Welcome to the School of Politics, Economics and Philosophy Admissions Pages

If you want to study any equal combination of Politics, Economics and Philosophy, the School of PEP at the University of York is the place to be. As a student here, you would benefit from top-quality teaching in a pleasant learning (and living) environment. You are probably already aware of how highly the University is rated - if not, a quick look at the recent league tables from the Financial Times and other national newspapers will confirm this.

The three Departments of Politics, Economics and Philosophy, all of which have top TQA scores, cooperate by contributing in teaching, research and administration to the activities of the School, which in turn provides a unified focus for its undergraduates. The School offers four undergraduate degree courses:

L0V0 Philosophy, Politics and Economics
LL12 Economics and Politics
VL52 Philosophy and Politics
LV15 Economics and Philosophy

In each course, there is a Part I, which is introductory and occupies the first year, followed by Part II in the second and third years in which the modules build towards the final degree. There is a common admissions process for all School degree courses. As a result, there is considerable flexibility in courses of study. This flexibility takes two forms. First, within a given degree course, there is opportunity for the students to vary the balance between the two, or three, subjects they are studying. Second, within the School, there is the possibility to switch from one degree course to another. This can be done either during the Part I introductory period, or at the end of Part I in choosing which degree course to follow for Part II.

Applications and Selection Policy:

All applications for admission to degrees in the School must be made through UCAS. A common selection policy is followed for all four degrees, so the prospects of being admitted are the same whatever the course applied for. APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT, THEREFORE, APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE OF THE FOUR DEGREES. The flexibility mentioned earlier allows for changes of course later. The application should be for the degree course which the applicant at that time intends to read for Part II. Nearly all offers of places are made solely on the basis of information given on the UCAS form, without interview or submission of written work. Selectors look for evidence of academic potential; interest in the disciplines taught in the School; a lively and critical intelligence; capacity for independent study; the variety of activities and experience gained in social, sporting or cultural pursuits; any relevant work experience. They pay particular attention to the applicants' descriptions of themselves and their interests and ambitions, and to the confidential references provided by schools, colleges, employers or other.

There are no subject specific requirements in terms of academic qualifications. It is not necessary previously to have studied economics, politics or philosophy. However, applicants who have not studied any of these (or any cognate) subjects should indicate any familiarity they may have with them, for example, from private reading.

Applications are welcomed from those who have or are studying for A-Level, AS-Level, Scottish and Irish qualifications, the International Baccaulaureat, BTEC, GNVQ at an appropriate level and school-leaving qualifications of countries in the EU, together with equivalent qualifications from other countries. Standard offers for most of these types of qualification are given in the University prospectus, and these standard offers should be used as a guide to whether or not the applicant is likely to be offered a place. Applicants are welcome who offer two subjects at AS-Level in place of one subject A-Level.

All applications received by UCAS before the closing date will receive full and equal consideration. We aim to give careful and fair consideration to all such applications, and consequently must ask applicants to be patient. Although we will begin to make offers in October, we may not complete the processing of all applications until the end of April. Any enquiries about the progress of an application should be made to the University's Admissions Officer.

A Year Off Between School and University:

Many applicants wish to spend a year away from formal education between school and university. The PEP School welcomes applications from those who are planning to do this, irrespective of whether or not they know what they intend to do in the interim. Such students often come to university not only intellectually refreshed but with a broader experience and greater self-confidence than had they come straight from school. Applicants wishing to do this should apply in the normal way through UCAS, indicating that they wish to defer entry for a year.

Mature Students:

The School welcomes applications from mature students (i.e. aged over 21), and usually admits a number each year. Our experience of mature students has been very positive. In view of the distinctive contribution they make to all aspects of university life, we regard them as an asset.
Some of the most successful students have been those who have prepared themselves to return to academic study by taking Access courses, or similar periods of study. Others have come to the School straight from employment in a wide variety of work, or been fully occupied in raising a family. In all cases we look for evidence of ability, interest and commitment, but we may not require specific formal qualifications. In most cases, we prefer to interview mature candidates before offering them a place. Mature students who are considering making an application are welcome to contact the PEP Office for further advice.

International Students:

The PEP School welcomes applications from international students. Students are recruited from such diverse nations as Germany, Japan, Kenya, Singapore and the USA. They have established themselves easily in York, lived happily in the city and on campus and have been successful in their studies.
The University provides courses in study skills and English for all those who would benefit from them, and also administers a Scholarship Fund for international students. Details of these and other matters of special interest to international students are contained in a guide to University for foreign students which is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.