Name of Programme
BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Final Award
BA (Hons)
Location
Buckingham
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of Buckingham
Teaching Institution
University Of Buckingham
School of Study
School of Humanities and Social Sciences [Economics and International Studies]
Programme Code(s)
UBAF3CPPE / Full Time / 3 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
N/A
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
• Economics (2019)
• Politics and International Relations (2019)
• Philosophy (2019)
• Politics and International Relations (2019)
• Philosophy (2019)
Admission Criteria
A-level: BBB / IB 32
Applicable Cohort(s)
September 2023 Onwards
FHEQ Level
6
UCAS Code
VV50
Summary of Programme
To provide an integrated degree, drawing on the three disciplines of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The Philosophy strand is oriented towards social science, with modules focused on human behaviour, human interaction and the ethical justification of legal and political institutions. The Politics strand is centred on areas and regions, but with an emphasis on understanding the challenges of political violence and the social conditions and institutional mechanisms for achieving political order and economic prosperity. The Economics strand provides students with the foundations of economics (macroeconomics and microeconomics) and then offers a range of options with a particular emphasis on political economy (the interaction of economics and politics).
Educational Aims of the Programme
Students will acquire the ability:
• To analyse the cognitive conditions for human behaviour (philosophy of mind; political psychology; evolutionary theory).
• To understand the ethical basis of legal and political institutions (political theory; jurisprudence).
• To apply theoretical and normative concepts to the institutions of particular countries (for example: Iran, Russia, UK, USA, China).
• To grasp the nature of the international political system and international relations.
• To analyse economic behaviour and assess theoretical models intended to understand such behaviour (microeconomics; welfare economics; money and banking).
• To explore the relationship between politics and economics (legal economics; public sector economics; regulation and privatisation).
• To analyse the cognitive conditions for human behaviour (philosophy of mind; political psychology; evolutionary theory).
• To understand the ethical basis of legal and political institutions (political theory; jurisprudence).
• To apply theoretical and normative concepts to the institutions of particular countries (for example: Iran, Russia, UK, USA, China).
• To grasp the nature of the international political system and international relations.
• To analyse economic behaviour and assess theoretical models intended to understand such behaviour (microeconomics; welfare economics; money and banking).
• To explore the relationship between politics and economics (legal economics; public sector economics; regulation and privatisation).
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Ethics: the ability to evaluate positions in terms of right/wrong and good/bad;2. Human behaviour: the empirical analysis of human cognition and motivation;
3. Institutional design: the study of the evolution and reform of major social institutions;
4. Area studies: capacity to integrate diverse knowledge to understand a region/country;
5. Quantitative methods: the measurement of social phenomena.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1.The broad range of modules ensures that students cover the areas outlined under ‘knowledge and understanding’.2.Lectures provide an overview of each of the areas.
3. Small group tutorials facilitate focused discussion of the material introduced in the lectures.
4. The use of internet resources, such as moodle, facilitate independent study.
5. The availability of staff ensures that students get the necessary support successfully to complete their studies.
6. The fact that all three elements are taught within the same department works against fragmentation.
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Assessment Strategy
1.Module essays facilitate researched (referenced) writing.2. Unseen examinations require students to formulate arguments in a focused way under time constraints.
3.In-class tests in some modules ensure students have done the necessary reading/preparation.
4.Presentations in some modules test students’ ability to develop an argument verbally.
5. Formative assessment – presentations, class discussion – provide feedback so students can ascertain their progress.
Programme Outcomes
Cognitive Skills
1.Demonstrate critical thinking, including the ability to form an argument, detect fallacies, and martial evidence, about key issues in international politics;2. Linguistic competence;
3. Distinguish substantive and methodological issues;
4.Grasp the distinction between normative and non-normative issues.
