PPE (Philosophy specialisation) Postgraduate + Career prospects Advice

Hello, so I am a PPE and Philosophy & Politics applicant, and I have already received offers at a few of unis.

Recently I realised that I have much more of an interest in philosophy (especially political philosophy) than I do in political science or economics. My plan is to do my postgraduate studies in philosophy exclusively - probably in view of holding an academic post as a researcher or a junior lecturer somewhere after I have finished my studies.

Would a PPE or Philosophy & Politics degree put me at a disadvantage to do that compared to a graduate doing just Philosophy? Would I be less competitive as an academic candidate? Should I consider switching straight Philosophy?

For context, the universities that I'm interested in are York (PPE) and Durham (Philosophy & Politics). Thanks a lot.

Reply 1

gjd800

Most Master's courses in phil won't mind if your undergraduate is in something else completely, so the answer is 'not really'. In practical terms, you will in theory have more ground to cover than a straight phil graduate.

Reply 2

Castherius

Original post by gjd800

Thank you, I was worried I made the wrong decision in applying for PPE. In case I change my mind, is it common that students switch subjects in first year? Is it possible at most unis?

Reply 3

Castherius

Original post by Castherius

Thank you, I was worried I made the wrong decision in applying for PPE. In case I change my mind, is it common that students switch subjects in first year? Is it possible at most unis?

Also, do you think that it would be worth switching for the jump from BA to MA/PhD?

Reply 4

gjd800

Original post by Castherius

Thank you, I was worried I made the wrong decision in applying for PPE. In case I change my mind, is it common that students switch subjects in first year? Is it possible at most unis?

It's common ish. Not always p[ossible but for courses thata ren't oversubscribed it's usually a bit easier. The earlier you do it the better, really.

Reply 5

gjd800

Original post by Castherius

Also, do you think that it would be worth switching for the jump from BA to MA/PhD?

This depends on you and how 'good' you are with the phil side of things, really.

In some ways, a straight phil graduate has a slight advantage insofar as they will be writing more philosophy and so get the practice in to achieve better sooner. But this isn't always the case and there's no necessary reason you couldn't be successful at postgrad with an undergrad degree in something other than straight philosophy.

Reply 6

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Hi @Castherius

Doing a PPE or Philosophy and Politics degree would still allow you to apply for a masters in Philosophy. You can still specialise in one subject more than others. So, you can choose more modules in Philosophy than in Politics or Economics. In third year, you can pick what discipline to do your dissertation in. For example, you could do one in political philosophy. I would recommend looking at the course structure of the uni courses you are interested in.

Best Wishes,
Gulcin
2nd Year PPE Student
University of Southampton