PPE options

Help me pick between Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Exeter for PPE;
Uni life
Course content
Employment prospects

Hi @VivekM,
For uni life, Exeter is very campus-focused, which makes it easy to settle in and make friends quickly. Most students live either on or very close to campus in first year, so there’s a strong community feel. Social life is active without being overwhelming - lots of societies, sports, and regular student events. Nightlife exists, but it’s more balanced than places like Manchester. People tend to be quite engaged academically and socially, which works well for a course like PPE.
In terms of course content, PPE at Exeter is flexible and well structured. You get a solid grounding in all three subjects early on, then more freedom later to specialise depending on whether you lean more towards economics, politics, or philosophy. Teaching is a mix of lectures and small seminars, so you’re not left entirely to independent study - there’s good academic support, especially if you engage. The PPE cohort is fairly tight-knit, which helps a lot.
For employment prospects, Exeter performs very well. PPE graduates go into consulting, finance, policy, law, civil service, and corporate grad schemes. The university has strong links with employers, a proactive careers service, and lots of insight days, internships, and skills programmes. Exeter is a recognised Russell Group uni and is well regarded by employers, especially in the South and London.
Overall, Exeter offers a strong balance: respected PPE degree, supportive teaching, good graduate outcomes, and a campus environment that makes uni life feel sociable and manageable. If you want a mix of academic quality, employability, and a cohesive student experience, Exeter is an excellent choice.
Hope this helps 🙂
Klaudia
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

For career prospects, Durham is probably best out of your options. The other factors I can't speak on

Thanks! Is that based on data or purely based on Durham’s brand with employers?

Help me pick between Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Exeter for PPE;
Uni life
Course content
Employment prospects