Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE)
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A UNIQUE BACHELOR IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, LAW AND ECONOMICS
The Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law, and Economics program at IE University fosters intellectual growth through a blend of interdisciplinary learning, combining academic excellence with practical application. The program is structured over four years, with an option to pursue an additional year for those who choose to specialize in Laws.
This program equips students with future-ready skills, including advanced analytical thinking and problem-solving, while offering personalized learning pathways tailored to individual aspirations. Beyond the classroom, the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law, and Economics experience emphasizes networking, immersive cultural competence, and a vibrant ecosystem of activities that enhance both personal and academic growth.
Grounded in a commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility, the program prepares graduates to analyze, influence, and lead effectively across diverse sectors, leveraging a robust intellectual toolkit across philosophy, politics, law, and economics. Those interested in law can further qualify for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) by continuing their specialization in this field.
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BACHELOR IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, LAW AND ECONOMICS STUDY PLAN
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BACHELOR IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, LAW AND ECONOMICS
FIRST YEAR: Building a Strong Foundation
In the first year, students explore foundational concepts in philosophy, political science, law, and economics, covering topics like Introduction to Philosophy, Political Science Fundamentals, Constitutional Law, and Principles of Economics. The curriculum also includes workshops to develop skills in research, public speaking, and critical writing, with practical exercises like research projects and presentations.
SECOND YEAR: Deepening Knowledge and Practical Application
In the second year, students take advanced courses like Comparative Politics, International Law, and Macroeconomics. They develop critical thinking and analytical skills, engage in projects with industry experts, and gain hands-on experience through partnerships such as GAWA Capital and Barrera Rey Economic Advisory. Professional development includes workshops on project management, negotiation, Agile methodologies, and policy writing, equipping students for various career paths.
THIRD YEAR: Strategic Integration and Specialized Skills
In the third year, students integrate their interdisciplinary knowledge, studying subjects like Political Philosophy, Corporate Law, Game Theory, and Public Policy Analysis. They develop technical skills in data analysis and enhance leadership through workshops. Students collaborate on real-world projects with organizations like Endesa and Oxford Analytica. They can also opt for the Dual Degree program, adding specialized law courses.
FOURTH YEAR: Specialization, Exchange, and Capstone Project
In the fourth year, students specialize in their chosen track or continue with a generalist approach, selecting electives that align with their career goals. They can also participate in an exchange program, including a year at King’s College London, and complete a Final Degree Project, where they conduct independent research and present their findings.
FIFTH YEAR: Additional Degree in Law (Optional)
For students opting for a fifth year, this additional period allows for a deeper dive into legal studies, combining the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics degree with the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). This year includes courses such as Torts, Litigation, and Corporations Law, culminating in a thesis project for both degrees. Completing this program makes graduates eligible for the Master de Acceso a la Abogacía y Procura, enabling them to practice law in Spain.
BACHELOR IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, LAW AND ECONOMICS tracks
At IE University, the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics offers a unique and personalized learning journey, empowering students to create their own professional path. This program provides a robust theoretical foundation, allowing students to understand how the disciplines of philosophy, politics, law, and economics intersect to address complex societal issues. By the end of the third year, students have the option to specialize in one or more of these areas, deepening their knowledge or continuing within the general program.
Students can start exploring their preferred fields from the first semester by engaging in tailored activities, seminars, personalized career guidance, and mentoring programs. This integrated and hands-on approach helps students gain a comprehensive perspective on societal challenges, preparing them to approach problems from multiple angles.
industry experts, top academics, and experienced professionals
Throughout this journey, students are supported by industry experts, top academics, and experienced professionals, as well as a personal advisor who guides them in making informed decisions aligned with their passions and career goals.
Philosophy Track: Become a Critical Problem Solver
The Philosophy track builds on the rigorous intellectual training that is the hallmark of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics program. It encourages students to apply analytical skills and abstract reasoning to complex issues across various fields, such as business, law, politics, and technology. Courses like Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mathematics, and Applied Ethics equip students with tools to address ethical dilemmas, privacy concerns, and the philosophical implications of AI and innovation. By delving into topics such as Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics, students learn to tackle profound questions about existence, human behavior, and societal values. This track prepares graduates to pursue careers in policymaking, strategic consultancy, academia, and beyond.
Politics Track: Become an Agent of Change
The Politics track is designed for those passionate about making a global impact by shaping public policy and navigating complex international landscapes. Students explore areas such as Public Diplomacy, Nation Branding, and Geopolitics, gaining insight into how political forces drive societal change. Courses like Poverty, Human Rights & Development and Preventing Violent Extremism focus on the challenges of modern governance and international relations. This track equips students with skills in advocacy, negotiation, and strategic analysis, preparing them to lead in roles such as political advisors, think tank consultants, or international relations experts. Graduates are poised to influence policy-making and contribute to sustainable development on a global scale.
