Politics, Philosophy and History

Our BA Politics, Philosophy and History (PPH) draws together the three disciplines in a distinctive combination and uses them to interrogate one another. This innovative degree is unified by cross-disciplinary compulsory modules taught by academics from all three subject areas.

These modules distinguish PPH from other tripartite degrees by providing a unique intellectual spine from which you can then branch out to take individual options in each of the three subject areas. This structure produces a distinctive kind of student, one keen on questions and willing to think across and sometimes against conventional disciplinary boundaries. The course prepares you to undertake a higher degree or to move into a range of careers, including in education, the arts, politics, or journalism. 

This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening.

Highlights

Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London.

Birkbeck is a leading centre for philosophical research in the UK. All of our established members of academic staff are active researchers, and our excellence in both teaching and research is consistently reflected in UK and international surveys.

Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.

We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.

Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The PPH Society, run by students, organises regular study skills days, a weekend away, a journal and regular social events.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in local and national government, policy work, research or journalism. Possible professions include:

diplomatic service operational officer

civil service fast-streamer

charity officer

newspaper journalist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.