Overview

This degree for the student wants to have a broad grasp of internationally applicable economic science and the political and moral contexts in which it is applied.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at the University of Cape Town places a unique focus on the special economic, political and ethical aspects of the private sector and public sector policy formation in the age of accelerating commercial and informational globalisation. This degree seeks to prepare 'citizens of the world' with skills applicable to a broad range of challenging careers.

Who would be interested in this programme?

This programme is designed to open a variety of career opportunities. Students interested in formulating economic policy, taking account of the implications of such policies for the political and ethical governance of the world, will find this the ideal degree programme in South Africa. A person interested in a career as an international trade diplomat or an international trade expert in the private sector should consider studying PPE through the Faculty of Commerce degree programme. All PPE graduates who obtain adequate grades, regardless of Faculty, will have the basic qualification for further study in Economics or Political Economy at UCT, elsewhere in South Africa, and worldwide.

What are the career opportunities?

Graduates will obtain an excellent first degree which, especially if capped with an Honours and/or Masters degree in PPE, Economics, or another related discipline, will be a sound basis from which to seek a career in senior policy-making in either the private or public sectors, particularly concerning policy challenges raised by globalisation. It is also an ideal beginning for a student who aspires to a career as an international trade diplomat or private/public sector trade policy analyst. Graduates intending to go on to further formal studies will also be qualified to train as professional economists.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Financial Accounting

Microeconomics

Philosophy

Politics

Business Accounting

Ethics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Disciplines

Economics Philosophy Political Science View 21 other Bachelors in Political Science in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must qualify for a matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board, and must meet certain minimum faculty entry requirements.

Some of the more common foreign school-leaving examinations submitted by international applicants include O and A-level examinations, HIGCSE and IGCSE examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). Applicants who have written only the O-level or equivalent examination, and who are not writing any other school-leaving examination, are not eligible for admission to UCT. If you are writing a foreign school-leaving qualification, your application to UCT will be assessed individually.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Cape Town and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

76520 ZAR / year

≈ 76520 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

32500 ZAR / year

≈ 32500 ZAR / year

Additional Details

International students must add the relevant Administrative Service Fee (ZAR 5300) /International Term fee to the cost of the typical fee.

Living costs

Cape Town

South Africa

9088 - 15529 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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