Often associated with the Oxbridge elite, the Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree is now available at Goldsmiths, where it comes with a distinctly different flavour. Dr Will Davies, Reader in Political Economy, gives us an insight.

Hi there! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I’m a political economist who did a PhD in Sociology at Goldsmiths. My own work looks at neoliberalism, the history of economics and how our lives are shaped by particular ideas and policy frameworks. I’m interested in how politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) relate to
each other. My belief is that these things need to be made relevant to the world today.

Please can you give us a quick overview of the degree course? 

We wanted the degree to take the recognised template of PPE, then give it a distinctive Goldsmiths spin. This means bringing in perspectives that are normally marginalised or ignored by more mainstream PPE courses. The economics element includes history, and an introduction to rival views on the economy, beyond that of mainstream economics. The philosophy is informed by ‘continental’ philosophy, which is more concerned with history, politics, culture and existential questions. The politics options include non- Western perspectives and a focus on criticising ideologies. We’re aware that students have different aptitudes for economics, so after the first year they can either go down a more technical route (with some maths) or a more historical-institutional route (which is more about political economy). PPE students also take
interdisciplinary modules, which allow them to think about things like markets and power from multiple perspectives. This includes aspects of anthropology and sociology. Assessments tend to be largely based around coursework essays, but there are also exams, and occasionally novel forms of assessment, for instance producing policy reports on contemporary topics, as if for a think tank. We want students to learn
practical and intellectual skills at the same time.

What makes the Goldsmiths course distinctive? 

This is the course for students who want to question how society works today. We’re aware that PPE has a reputation as an elite degree, and ours certainly prepares students who want to go on to great things. But we also want them to leave Goldsmiths thinking independently and critically about the world, and to see the opportunities for changing it. The PPE community at Goldsmiths has blossomed into a wonderful group of free-thinking politically engaged students, who have formed their own society dedicated to hosting events with leading critical thinkers and economists. The students do a lot of learning together as a group, and as a result benefit from a really terrific level of exchange and cohesion amongst themselves.

What are you looking for in an applicant? Do you have any tips for a great personal statement?

Commitment and enthusiasm are key. We want students who care about the world, are concerned about political and economic issues, and believe in the value of debating them. This isn’t simply about educational attainment or job prospects, but about participating in a lively and committed intellectual community where education is recognised for its own value. We are constantly aware that students need support
for their future careers, and Goldsmiths offers a wide range of careers advice and support. But the quality of the student experience and learning also depends on students being willing to throw themselves into the three years, and to relish the opportunity for independent thinking and learning that we offer here.

How does this degree support students practically for life after university? 

Students that want to acquire economics skills have the opportunity to do so. It also offers opportunities for practical and vocational study, in relation to policy making and government. PPE students go on to various careers, in government, NGOs and the media. But the most distinctive quality of this degree is that it is a marker of free thinking and originality. Employers recognise this. The opportunities at Goldsmiths to become involved in student societies, political campaigns, publishing and media are tremendous. We want PPE students to try things out, aim high, and work things out for themselves.

And finally…tell us a joke!

Q. How many economists does it take to change a lightbulb?

A. None. If it needed changing, the market would already have done it.

Find out more about our PPE degree at: gold.ac.uk/ug/ba-politics-philosophy-economics