Apply now

Programmes

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

philosophy-politics-and-economics

The PPE programme is an interdisciplinary programme for students who are looking for a deep understanding of how the world works, how we can make sense of it and design innovative solutions. By exploring Philosophy, Politics, and Economics alongside Forward College’s unique approach to leadership, you will gain hands-on experience in working together to turn ideas into collective action.

philosophy-politics-and-economics

In summary

Y1 Lisbon Y2 Paris Y3 Berlin

Small Classes

English

Accommodation guaranteed

From 23,400/year

Financial aid & student roles available

philosophy-politics-and-economics

What sets this programme apart?

  • 3 Years, 3 Countries: Study in Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin to experience European diversity and political systems first-hand.
  • The “Meaning” Edge: on top of analysing complex problems with the double lens of politics and economics, philosophy helps students make sense of a changing world and their role in it. This is the way to build deep resilience and an ability to articulate new purposes and visions.
  • Small Classes & Tutoring: Benefit from 100% small group teaching (avg. 15 students) and weekly 1:1 academic tutoring.
  • Theories and application: Combine academic theory with practical projects (Digital Entrepreneurship, Social Impact and Personal Development) to gain experience and build your “future of work” skills.
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Year 1: Foundations

In your first year, you’ll establish core knowledge across philosophy, politics, and economics while developing practical skills for the modern world. You’ll explore fundamental questions about the good life, justice, and fairness alongside economic concepts of power, incentives, and inequality. Political philosophy and international relations provide frameworks for understanding governance and global dynamics, while courses on AI technology and team projects introduce you to contemporary tools and collaborative problem-solving essential for today’s challenges.

You will select 10 courses from the list below. In addition, you will take a Portuguese language course each term. In term 3, you will dedicate yourself to one impact project in teams and one professional certification curated by Forward College.

This list includes a mix of compulsory and optional components. 

Economics for a Changing World: Crises, Inequality, and Prosperity
Political and Moral Philosophy
Fundamentals and Perspectives of International Relations
Justice, Fairness and the Μoral Limits of Markets
Change by Design
AI – Technology, Implications, Practical Use
Team Project
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Year 2: Mastering Complex Analysis

Year two deepens your analytical capabilities by examining how philosophical, political, and economic systems interact in our complex world. You’ll analyse human behaviour through behavioural economics and econometrics, critically examine democracy’s challenges and technology’s impact on society, and explore philosophical questions of existence, choice, and responsibility in the AI age. Through negotiation training and team impact projects, you’ll develop practical skills to navigate and influence these interconnected systems while sharpening your critical thinking and argumentation abilities.

You will select 10 courses from the list below. In addition, you will take a French language course each term. In term 3, you will dedicate yourself to one impact project in teams and one professional certification curated by Forward College.

This list includes a mix of compulsory and optional components. 

Macroeconomics 1: Institutions, Instability, and Inequality
Democracy in Crisis? Comparative Perspectives OR Society, Politics, and Technology
Reasoning, Language, and Public Argument in the Age of AI
Negotiation – Strategy & Practice
Team Impact Project
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Year 3: Application & Strategy

Your final year focuses on applying interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges. Advanced courses tackle inequality, technology ethics, international policymaking, and questions of power and legitimacy in modern society. You’ll develop solutions to conflicts in politics and international relations while examining the future of human agency in a technological world. Through your dissertation research and professional internship, you’ll synthesise philosophical insight, political analysis, and economic reasoning to address pressing contemporary issues, graduating ready to lead meaningful change.

You will select 8 courses from the list below, undertake a final dissertation or capstone project. In addition, you will take a German language course each term. In term 3, you will dedicate yourself to an internship.

This track is a curated pathway within the Open Bachelor’s framework. It offers a structured progression from foundations to strategic application.

This list includes a mix of compulsory and optional components. 

Contending Perspectives in Economics
Macroeconomics 2: International Economics and Policymaking
Conflict and Cooperation: Problem Solving in Politics and International Relations
Speech Communication and Politics
Ethics, Technology and the Future of Human Agency
Internship
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Forward Way of teaching

At Forward College, learning is built around a flipped classroom model so our teachers can dedicate 100% of their time in class to what matters most: debate, critical thinking, real world implications and meaningful relationships. This is how we foster autonomy, depth of understanding, and active engagement. 

Key principles

  • Guided autonomous learning: Independence is a journey, not a starting point. Thanks to personalised guidance by more senior students, you will progressively master the art of autonomous learning. You prepare for class using curated resources (readings, podcasts, videos and AI tools) at your own pace. Crucially, this preparation is collaborative: students naturally form study teams to tackle assignments together, turning individual study into a shared intellectual adventure.
  • Collaborative classes: In-person seminars prioritise debate, application, role plays and collective reasoning, guided by faculty in small groups.
  • Relational pedagogy: 90% of our courses are delivered by full time faculty. Beyond teaching, our teachers students’ intellectual and personal growth, ensuring that every student is seen, heard, and supported individually.
  • Regular assessments and feedback and training opportunities ensure continuous engagement with feedback from your teachers during 1:1 tutorials. 
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Career Prospects & Further Studies

The PPE pathway is a highly relevant “gateway degree” for analytical and leadership roles across sectors. Its interdisciplinary approach combining philosophical reasoning, political analysis, and economic thinking is valued by top-tier universities and recruiters.

Public Administration & Policy

Prepare for a career as a Policy Analyst, Think Tank Researcher, Diplomat, NGO Program Manager…

  • Ideal for: Masters in Public Policy (MPP), Public Administration (MPA), International Affairs, or Development Studies.
  • Target Universities: Sciences Po (Paris), ULB (Bruxelles),  LSE (London), FU Berlin, Hertie School (Berlin), College of Europe (Bruges)…

Management & Strategy

Prepare for careers in Management Consulting, Economic Analysis, Public Affairs, Corporate Strategy, Managerial positions in regulated industries or Social Impact roles.

  • Ideal for: Masters in Management (MiM), Applied Economics, Corporate Strategy, or MBA programs (after work experience).
  • Target Schools: Top European Business Schools 

Diploma and accreditation

This programme is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and recognised internationally (see more).  Formally, the diploma is a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences and Technology with a specialisation in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. 

Am I eligible?

Take this short test to check your eligbility for our PPE.

Take the quiz
philosophy-politics-and-economics

Start your application

Take the first step towards your study journey. 

Apply now

philosophy-politics-and-economics
philosophy-politics-and-economics

If you are an applicant with the French Baccalauréat

If you are a student with the French Baccalauréat or completing it this year and are interested in applying for the Open Bachelor’s, the PPE or the PPLE degrees, you should apply in parallel through the Parcoursup platform.

Applications will open mid-January 2026.

Please note that if you are applying for both the Open Bachelor’s and LSE & KCL degrees, you must apply in parallel:

If you have any questions, our admissions team is available to help you.

philosophy-politics-and-economics
Is Forward for me?
philosophy-politics-and-economics
Events