Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BPPE) at ANU is for ambitious, motivated students with an excellent academic record, who aspire to become leaders and influencers in their chosen careers.

This degree has a limited intake each year and allows you to be part of an academic community that supports you in understanding and explaining complex ideas and problems.

The BPPE is an exceptional interdisciplinary degree that will help you to develop intellectual breadth, curiosity, creativity and rigour in the three contributing disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics.

Graduates of the BPPE will have capacity for critical and conceptual thinking and exceptional problem-solving skills. This program is an invaluable foundation for any career choice, particularly for entrepreneurial students seeking to be leaders.

Our scholarship programs are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, and we automatically consider applicants for some of them upon application.

Politics, Philosophy and Economics at ANU

ANU has an outstanding international reputation in the disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics. Students take courses in each of these disciplines, as well as special BPPE courses that integrate knowledge from the three disciplines.

The study of the three disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics changes how we perceive, think about and understand the world. Applying the knowledge and methods from these disciplines to understand and evaluate individual and group behaviour produces new possibilities for innovation and creativity.

  • Philosophy addresses foundational questions concerning the study of how society works and what is the standard for social improvement
  • Politics involves analysing the way that individuals and groups define political issues and shape communal decisions
  • Economics focuses on a different aspect of social interaction to do with exchange and production.

Flexible Double Degree

The BPPE can be combined with degrees in Law, Business or Science as part of the ANU Flexible Double Degree program. The BPPE is also a pathway into the ANU Juris Doctor program. Students who gain entry into the PPE may have a pathway (subject to academic performance) to the ANU Juris Doctor program - a distinctive degree for graduates of non-law disciplines that satisfy the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner and is completed under the Vertical Double Degree program. For a full list of degree combinations see study.anu.edu.au/study-options/flexible-degree-options-anu.

Study overseas

The degree has a strong international component—linking with international relations and development studies—and you may take advantage of the opportunity to engage with BPPE students at leading international universities.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24

Key facts

1 in Australia
9 for Philosophy, 8 for Politics in World* and
1 in Australia
35 for Economics in World*

3 years
Semester 1 & 2 intake
Honours option available

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 131161
CRICOS Code: 076183D

Career options

Graduates of the BPPE are well positioned to follow careers in the private and public sectors and academia, including policy analysis, politics, journalism, banking and finance, international affairs, diplomatic services and government.

Hear from our students

Jess
Jess , Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics

My brilliant career

Because your words and actions have weight, especially when you have the privilege to go to the ANU.
Rio Davis , Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Watch the video

Fees, scholarships & apply

Tuition fees

Visit the handbook to see indicative fees and Commonwealth supported places for this degree.

Scholarships

ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.

How to apply

You have decided that ANU is the right university for you. Ready to take the next step?

Learn more

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