CourseBachelor DegreeBPPE

A2010 Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Faculty of Arts

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A2010) is a 3 years full-time, 144-credit-point, bachelor degree course from the Faculty of Arts, taught at Clayton. In 2027 you can choose from 3 specialisations. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points: 144
Duration: 3 years full time; 6 years part time
Campus: Clayton; On campus
Guaranteed ATAR: Domestic ATAR: 70

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Requisite map

Overview

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BPPE) is an innovative degree that equips you with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to comprehend and navigate the changing world in the 21st century. You will finish your BPPE having mastered the main ideas shaping an understanding of the social world. You will move beyond existing frameworks by studying at the creative intersections between politics, philosophy and economics. This interdisciplinary grounding will culminate in practical, skills-based applications of the conceptual tools provided by the BPPE to ensure you are ready for the challenges and possibilities of the century ahead.

You will also have the opportunity to enrich your degree by honing your academic and professional skills through a range of flagship rich educational experiences (FREE). For more information on eligibility please see FREE.

Course structure

Rules

The course comprises 144 credit points, of which 96 credit points are politics, philosophy and economics studies and 48 credit points are free electives.

To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics you must complete 144 credit points as specified in the course requirements, including:

- a maximum of 60 credit points at Level 1; and
- a minimum of 36 credit points at Level 3.

Note 1. Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Note 2. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code.

Part A. Core studies24 credit points

You must complete 24 credit points from the following list of units.

Note: You can only complete one of ATS3253 or ATS3181.

Part B. Foundation studies36 credit points

You must complete the following Level 1 foundation units that represent the introductory units (Level 1 sequences) for each specialisation of this course.

Note: The foundation units from this section will be credited to your chosen specialisation in Part C.

Economic analysis - Foundation studies

12 credit points

Note: You must complete either ECC1100 or ECX1200 (intensive mode).

Philosophy - Foundation studies

12 credit points

Politics and Governance - Foundation studies

12 credit points

Part C. Specialist studies36 credit points

You must complete the units (36 credit points) in your chosen specialisation.

Note: It is recommended that you complete Level 1 unit sequences first as these lay the foundations for Level 2 and Level 3 specialisation units.

Part D. Free elective studies48 credit points

You must complete 48 credit points of free elective study.

Units not completed in Part C are recommended as they enable you to further your discipline knowledge more broadly. Free elective units may be chosen from the faculty or across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level ensuring that the course rules are satisfied for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

You can enrich your degree by using some of your free electives to take a study tour, field trip or exchange opportunity. You can also use this space to hone your academic and professional skills with an internship or a range of practical units. See Arts enrichment and Monash Intercultural Lab list of units to discover the breadth of options available.

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the politics, philosophy and economics degree.

The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

The handbook's description of this structure

This course is structured in four parts: Part A. Core studies, Part B. Discipline studies, Part C. Specialist studies and Part D. Free elective studies.

Part A. Core studies

These units will enable you to develop a foundational understanding of politics, philosophy and economics as a complex phenomenon, its social, economic and political impact, and the advantages and limitations associated with different strategies to address it and the perspectives you need to make a real impact.

Part B. Foundation studies and Part C. Specialist studies

These units will provide in-depth knowledge of the specific facet of PPE that comprises your specialisation, providing you with the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge needed to critically analyse, communicate and apply your disciplinary knowledge.

Part D. Free elective studies

Free elective units enable you to further develop your knowledge in the area of politics, philosophy and economics, or to select units from across the faculty or the University in which you are eligible to enrol. You can also use your free electives for study tours, field trips, internships, exchange opportunities or explore the Arts enrichment and Intercultural studies for other available options.

Master's accelerated pathway

If you satisfy the below requirements, you may be invited to join the master's accelerated pathway program:

have achieved a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65%; and
have completed a minimum of 96 credit points in your bachelor degree, including 24 credit points towards your Arts specialisation.

Please note that you should also have a minimum of 24 credit points of free electives available.

On joining the accelerated pathway your 24 credit points of free elective units will be replaced with specified units from your destination master's degree. As long as you attain a minimum WAM of 60% at the end of your bachelor studies, you will be eligible to continue your chosen masters studies the following year.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 144 credit points, of which 96 points are politics, philosophy and economics studies and 48 points are free electives.

To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics you must complete 144 credit points as specified in the course requirements, including:

a maximum of 60 credit points at level 1; and
a minimum of 36 credit points at level 3.

Note 1. Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Note 2. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code.

Part A. Core studies (24 credit points)

You must complete 24 credit points from the following units:

Note: You must complete ATS3253 or ATS3181.

ATS1050 Big ideas in politics, philosophy and economics
ATS1053 Strategic reasoning in politics, philosophy and economics
ATS2210 Policy analysis in politics, philosophy and economics
ATS3253 Leadership and change in politics, philosophy and economics
ATS3181 PPE global study tour

Part B. Foundation studies (36 credit points)

You must complete the following level 1 foundation units that represent the introductory units (level 1 sequences) for each specialisation of this course.

