Undergraduate
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
All important social issues have philosophical, political and economic dimensions.
Majors available
Philosophy, Politics and Economics - Extended Major
The Philosophy, Politics and Economics equips students to engage with important social and political issues from a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective. This degree-specific major can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
The learning experience
UWA facilities include lecture theatres, case study rooms and break-out areas for group work and individual study.
UWA Schools
Six libraries
One of Australia’s most picturesque campuses
Five residential colleges
Vibrant student experience
Vibrant student experience
Adjacent to the Swan River, our Perth campus is among the most picturesque in Australia with iconic sandstone buildings sitting among heritage-listed gardens. We’re just 10 minutes from Perth’s main shopping and business district and close to many of the city’s stunning beaches.
On campus, you’ll have an array of essential amenities to enjoy, including cafés, libraries, bookshops, a vibrant cultural precinct and tonnes of clubs and societies to join and experience student life to its fullest. Our supportive Student Guild means you can try your hand at volunteering, get independent advice on a range of matters or attend one of the many varied events on and off campus.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
International Student Fees
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Careers and further study
Career Opportunities
Your interdisciplinary expertise will make you stand out to a wide range of employers across various industries and government sectors. With skills in philosophy, politics, and economics, you'll be well-prepared to pursue diverse career opportunities.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Diplomat
- Economic/Political Journalist
- Policy Analyst
Further Study
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you need to:
- achieve the University’s minimum entry score
- demonstrate English language competence
- satisfy any prerequisites for your preferred majors (refer to individual major descriptions for prerequisite details)
You can view the prerequisites and recommended subjects for your chosen course here.
View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history.
Assured Pathway information
If you have a professional career in mind, take advantage of one of our Assured Pathways. An Assured Pathway gives you an assured place in one of our postgraduate professional courses (such as Law, Engineering or Medicine) from the start of your studies with us. The pathways combine a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing you with a clearer direction to your career of choice.Admission entry to UWA
We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Learn more about our admission entry pathways.
About the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
All important social issues — climate change, health care, inequality, political participation, criminal justice and much more — have philosophical, political and economic dimensions. Our Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a challenging and rigorous course of study that equips you with the skills to engage with these issues from a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective.
You'll gain a solid foundation in all three disciplines, exploring how each one can enhance your understanding of the others. You'll also learn about the shared history of philosophy, politics, and economics, while building the critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in the workplace.
Quick details
- 90
- Semester 1 and Semester 2
- 3 years
- BH015
- 102865B
Why study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at UWA
- Learn from leading experts, especially academics whose research spans the three disciplines
- You'll complete specially designed interdisciplinary units that equip you to apply the tools of all three disciplines to address pressing social, political, and economic questions
Put theory into practice
Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.
Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.
Taking you global
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Extended Major)
Open only to students undertaking the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), this extended major will equip students to engage with important social issues from a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective.
Hear about our degree
You'll learn to
- address problems that political, philosophical, and economic dimensions (e.g. inequality, criminal justice, climate change), learning to think about complex social issues in an interdisciplinary manner
- explore how insights from each of the three disciplines bear upon issues in the others
- utilise invaluable critical-thinking and analytical skills, and apply them in a variety of contexts
Industry connected
Our Business School courses are influenced by the Business School Board, a group of industry leaders who ensure content remains current and students are prepared for their chosen career when entering the workforce as well as giving a key insight into what employers are looking for when hiring graduates.
Strong industry contacts will give you the added advantage of growing quality networks to draw on when you graduate. We have 30+ corporate supporters, who have included ATCO, Bankwest, BDO, BHP, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Macquarie Group, Mitsubishi, UniBank, Woodside and more.
Meet a Philosopher
Dr Lachlan Umbers is a philosopher working at the intersection of political science and political theory at The University of Western Australia.
His work engages with a wide array of issues, from the design of electoral institutions, to the climate duties of sub-national governments, corporations, and individuals. Lachlan's current research interests include compulsory voting, the regulation of political speech by civil society groups, the ethics of combatting vaccine hesitancy, and the role of labour unions in protecting employees’ interests in the workplace.