Courses and degrees

A-Z study options

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Why study Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

We are the first university in Australia to offer this prestigious degree for tomorrow’s decision-makers and opinion shapers. Political, philosophical and economic dimensions are critical to every issue in contemporary society. You will develop a broad knowledge base to resolve practical policy problems using research and evidence-based solutions. Content includes policy-focused economics seminars and a range of subjects that integrate philosophical, political and economic aspects of public policy issues. There is considerable flexibility to tailor the degree to suit your interests. Study core and elective subjects from economics, philosophy and politics in your first year. In second and third years, study across the three disciplines or specialise in two. Accelerated entry is available to strong applicants.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for analytical and decision-making positions in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Roles may include economic and social analyst, economist, journalist and political adviser.

Courses

Local students

2013

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Duration :: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Semester starts :: Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Campus/ATAR:: Melbourne 71.5

Year: 2013
Course description: La Trobe University was the first Australian university to offer this course in 2011. Students with an aim of becoming tomorrow's decision makers and opinion shapers will be drawn to this popular interdisciplinary degree.
The premise that guides La Trobe University's PPE degree is the recognition that economic, political and philosophical dimensions lie at the heart of every issue that informs life and work in contemporary society.
For more information please view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Prerequisite: Admission requirements are VCE Units 3 & 4 with a study score of 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in English (any) and 25 in mathematics (any). Applicants with comparable qualifications will be considered. A limited number of students may also be considered under Special Entry Schemes. Students may be granted accelerated entry into the PPE program if they have an ATAR score of better than 90 and a study score in VCE mathematics (any) of at least 30.
Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements: Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.

Non-Year 12 applicants must provide a portfolio of written work and other relevant materials demonstrating their capacity to undertake the degree.
Middle band: Consideration is given to performance in prerequisite studies and to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
How to apply: Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
Full course details: Politics, Philosophy and EconomicsMelbourne

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.

International students

2013

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (071901G)

Duration :: 3 years
Semester starts :: Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :: 21 440
Campus: Melbourne

Year: 2013
Course description: La Trobe University was the first Australian university to offer this course in 2011. Students with an aim of becoming tomorrow's decision makers and opinion shapers will be drawn to this popular interdisciplinary degree.
The premise that guides La Trobe University's PPE degree is the recognition that economic, political and philosophical dimensions lie at the heart of every issue that informs life and work in contemporary society.
For more information please view our Frequently Asked Questions.
English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - a minimum overall score of 550 with a score of 5 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - a minimum overall score of 60 with a minimum for SLR 18; W 22;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B (EFS5 UG minimum 60 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 60 per cent final result in a course;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): a minimum score of 57 with no communicative skill score less than 50.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a pass grade of C or higher;

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements: LTM Foundation Studies - 65
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 70
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels -
6
HKDSE - 2 x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 60
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 7.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite: Completion of the Australian VCE and Units 3 & 4 (or equivalent), a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in English (any) and a study score of at least 25 in Mathematics (any) or equivalent.
Accelerated Entry: completion of Australian (or equivalent) VCE with an ATAR score of at least 90, VCE Units 3 & 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in English (any) and a study score of at least 30 in Mathematics (any) and approval of the director PPE. Applicants with comparable academic results will be considered.
Additional information: Accelerated entry may be granted to applicants with an ATAR score over 90 (or equivalent) and with Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in Mathematics (any).
Full course details: Politics, Philosophy and EconomicsMelbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Related study options

Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:

Your study experience

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by taking part in a short-term overseas study program with one of our 100 partner universities in over 30 countries. Or spend 6–12 months in a student exchange program in destinations like Canada, the US, South America, Europe or the UK. Our exchange partners include the University of Innsbruck, Copenhagen Business School, Berlin School of Economics or the BEM Management School in France. See student exchange.

Alternative pathways

Going straight from school to university isn’t an option for everyone. There may be other pathways to help you gain entry into this course. See alternative course pathways.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our Politics, Philosophy and Economics students.

Campus location, career prospects and diversity of education are the reasons I choose La Trobe.

Mr Peter Halden, Business, Economics and Law

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or focus on staff in Economics.