PhD in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Take the chance to explore multiple disciplines within your research, challenged by experts in the field.
Start date
October 2023 (semester dates)
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Find out moreOur PhD programme offers high-quality training and a supportive environment in which to pursue your passion for research with internationally respected experts in the field from different disciplines.
Your research
Our PhD programme offers you the chance to become an agent of change, having the chance to explore multidisciplinary opportunities in research. You will be supported in your research by internationally respected experts in the field who will challenge you academically to enhance your PPE knowledge, skills, and experiences.
The PhD programme is aimed at those who wish to research areas such as:
- Political economy
- Economic philosophy
- Political philosophy
Supervision for your research projects will be across disciplines, meaning you will have access to support across at least two of our three highly regarded departments; Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Contact us
You should speak to potential supervisors before making your application, and you should say in the application who they are. If you need help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Professor Greg Currie, who is in charge of admissions to the programme. He is happy to talk through your ideas with you.
Professor Greg Currie
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International reputation
As one of the first universities to offer a Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) degree, we have an established and strong reputation around the world.
Inspiring and innovative
We combine intellectual rigour with a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. You will have access to support, resources, and facilities across our three innovative departments.
Funding
Explore funding for MPhil/PhD researchers and wider postgraduate support.
Supervision
You will be supported by academic supervisors. Supervisors will normally share or complement your research interests.
Training and support
The PhD programme is undertaken over three years (full-time), with progression points at the end of the first and second year.
Throughout this time, your supervisors will guide you through the process of clarifying and completing your doctoral thesis.
In addition, during the first year, a range of subject-specific research training modules will be available to support your through the exploratory phase of this programme.
Course location
You will be based in the School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) located on Campus West.
You should live in or near York during your PhD programme, whether part-time or full-time. We do not offer distance learning arrangements for this programme.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a 2:1 at undergraduate degree level, and have or be completing a Masters degree. Fields of previous study may be Philosophy, Politics or Economics (singularly or in combination).
Other fields of study may be considered, however, it should be clear from your academic record that you are suitably prepared for the research that you propose to do. If your area of previous study is another field, please make sure to discuss this with potential supervisors to ensure you are suitable to apply for this PhD programme.
You should also be able to demonstrate proven interdisciplinary PPE skills and experience.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your ability.
English language requirements
Applying
Apply for the PhD in Philosophy, Politics and Education (PPE)
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
Identify a supervisor
You should speak to potential supervisors before making your application, and you should say in the application who they are. They should be academics whose research overlaps with the area you wish to study.
You can find details on the research interests of our academic staff and how to contact them by using the following:
- Staff research interests for Philosophy
- Staff research interests for Politics
- Staff research interests for Economics
If you need help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Professor Greg Currie, who is in charge of admissions to the programme. He is happy to talk through your ideas with you.
If your application is unsuitable for interdisciplinary supervision, we may encourage you to submit a single-subject application instead.
Submitting your application
You will be required to submit the following documents:
- Application form
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Details of two referees
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save and finish it later.
Next steps
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Contact us
You should speak to potential supervisors before making your application, and you should say in the application who they are. If you need help in identifying potential supervisors please contact Professor Greg Currie, who is in charge of admissions to the programme. He is happy to talk through your ideas with you.
Professor Greg Currie