BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE)
If you have an interest in philosophy, politics, economics (PPE) and the ideas that influence political economy, this is the programme for you! PPE is an internationally acclaimed qualification, made famous by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Stellenbosch University was the first university in South Africa to offer this programme, and it is currently one of only three universities in the country where you can receive the PPE-qualification.
This three-year programme develops your skills in critical and creative thinking and equips you with knowledge of philosophy, and of political and economic systems. You also learn more about social research, economic phenomena and trends, political and economic policy analysis and how to judge controversial moral-ethical issues.
The programme is aimed at people who are interested in careers in management, the civil service, journalism, the diplomatic service and academia. In addition, the PPE qualification offers you a wide variety of work opportunities, especially in the private sector.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
Career opportunities
Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB
- Home Language 50%
- First Additional Language 40%
- Mathematics 60%
Minimum admission requirements – International curricula
IEB-ISC (NBTs compulsory) IEB-ISC aggregate of at least 65% (excluding Active Citizenry) Home Language 50% First Additional Language 40% Mathematics 60%
German Abitur
University Exemption with 65% average
Language requirements will be satisfied by
meeting the exemption requirements
Maths 6 (Nam 8)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
University Exemption with 65% average
Language requirements will be satisfied by
meeting the exemption requirements
Maths 5 on SL OR Maths 4 on HL
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel AS-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Language requirements will be satisfied by meeting the exemption requirements
Maths C on AS-Level
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel A-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Language requirements will be satisfied by meeting the exemption requirements
Maths E on A-Level
Programme structure
Full-time