Key facts
3 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Are you interested in finding out how power and ethics influence real-world decisions? Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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.
Enhance your career prospects via exciting real-world experiences, including internships, volunteer placements and study tours. Plus, there’s the opportunity to collaborate on team-based industry and community projects, and to take part in our global experiential learning programs.
You will 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 while developing your professional and work skills.
Do you want to examine society as it is and question how it could be?
As a student of politics, philosophy and economics, you will focus on three distinct yet complementary disciplines to understand how societies govern and determine values.
Politics
- Develop written and online communication skills.
- Explore systems and different forms of government.
- Examine relationships between countries and cultures.
- Articulate solutions for real-world political problems.
Philosophy
- Develop critical thinking and logical rigor skills.
- Learn how to question assumptions.
- Explore ethics, justice and moral challenges.
Economics
- Learn how business, government and consumers shape society.
- and ask questions about issues from inequality to environmental sustainability.
You will graduate job-ready with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills to succeed in a range of roles in government policy, strategy, consulting or business management.
This course is offered both on campus and online in a fully supported and flexible study environment, so you can get ahead with your career journey while also maintaining work, study and personal commitments.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400311573 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400511573 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- A336
- CRICOS code?
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, students must complete 24 credit points including:
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 credit points of employability sequence units
- 8 credit points of discipline study units 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 at least 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
Students must also ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics:
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
8
Core and Employability units
8
Discipline units
8
Elective units
24
Total
Core Units
Employability Sequence
1 credit point from:
Discipline Study Units
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.
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds*
- 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.
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds*
- 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.
Students enrolled at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) campus may be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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
Current or recent secondary education
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
Higher education
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)
Vocational education
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
Work and life experience
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.
English language proficiency 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 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – 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.
Online studies
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.
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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
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.
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
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.
Careers
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.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying theories and methodologies to evaluate major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Problem solving | Utilise cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate solutions to real-world political, philosophical and economic problems through drawing on methodologies from multiple disciplines. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community in addressing major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Global citizenship | 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