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International

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Multiple disciplines in one degree

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Waurn Ponds
  • Online
Duration 3 years full-time
Intakes Trimesters 1, 2 View how to apply
Fees $38,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

Students enrolled at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) campus may be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Employability units  are built into the degree  

Global learning program and study tours

Multiple disciplines in one degree

Why choose Deakin

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.

  • Interdisciplinary perspective

    Study politics, philosophy and economics together to understand power, ethics and public policy from multiple perspectives.

  • Practical learning built in

    Gain experience through internships, volunteer placements, study tours, and industry or community projects, including international learning opportunities.

  • Industry-linked academics

    Learn from leading academics and researchers whose work connects with government and community organisations.

  • Diverse career options

    Graduate career-ready. Our politics graduates work at organisations like the United Nations and World Vision.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

Deakin international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Build skills across politics, philosophy and economics to pursue roles in government, private enterprise and not-for-profits, using critical thinking, research and analysis to help address complex public and organisational issues.

Policy officer

Research and analyse complex issues, consult with stakeholders and prepare policy advice, briefings and reports that support decisions across government, NGOs and other organisations.

  • $113k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 14.8%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

Project coordinator

Plan and coordinate projects, organise resources and schedules, communicate with stakeholders and analyse project information to help teams deliver agreed goals across a range of organisations.

  • $95k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 4.1/5

    Job satisfaction

Other jobs

  • Community leader
  • Engagement officer
  • Government administrator
  • Media adviser
  • Political adviser
  • Research assistant

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.

Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.

As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.

Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.

Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.

To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.

Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.

There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.

*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.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?

Progress from a broad foundation across politics, philosophy and economics into deeper, applied learning. Shape your course through two discipline streams, electives and employability-focused experiences.

Start your studies

Explore core fundamentals

Build an understanding across politics, philosophy and economics and how they intersect. Learn how power, values and economic decisions shape public life.

Develop professional capabilities

Gain critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that help you question assumptions, weigh evidence and present ideas clearly.

Start shaping your degree

Discipline study and elective choices give you room to test your interests, while employability learning begins linking your studies with future work.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, you must pass 24 credit points.

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.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

8
Core and Employability units
+
8
Discipline units
+
8
Elective units
=
24
Total

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

Introduction to Politics: Democracy, Power, Resistance and Change
Critical Thinking
Economics for Business
Policy and How It Shapes Us
Justice and Equality: Liberalism to Decolonisation
Ethics in Global Society
Growth Inequality and Conflict
Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

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.

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.

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne
Online

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

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

Award granted
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Year

2027 course information

VTAC code
1400511573 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
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

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

Select your academic background

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 don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

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 don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

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.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements, 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.

English language requirements

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)

Admissions information

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.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$38,200

for 1 yr full-time AUD

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

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Scholarships

Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.

Browse scholarships

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

Apply through VTAC

If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.

Apply through VTAC

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

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.