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BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE)

Bachelors degree
ID:
0100_127_L100

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
Cheryl Richardson
Faculty Administrator

Programme overview

Duration
Three years
Campus
Stellenbosch

More information

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Career opportunities

Manager, journalist, business or investment analyst, entrepreneur, diplomat, civil servant, researcher, consultant or academic.
Occupations:
Manager
Analyst
Diplomat

Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB

- An NSC aggregate of at least 63% (excluding Life Orientation)
- Home Language 50%
- First Additional Language 40%
- Mathematics 60%

Minimum admission requirements – International curricula

IEB-ISC

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

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026
International students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026