Note: The foundation units from this section will be credited to your chosen specialisation in Part C.

Economic analysis - Foundation studies

ECC1000 Principles of microeconomics
ECC1100 Principles of macroeconomics or ECX1200 Macroeconomics

Philosophy - Foundation studies

ATS1057 Introduction to Philosophy: The meaning of life
ATS1835 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge, freedom and the self

Politics and Governance - Foundation studies

ATS1071 Introduction to Politics
ATS1945 Issues in Australian politics and government

Part C. Specialist studies (36 credit points)

You must complete the units (36 credit points) in your chosen specialisation.

Note: It is recommended that you complete level 1 unit sequences first as these lay the foundations for level 2 and level 3 specialisation units.

Politics and governance
Philosophy
Economic analysis

Part D. Free elective studies (48 credit points)

You must complete 48 credit points of free elective study.

Units not completed in Part C are recommended as they enable you to further your discipline knowledge more broadly. Free elective units may be chosen from the faculty or across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level ensuring that the course rules are satisfied for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

You can enrich your degree by using some of your free electives to take a study tour, field trip or exchange opportunity. You can also use this space to hone your academic and professional skills with an internship or a range of practical units. See Arts enrichment and Monash Intercultural Lab list of units to discover the breadth of options available.

The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the politics, philosophy and economics degree.

Areas of study

Specialisations (3)

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1
identify and critically discuss the key theoretical frameworks and methods of investigation in the academic disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics;
2
recognise and analyse the interactions between the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and where their key theories and methods converge to affect policy and decision-making;
3
apply the theories of Politics, Philosophy and Economics to formulate and communicate creative and innovative solutions to practical questions and problems in a range of formats, and for various audiences and communities;
4
communicate arguments through the use of rigorous critical and analytical skills;
5
engage in scholarship or professional practice collaboratively and ethically;
6
demonstrate competencies required for responsible global citizenship.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR and selection rank

Domestic ATAR: 70; International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 3 (80-82.49); UERT Post-Secondary Band 3 (Distinction)

Other applicants

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites.

VET Diploma graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 70%. Applicants who have not completed VCE but have completed a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 80%. Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements.

University: To be considered on the basis of tertiary study alone, applicants who have completed VCE or equivalent will be required to complete the equivalent of one year (48 credit points) of a recognised university degree and will require an average result of at least 70% (including failed units). For applicants who have completed less than the equivalent of one year of study, both the senior secondary qualification results and the units completed will be considered.

For applicants who do not have any formal qualifications completion of two single units at an Australian higher education or equivalent overseas educational institution satisfy minimum entry requirements, but four units are recommended to be competitive for selection, especially in Humanities or Social Science areas. Applicants should have at least a 70% average in their studies (including failed units). Studies must have been completed within five years of intended commencement.

English language

Monash Level A, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

Pathways

Monash Transition Program
Diploma of Business (Commerce stream)

More information

Progression to further studies

Honours

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (A3701). You must have:

completed 48 credit points of studies within your chosen honours area of study;
obtained a minimum 75% (distinction) grade average in 24 credit points of studies in relevant discipline units at level 3; and
an overall WAM of 75 in your completed undergraduate degree.

For some disciplines, completion of specific units or their equivalent are required for admission to honours. The details are provided with the requirements for each discipline to which this applies.

Master's

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a master's course. You must have completed all the requirements for your undergraduate degree with a minimum 60% average.

Notes for students

You can enrich your degree to hone your academic and professional skills with a range of Flagship Rich Educational Experiences (FREE). These flagship rich educational experience units may be credited utilising your free electives, or alternatively in place of your discipline specific electives (up to 6 credit points) if approved by the faculty. There are both 6 and 12 credit point unit options available.*

For information on eligibility please see FREE.

*If you are enrolled in a double degree it may be possible to utilise credit from one or both of your degrees to do a 6 and/or 12 credit point flagship rich educational experience. For information on eligible double degree combinations please see FREE.

Other information

Contacts

Academic Coordinator: Dr Mitzi Bolton

Common questions

How long is Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

3 years full time, 144 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 6 semesters of full-time study.

What specialisations can I take in Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

3 specialisations in 2027, including Economic analysis; Philosophy; and Politics and governance.

What ATAR do I need for Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

The guaranteed ATAR listed for 2027 entry is Domestic ATAR: 70.

Where can I study Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification: Bachelor Degree
AQF level: Level 7
Credit points: 144
Full time: 3 Years
Part time: 6 Years
Maximum time: 8 years

Faculty: Faculty of Arts
CRICOS code: 0100405
Abbreviation: BPPE
Award title: Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Handbook years: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 20262027