Law Track: Impact Society by Promoting Justice and Equality
The Law track deepens students' understanding of legal systems and their impact on society. Through a comparative law methodology, students gain exposure to global legal concepts, allowing them to critically analyze and challenge existing frameworks. Advanced courses such as International Law and Cyber Operations, Climate Change and International Law, and Capital Markets Law provide practical knowledge of legal issues at the forefront of today's challenges. This track fosters skills in legal reasoning, conflict resolution, and policy analysis, equipping graduates to pursue careers in legal consultancy, international law firms, or global regulatory bodies. By mastering both theoretical and applied legal knowledge, students can advocate for justice, equality, and social impact.
Economics Track: Become an International Economics Expert
The Economics track is designed for those aiming to understand and influence the global economic landscape. It combines rigorous quantitative training with practical applications in sectors such as finance, policy-making, and data analysis. Courses like Digital Economics, Behavioral Economics, and Monetary Policy equip students with the tools to assess market dynamics, design economic policies, and develop data-driven strategies. Specialized topics, such as The AI-Economy and Investment in Sustainable Banking, prepare students to navigate the complexities of modern economic systems. Graduates are well-positioned for careers as economic consultants, financial analysts, or policy advisors, using their analytical skills to drive economic growth and address global challenges.
UNDERSTANDING PPLE PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS
Creating and personalizing your own professional path is a key part of your journey in the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics program at IE University. Throughout your studies, you will gain the skills needed to navigate the four core disciplines through practical, hands-on learning experiences.
By the end of your third year, you will have the opportunity to engage in real-world projects within specialized tracks like Consulting, Impact Investment, Economic Analysis, GDPR, Think Tanks, and Sustainable Management. These projects are guided by top professionals from organizations such as GAWA Capital and Oxford Analytica, providing you with valuable industry insights. Students collaborate in small groups within reduced class sizes, fostering meaningful connections with professors, ensuring personalized attention, and deepening commitment to their projects.
From the very first semester, you can begin exploring your areas of interest through activities, seminars, and mentoring programs tailored to your career aspirations. Personalized guidance from expert mentors helps you align your studies with your passions, empowering you to make informed decisions and prepare for the challenges of a dynamic professional landscape.
Recognition:
- 1 ECTS on Official Transcript
- Certificate of Completion
- Opportunities for internships and mentorships upon course completion.
PERSONALIZE YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER WITH YOUR FINAL PROJECT
As the culmination of their undergraduate journey, students in the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics program at IE University are required to complete either a Final Thesis Paper or a Capstone Project, providing them with an opportunity to synthesize their accumulated knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges.
Final Thesis Paper
The Final Thesis Paper involves the composition and presentation of an original research project that reflects the depth of understanding students have gained throughout the program. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students engage in rigorous academic research and writing, culminating in a presentation before a panel of graders. This exercise hones their analytical, research, and presentation skills, preparing them for future academic or professional endeavors.
Examples of Final Thesis Papers
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: A comprehensive analysis of its scope, extraterritoriality, and effectiveness.
- From Bits to Brushstrokes: Exploring the legal issues of AI art.
- Decentralizing Sovereignty: An Analysis of Blockchain Technology’s Role in Empowering Personal Freedom.
- Pandemic, War, and Half-Truths: Can the European Union’s Digital Services Act tackle disinformation on social media?
Capstone Project
Alternatively, the Capstone Project is a group-based, consultancy-oriented project conducted in collaboration with external partner organizations. It challenges students to address complex, real-world problems by applying their skills to tasks such as research, conflict resolution, policy analysis, drafting legal documents, and case evaluation. This hands-on experience helps students develop practical skills highly valued in the professional world.
Examples of Capsone projects
- Deutsche Bank: Sustainable Finance.
- Deutsche Bank: Retail Investment Strategy Development.
- General Dynamics: Analysis of Human Rights and Climate Change considerations for EU Security and Defence Policy.
- Consejo General del Notariado: Research on Quantum Crime’s Money and its legal implications.
- Prosegur: Responsible Intelligence.
These culminating projects, whether individual or collaborative, empower students to apply their interdisciplinary education to solve complex issues, showcasing their readiness to lead in various sectors.
Dean - IE Law School
"It is a project that we offer to all students to participate in and the Gawa projects consists in developing and doing an economic, political, and legal analysis for a social impact fund. In particular, this year, they chose to do it for a specific cooperative in Colombia."
AGUSTÍN VITORICA FOUNDER AND CO-CEO OF GAWA CAPITAL
"The project about agricultural cooperatives in Colombia is going to be very useful for us because it provides background information about the importance and social impact of the cooperative sector, and specifically, they’ve been able to identify one specific investment opportunity for us, which is Colanta."
