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations, policy advisory positions, research institutes, legal firms, and private companies. The programme is known for its challenging coursework, diverse cohort, and emphasis on developing well-rounded, critical thinkers who can operate effectively in complex, multidisciplinary environments. Given the university's strong emphasis on research-driven education and international outlook, students benefit from a vibrant academic community and access to extensive resources, including libraries, research centers, and networks of professionals. Overall, the PPLE programme at the University of Amsterdam prepares students to become informed, open-minded, and capable professionals to tackle contemporary societal challenges.