Course overview
Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and learn how power, ethics, sustainability and economics converge to shape our lives. Built by leading academics and researchers, this course is designed for deep and creative thinkers looking to make an impact on society.
Understand the nature of public decision-making, explore resource management issues and get the skills to analyse business problems in line with social justice. This course balances the big picture view of public problems and how societies govern and determine values while developing your professional career skills. Enhance your employment prospects through exciting industry experiences, volunteer placements and study tours. Gain experience with Deakin-supported internships - choose from 600+ employers or design your own. Plus, there is the opportunity to collaborate on team-based industry and community projects and to take part in our global experiential learning programs.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400312041 - Regional Access Scheme - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400311571 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400511571 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400611571 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- A336
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 111784F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
GAIN VITAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of Employability sequence
- 2 discipline streams (8 credit points) comprising of:
- 4 credit points of discipline study units chosen from a first discipline stream Politics, Philosophy or Economics
- 4 credit points of discipline study units chosen from a second discipline stream from Politics, Philosophy or Economics
- chosen units must comprise of a minimum 2 credit points at level 3 in each discipline
- 8 credit points of elective units chosen from the course discipline study units and Employability sequence units of which 2 must be completed at level 3
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
1 credit point from:
MWL101 Professional Insight [No longer available for enrolment]
MWL317 Entrepreneurship Experience [No longer available for enrolment]
Philosophy
- To complete the Philosophy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
ASP224 Freud and Philosophy [No longer available for enrolment]
Politics and Policy Studies
- To complete the Politics and Policy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
AIR348 Activists Beyond Borders [No longer available for enrolment]
Economic Policy
- To complete the Economic Policy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
MAE215 Behavioural Economics for Business and Policy [No longer available for enrolment]
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
*Travel between campuses may be required to complete some of the core and elective units within this course. The Faculty of Business and Law unit offerings (M coded units) may be taught at Waterfront campus and the Faculty of Arts and Education unit offerings (A coded units) will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus. Not all Faculty of Business and Law units are offered on campus in Geelong please refer to the handbook for detailed enrolment modes.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
*Travel between campuses may be required to complete some of the core and elective units within this course. The Faculty of Business and Law unit offerings (M coded units) may be taught at Waterfront campus and the Faculty of Arts and Education unit offerings (A coded units) will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus. Not all Faculty of Business and Law units are offered on campus in Geelong please refer to the handbook for detailed enrolment modes.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
More skills, more careers
Earn two degrees, faster, at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. With a double degree, you can combine a politics, philosophy and economics degree with communication or laws. Save time, reduce costs and unlock more career opportunities.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Art Creative Practice, Dance, Drama, any English, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$17,960 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics will appeal to students with interests across the disciplines involved (BA/BCom/BBus), but who would prefer not to do a combined course. The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics model offers students a way to complete an interdisciplinary degree with a similar “job-ready” focus to the revised BA, yet with the addition of vocationally focused economic policy content. A compulsory three-credit point Employability sequence, embedded within the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics course across each year level.
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics will serve as a standard Bachelor-level platform for pathways to more advanced degrees such as Honours, Masters, or PhD.
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduates can confidently enter roles in private enterprise, government and not-for-profit organisations, in a variety of professional roles:
- community leader
- engagement officer
- government administrator
- manager
- media adviser
- policy officer
- political adviser
- project coordinator
- research assistant.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply a broad and coherent knowledge in the Politics, Philosophy and Economics disciplines in academic and professional settings drawing on depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more of PPE disciplines. |
| Employ highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication to communicate the outcomes of Politics, Philosophy and Economics problem solving and research in academic and professional contexts. |
| Utilize a range of digital technologies in both academic and professional settings to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information to diverse audiences in the field of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. |
| Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying theories and methodologies to evaluate major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Utilise cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate solutions to real-world political, philosophical and economic problems through drawing on methodologies from multiple disciplines. |
| Act with autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions through a commitment to self-directed learning and professional practice that contributes to solving political, philosophical and economic issues in society. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community in addressing major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Engage respectfully with ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in Politics, Philosophy and Economics scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
Approved at Faculty Board
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