ELENA YUSTRES - STUDENT
"This experience it's super useful for our future professional life, since that’s what we’re going to be doing: analyzing opportunities and identifying the things that matter most to us, and sort of analyzing the context and the principal elements of how to make investment decisions."
RICARDO ÁNGEL - STUDENT
"We are providing Gawa with a real investment opportunity that they can use if they decide to do so, in order for their investors to gain an edge and a profit out of the investment, and for them to make a real social impact through the most important agricultural cooperative in Colombia."
LEA MATHIES - STUDENT
"The project was a great connection of the areas of our degree because doing our research, we had to combine the three to understand the way the cooperatives work in Colombia and the impact of social investment."
ALEN TADEVOSYAN -STUDENT
"This project was specifically designed for the students of Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics, the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law, & Economics. It entailed cooperation with Gawa Capital, which is an asset management company operating in and located in Madrid."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
In their fourth year, Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics students have the opportunity to expand their academic and cultural horizons through exchange programs at IE University’s partner institutions, coordinated by the International Mobility Department. Additionally, students can opt for a full-year exchange at King’s College London, a unique opportunity that allows them to immerse themselves in the vibrant London culture, join the KCL student community, and expand their professional network. This exclusive partnership broadens students' global perspectives, enriching their academic journey. Courses available at King’s College include Philosophy of Mind, The Economics of Crime, Women Thinkers in Antiquity & the Middle Ages, The Politics of Authoritarianism, Environmental Law, and Green Trade Regulation, among others.
Learning a new language can open up a world of new opportunities
IE University considers multiple language acquisition to be a key element of its educational model, leading to success in both work and study.
The Language Center at IEU is proud to offer students the possibility to study a wide range of languages, including French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, and English. With such a large variety of options, our students are able to personalize their academic path to meet their future career plans and objectives.
The Language Center at IEU
The Language Center helps students develop their multilingual communicative skills to help them flourish in the international labor market.
COMPETENCES
Basic competences
GENERAL COMPETENCES
- Apply abstract reasoning and analytical competencies to understand economic, political, social and legal processes to formulate solutions to complex problems in multidisciplinary environments.
- Understand and interpret social dynamics to advance value proposals for society through institutions and companies.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC COMPETENCES
- Understand the social, political, economic and legal context in light of the broad concept of philosophy, framing social analysis within complex ideas of humanity and society.
- Effectively apply concepts, theories and theoretical paradigms provided by the multidisciplinary scope of the program using associated analysis methodologies and tools.
- Identify the numerous factors and relevant indicators present in social or organizational problems with precision and depth using data collection, processing and quantitative and qualitative interpretation.
- Know and understand the intervention policies in legal, political, economic or organizational matters in order to support institutional growth and/or social improvement, in line with the political-legal, social and economic-business environment of the context.
- Apply philosophical analysis and critical thinking to moral, political and social issues and recognize manifestations of philosophical debate in moral and political practices.
- Define economic and social issues through the use of quantitative tools—mathematics, statistics and econometrics—and propose solutions, as well as systems for their evaluation, control and monitoring.
- Understand, interpret and evaluate the legal conditions—legislation, regulation, institutional actors—involved in political, economic and social matters.
- Understand the main elements of the national, European and international legal systems and be capable of interpreting sources and fundamental legal concepts.
- Manage the legal language and terminology of the different branches of the law with skill and precision to draft legal documents in an orderly and understandable manner .
- Identify and design effective economic policies according to the national context.
- Anticipate trends and macroeconomic results for countries and regions.
- Analyze and interpret public and/or institutional policies considering the social environment to weigh up their internal coherence viability and social and economic profitability.
- Integrate legal, economic and political knowledge and analysis with the humanist philosophy.
TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCES
- Work with interdisciplinary and multicultural teams with the aim of achieving common goals in a diverse, international context.
- Identify the main cultural identity traits that characterize today’s world by understanding the main contemporary ideological trends.
- Manage unforeseen situations by being able to adapt to organizational changes.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is philosophy a hard degree?
Yes, philosophy can be a challenging degree as it involves abstract thinking, rigorous analysis, and complex philosophical concepts that require critical reasoning and careful interpretation.
What do you learn in philosophy politics and economics?
In Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), you learn about ethical theories, political ideologies, economic systems, policy analysis, decision-making, social justice, international relations, and the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics in shaping society.
What subjects do you need for PPE?
For PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), you typically need a combination of subjects such as philosophy, political science, economics, mathematics, statistics, history, and social sciences.
How hard is PPE?
PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) can be challenging due to its interdisciplinary nature and the complexity of the subjects involved. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on individual strengths and interests.