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Postgraduate Study in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Solve the world's problems.

In Philosophy, Politics and Economics ( PPE ) we prepare students to solve the world’s problems by combining the analytical reasoning of philosophy, the social insight of political studies, and the methodological rigour of economics. Students complete a challenging course of study in logic, ethics, collective action, human behaviour, political theory, economics, and the history of ideas.

Developed originally at Oxford, our programme in PPE includes a foundation in the classic texts of the human sciences, engagement with the best new ideas about society, and analysis of present-day policy challenges. Today’s policy challenges are more complicated than ever, and PPE ’s interdisciplinary course of study prepares students to meet them.

Why study Philosophy, Politics and Economics?

Students in the Otago PPE programme complete rigorous courses of study in the three core disciplines, in addition to interdisciplinary seminars and original research.

There are natural affinities and common roots among several strands of philosophy, politics, and economics. For example, economics developed from the field of political economy, welfare economics utilises concepts of social justice from philosophy, and the philosophy of science has important implications for methodologies adopted in economics and politics.

The aim of the programme is to give a broader exposure to the range of analytical approaches in these three disciplines than would be gained within any one of the traditional single-discipline majors.

Are you just starting uni?

Learn about studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics as an undergraduate at Otago.

Choose a study option

Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

Postgraduate qualifications

Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.

Graduate Qualifications

Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.

Ready to apply?

Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.

Programme details

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Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

Contacts

Email  ppe@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/ppe

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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