Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)

On this module you will look at key issues in political philosophy, exploring the ideas of thinkers throughout the history of political thought. You will respond to fundamental issues in political thought, questioning who should rule, why we should we obey the state and what a just society looks like. You will develop your analytical skills by examining arguments and perspectives based on philosophical and conceptual frameworks.

On this module you will learn the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will develop an understanding of economic principles and techniques and learn how to apply them in business contexts. You will also investigate the different issues related to macroeconomic theories and gain insight into the impact of the macroeconomic environment on business decisions. 

This module is your introduction to the academic study of Politics. You will become familiar with basic terms, concepts, methodologies and issues in the study of politics, preparing you for the rest of your degree. We will explore the diverse definitions and the scope of politics, and discuss what politics means to you. We will also introduce you to some of the essential skills you will need to succeed a degree level, including academic writing, researching and referencing.

On this module you will explore the fundamental concepts and techniques of macroeconomic analysis. You will gain an understanding of quantitative techniques and modern macroeconomics. You will learn how decisions of the central bank and government affect inflation, consumption, economic growth and unemployment. You will also investigate contemporary economic events. This module is essential for obtaining The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) qualification.

On this module you will be introduced to the debate surrounding the nature and extent of ‘globalisation’ and its impact on the role and power of states. You will start by analysing the historical trajectory of globalisation, and will evaluate whether the era of globalisation is distinct from what has come before. We will introduce theoretical perspectives, framing the debate around globalisation. You will then study developments in global politics, grounding your analysis in the context of the debate around globalisation and the state. 

On this module you will explore ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. You will consider:

• What informs the ethical decisions people make
• How people form their attitudes to moral dilemmas
• Whether there are sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones
• What, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations

You will reflect on your own assumptions surrounding these issues, and explore the relationship between ethical thought and religious belief.

On this module you will learn about theories of economic behaviour in the labour market and the nature of the labour market. You will test macroeconomic theoretical concepts and justify conclusions. You will gain core practical skills that are essential for a career as an economist, policy advisor or economic analyst. This module will help you to develop skills in analysing economic data and combine the results to form a discussion on societal problems such as wage inequality, the role of education and training and factors driving the demand and supply for labour.

On this module we will introduce you to the field of Industrial Economics, looking at why and how firms and industries behave and interact with each other. Understanding their behaviour is relevant not only to the firms, but also to the governments that design industrial policies in order to favour consumers without decreasing firms' efficiency.

Democracy is the dominant form of political organisation around the world, and it is essential to fully understand how it is put into practice. You will explore the development and evolution of democracy. This includes discussions on the concept and various models of democracy, as well as the institutions (executives, legislatures, judiciaries) and processes (electoral and party systems) that rely on it. You will complete a comparative analysis of democratic states throughout the world, examining both established democracies and democracies in transition.

International Relations addresses the fundamental nature of power in the international system, and the approaches used in this module are essential for understanding regional, international and global events. On this module we will introduce you to some of the major theories of international relations, such as:

• Realism
• Liberalism
• Neoliberalism
• Marxism
• Critical theory
• Constructivism
• Feminism
• Postcolonialism

Using case studies and coverage of historical and contemporary events, you will consider how you can apply these theories to developments in state relations, taking into account the growing institutions and processes of globalisation.

On this module you will examine contemporary issues in society and explore how political philosophy can help us develop arguments in response to these issues. You will discover the impact that political philosophies can have on decision makers, social groups and wider society. The issues you will explore may include:

• Taxation and welfare
• Minority rights
• Freedom of speech
• Criminal punishment
• Civil liberties and national security
• Global inequalities and wealth distribution
• Abortion
• Euthanasia and humanitarian intervention

This module focuses on modern western philosophy in an important period of intellectual history. You will be introduced you to the most influential philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century and explore the ethical and religious issues surrounding their work. You will learn about the interaction between philosophical and religious, and construct your own arguments in response to these ideas. This will help you to understand the concepts behind the debates surrounding religious belief in contemporary life.

Organisations frequently require both an understanding of how and why data is acquired, and an ability to collect, analyse and interpret it. This module considers the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and allows you to develop skills in the collection, analysis and reporting of relevant data. You will develop your project planning and management skills as a way to manage the research process.

Enhance your future employability by experiencing the workplace. On this module you will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in different areas related to your career. You will engage with issues such as:

• Career decision making
• The recruitment cycle
• Applying for jobs
• Interviewing

As part of this module you will embark on a work placement or business project in a group, or individually.

On this module you will develop into a confident, enterprising and creative graduate who will be able to cope with the ever changing business environment. You will recognise opportunities and to take responsible and measured risks. This is a very practical module. Starting with an initial idea, you will explore and assess a business opportunity and present a feasible business concept. Working alone or in groups, you will develop skills in collecting, analysing and organising ideas and information.

International trade is extremely controversial. It is thought to be the engine of much worldwide economic prosperity. It is also blamed for inequality between countries and for the rise of populism and nationalism in some parts of the world. On this module we will investigate these controversies. This will help you understand the patterns of international trade, the forces that produce these patterns, and how they impacts different people. Ideas from economic theory, business strategy and political economy will help you to develop this understanding.

This module focuses on the 2 main parties of government of recent years, Labour and Conservative. There will also be a consideration of nationalist parties at the devolved and national levels, as well as the rise and influence of smaller, issue-based political parties. You will also examine the fundamental function of MPs as representatives, and consider notions of good political behaviour in light of a variety of political scandals.

On this module you will explore a range of developments in modern political philosophy, and consider how political philosophy contributes to our understanding of, and influences, the modern world. This will involve studying work by a variety of scholars. In doing so you will engage with themes including:

• Justice
• Libertarianism
• Marxism
• Feminism
• Multiculturalism
• Citizenship.

On this module you will explore in detail the institutions, structures and processes of global governance. In particular we focus on the institutions of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We also cover regional organisations such as the European Union, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Global issues will be examined to analyse the work of these institutions, which may include:

• Human rights
• International terrorism
• Global inequality
• The environment
• Conflict and peace

On this module you will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate the connection between politics and economics on an international level. You will engage with key aspects of International Political Economy, with a focus on how differences in growth and development arise due to the unique circumstances that characterise specific regions around the world.

It is widely recognised that economic measures of wellbeing, such as income, have limitations. In this module you will study the factors that make people happy, how to measure happiness, and how government policy can be guided to enhance people’s happiness. You will investigate social, psychological, political and cultural factors such as relationships, religion, age, human rights, democracy, the natural environment and health. You will also look at ways of measuring happiness, identifying the factors that influence happiness and how happiness research can guide public policy.

This year long dissertation module (you can choose from Politics, Philosophy or Economics), will involve working independently to research a topic of your choice. It is the culmination of your degree studies, and your chance to explore a topic that you are passionate about. You will plan, research, and write a piece of work that demonstrates your ability to structure a sustained argument, research effectively and think independently. A dissertation supervisor will help you define and develop your project throughout the year.