Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics | Programme code | UFA3HPSSBE02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) Other |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Politics, Philosophy and Economics enables students to study an inter-disciplinary programme of the social sciences and humanities across three outstanding and distinctive disciplines at Exeter. You will study how government is constituted, how being and truth are deliberated and how goods, services and peoples are economically organised. You will explore the philosophical, political and economic foundations of order and justice. You will interrogate the meaning and practice of the market economy on a global scale. You will examine the various forms of democracy through history. You will interrogate the questions of human society including war and peace, resource scarcity and distribution, the natural environment, faith and reason. You will take modules of study that introduce them to these big questions under the guidance of leading scholars in their fields. By your third-year you will focus on the specific manifestations of these questions in modules on certain regions and themes of politics, on certain texts, issues and thinkers of philosophy, and on certain aspects and dimensions of the economy. You will also undertake a dissertation in their choice of one of the three disciplines.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To provide you with an excellent education across disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research.
- To enable you to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories of these disciplines; to analyse, interpret and evaluate philosophical ideas and political and economic behaviour, events and institutions; and to relate the academic study of politics, philosophy and economics to questions of public concern.
- To develop your competence in discipline-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
- To offer you a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
- To equip you to be a questioning and productive member of society.
4. Programme Structure
Your BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics programme is a 3-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Within the programme as a whole a minimum of 90 credits should be taken in each of the three disciplines. At least 15 credits of stage 3 modules should be taken from each discipline.
Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.
Stage 1
Your core modules will provide you with an introduction to all three disciplines and will specifically explore issues relating to power and democracy, the philosophy of morality, philosophical analysis and economic principles.
Compulsory Modules
105 credits of compulsory modules made up of:
30 credits of compulsory Politics modules, including 1 x 15 credit module from Stage 1 Politics options.
30 credits of compulsory Philosophy modules.
45 credits of compulsory Economics modules made up of BEE1029 (30 credits) and EITHER BEE1024 for holders of A-level maths or equivalent qualification OR BEE1035 for those without A-Level Maths or equivalent.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis | 15 | No |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality | 15 | No |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| BEE1024 | Mathematics for Economists If A Level Maths or equivalent has been taken | 15 | No |
| BEE1029 | Economic Principles | 30 | Yes |
| BEE1035 | Basic Quantitative Methods If A Level Maths or equivalent has not been taken | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
15 credits from either:
Stage 1 Politics (POL). View option modules here
Philosophy (PHL).View optional modules here.
or Economics (BEE) options.
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics S1 opt 2021-2 | |||
Stage 2
You’ll explore how your three disciplines overlap in fields such as political philosophy (eg, considering topics such as liberty, justice, rights and citizenship), economic policy and the economics of politics. You’ll compare political systems and reflect on the nature of society, considering philosophical questions relating to inequality and power.
Compulsory Modules
90 credits of compulsory modules made up of:
30 credits of Politics modules.
a - 30 credits of Philosophy modules, selected from Stage 2 Philosophy compulsory modules list (2 x 15 credit modules).
30 credits of Economics modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 | No |
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2011A | The Philosophy of Nature 1 [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [see note a above] | 15 | No |
| BEE2038 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 15 | Yes |
| BEE2039 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
30 credits from either Stage 2:
Politics (POL). View option modules here
Philosophy (PHL).View optional modules here.
or Economics (BEE) options.
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics S2 opt 2019-0 | |||
| BEE2021 | Policy Issues in the Global Economy | 15 | No |
| BEE2030 | Economics and Ethics | 15 | No |
| BEE2010 | Philosophy of Economics | 15 | No |
| BEE2037 | Money and Banking | 15 | No |
| BEE2033 | Public Finance | 15 | No |
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
Compulsory Modules
30 credits of compulsory modules.
b - You must take POL3040 or BEE3068 or PHL3040.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL3040 | Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | No |
| BEE3068 | Economics Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | Yes |
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note b above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
90 credits from either:
Politics (POL). View option modules here
Philosophy (PHL).View optional modules here.
or Economics (BEE) options.
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
At least 15 credits of stage 3 modules must be taken from each discipline.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics SF opt 2019-0 | |||
| BEE3027 | Economics of Management Strategy | 30 | No |
| BEE3015 | Econometric Analysis | 30 | No |
| BEE3032 | Futures and Options | 15 | No |
| BEE3037 | Industrial Organisation 1 | 15 | No |
| BEE3042 | International Political Economy | 15 | No |
| BEE3044 | Money and Banking 2 | 15 | No |
| BEE3045 | International Economics | 15 | No |
| BEE3047 | Public Economics 1 | 15 | No |
| BEE3049 | Behaviour, Decisions and Markets | 15 | No |
| BEE3052 | Development Economics | 15 | No |
| BEE3053 | Economic Growth | 15 | No |
| BEE3054 | Advanced Mathematics for Economists | 15 | No |
| BEE3057 | Labour Economics | 15 | No |
| BEE3058 | Political Economics | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a human activity | These ILOs are developed across all programme stages, moving from broad themes in stage 1 to progressively more specialised aspects at stages 2 to 3. The skills are mainly developed through lectures, seminars, and formatively and summatively assessed essay work, practical exercises and special close reading seminars. | ILOs 1-2 are assessed in Politics modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. ILOs 3-4 are assessed in Philosophy modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. ILOs 5-6 are assessed in Economics modules through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and Dissertation work. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources | Skills are developed throughout the degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and Level 6 optional modules selected by the student. | Skills are assessed through coursework essays (1-6), assessed oral presentations (2-3) and examinations (4-6) at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation at stage 3. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing; | All skills are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in many modules at all levels in both sides of the programme. They are further developed through one-to-one or small-group tutorials giving feedback on written work, discussion in seminars, written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules. | Skills are assessed through formatively assessed seminar presentations (2, 3), written work at all levels and in all modules (1, 4, 5), examination in many modules (1,5,6) and the dissertation (1-4). |
7. Programme Regulations
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilise and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitise reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.
The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.
All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.
Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf
Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/index.html)
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics
19. UCAS Code
L0V0
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 11/03/2021 |
|---|