5. Accurately employ empirical evidence.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1.The broad range of modules (especially skills 2 and 4).2.Lectures (especially skills 1, 3, 4, 5)
3. Small group tutorials (especially skills 1, 3, 4 and 5)
4. The use of internet resources, such as moodle (especially skill 5)
5. Staff availability (especially skills 1, 3, 4 and 5).
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Assessment Strategy
1.Module essays (especially skills 1 and 5)2. Unseen examinations (especially skills 1 and 5)
3.In-class tests (especially skills 1 and 5)
4.Presentations (especially skills 1, 3, 4, 5).
5. Formative assessment – presentations, class discussion (especially skills 1, 3, 4 and 5).
Programme Outcomes
Practical/Transferable Skills
1. Engage in conceptual analysis;2. Write a coherent piece of work;
3. Appraise published work;
4. Communicate
5.Assess opposing points of view;
6. Use effectively the internet.
7. Make a presentation;
8. Undertake research;
9. Synthesise data;
10. Manage time.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Preparation for tutorials (skills 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10);2. Attendance and participation in the lecture (skills 1, 3, 5 and 10)
3. Tutorial participation (especially skills 4 and 7).
4. Use of moodle and other web resources (skills 3, 5, 6 and 8).
5. Organisation of the course (sequential development of arguments and introduction of material) (skills 3 and 5).
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Assessment Strategy
1. Unseen examinations (skills 1, 2, 5 and 10).2. Essays (skills 3, 8, 9, 10).
3. MCQ and other in-class tests (skills 3 and 10).
4. Informal (formative) feedback on class participation (skill 4)
External Reference Points
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (Link);
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s)
Link
Link
Link
• Other (list)
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s)
Link
Link
Link
• Other (list)
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
Revised Autumn 2022
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Revised Autumn 2022
Date approved by School Board of Study
Revised Autumn 2022
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Revised Autumn 2022
Date of Annual Review
PROGRAMME STRUCTURES
BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics
UBAF3CPPE / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Autumn
Introduction to Political Theory [L4/15U] (HUFINPT)
Quantitative Methods 1 [L4/15U] (BUFQUM1)
Preliminary 1 Examination
Term 2
Winter
Winter
Introduction to Philosophy [L4/15U] (HUFINTP)
Issues in World Politics [L4/15U] (HUFIIWP)
Principles of Microeconomics [L4/15U] (HUFPMIC)
Term 3
Spring
Spring
Scientific Method [L4/15U] (HUFSMET)
Principles of Macroeconomics [L4/15U] (HUFPMAC)
Government and Politics of the UK and the US [L5/15U] (HUFGVP5)
Preliminary 2 and Part 1 Examination
Term 4
Autumn
Autumn
US Foreign Policy in the Post Cold War Era [L5/15U] (HUFUSPC)
Microeconomic Policy [L5/15U] (HUFMICP)
Part 1 Examination
Term 5
Winter
Winter
Freedom [L5/15U] (HUFFRED)
Philosophy of Mind [L5/15U] (HUFPHOM)
History of Economic Thought [L6/15U] (HUFHOET)
Term 6
Spring
Spring
Political Psychology [L6/15U] (HUFPLPS)
Politics of Latin America [L5/15U] (HUFPLAM)
Issues in Developing Economies and the MENA region [L6/15U] (HUFIDEM)
Part 2 stage 1
Term 7
Autumn
Autumn
International Relations: Theories and Concepts [L6/15U] (HUFIRTC)
Cuban Politics [L6/15U] (HUFCPOL)
One of:
Macroeconomic Policy [L5/15U]
International Economics [L6/15U]
Money, Banking and Financial Markets [L6/15U] (PPEECONXXX3)
Macroeconomic Policy [L5/15U]
International Economics [L6/15U]
Money, Banking and Financial Markets [L6/15U] (PPEECONXXX3)
Part 2 Stage 1 and 2 Examination
Term 8
Winter
Winter
Genetics and Society [L6/15U] (HUFGSOC)
Dissertation (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) [L6/15U] (HUFDP15)
Industrial Organisation and Strategy [L6/15U] (HUFIOAS)
Term 9
Spring
Spring
Government and Politics of China [L6/15U] (HUFGVPC)
Economics of the Labour market [L6/15U] (HUFEOLM)
Part 2 Stage 2 Examination