Economics and Philosophy, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

You'll spend your first year studying core modules that introduce you to key principles, approaches and methods in each subject, such as economic theory and history, ethics, logic and constructing arguments. You'll also gain the mathematical grounding you need for economic study, with different modules depending on your previous qualifications, and choose from optional modules on topics like philosophy of religion, science or the mind.

Over the next two years you'll build on this knowledge base with core modules in microeconomics and macroeconomics, and you can maintain a balance across core philosophical topics such as value philosophy, logic and language and mind and knowledge. You'll also extend your studies into a wide range of optional modules to pursue the topics that appeal to you, from health or labour economics to realism, epistemology, ethics and feminist philosophy.

Throughout these studies you'll develop a wide range of subject knowledge as well as skills in analysis, problem-solving and research. You'll have the chance to showcase these skills when you focus on a topic of your choice to produce an independently researched dissertation during your final year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  GCSE: 7/A in Mathematics.

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Economics and Philosophy incorporates two very different yet related subjects, offering you broad and deep subject knowledge as well as a range of valuable transferable skills.

    You'll be a confident researcher who can solve problems and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources, construct clear arguments and present and defend your views both verbally and in writing. You'll work well in a team or independently, and have good organisational skills from managing two different subjects.

    Graduates have had success in diverse career paths that reflect the variety of the degree. They include business and finance, management, the civil service, education, journalism, the charity sector and the media. Many others have also progressed to postgraduate study in both subjects.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.