Bachelor
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) is a three-year degree when studied full time.
Do you have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to better understand how our world works?
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) is a three-year degree when studied full time.
Do you have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to better understand how our world works? This degree will give you in-depth knowledge and insight into three highly influential academic areas that examine urgent global challenges and potential solutions.
With a global understanding and unique skillset, you'll be part of a select group of individuals equipped to drive important social, political and economic change.
A unique opportunity
Do you like to do things a little differently, think creatively and challenge existing conventions? We're the only university in Sydney, and one of a handful in Australia, to offer this degree. In developing this degree, our top academics across two faculties and three disciplines considered a range of current social issues, global trends, and the professional demands within these areas. The outcome? A degree built on a strong foundation across politics, philosophy and economics, to make sure you remain adaptable and agile in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Interdisciplinary focus
The leaders of today (and tomorrow) rely heavily on the fundamentals of politics, philosophy, and economics - particularly how the fields relate to one another. That's why this degree focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where you'll be exposed to ideas that give you the ability to weave together theory and methods from all three disciplines.
Learn from innovators and leaders
Embrace the opportunity to open your mind and further your critical thinking skills. You'll study under leading experts and academics who specialise in creating new knowledge and new ways of understanding the challenges of the contemporary world. This teaching is further elevated by the innovative, first-rate research and industry partnerships of the university.
Go international
Have you always wanted to study abroad? We give you the chance to participate in overseas study experiences. These are increasingly relevant to students seeking careers in NGOs, inter-governmental bodies and globally focused organisations. You'll also have the chance to join an exchange program with one of our international partner universities, which include University College Dublin and King's College London. Prefer to stay closer to home? No problem. You'll have the opportunity to make important local, regional and global contacts through our various internships. These allow you to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom in established and professional organisations.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined.
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
Mathematics Advanced
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
85
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.5
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
11
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
31
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1210
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
The UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is a renowned degree that carries considerable recognition among organisations and employers. PPE graduates across the world carve successful careers in areas such as public policy, diplomacy and economic analysis. You'll be prepared to work in humanitarian groups, political parties, non-government agencies, public services and activist organisations.