| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 01130017 | Faculty of Humanities | Department: Philosophy |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 434 | NQF level: 07 |
The purpose of this programme is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and analytical understanding of contemporary political and economic issues. All three disciplines – political science, philosophy, and economics – focus on the social world and social phenomena, each from a different perspective. Economics focuses on the production of goods (why, how, and what is produced) and the consequences of such production to society (who benefits). Political Science focuses on political processes and governance issues such as decision-making. Philosophy equips students with analytical reasoning skills necessary to understand and solve complex moral problems related to economic and political decision-making. The result of combining these perspectives is that students are equipped with an understanding of the moral issues influencing human agency in economic and political contexts. A PPE qualification is an internationally recognised ‘brand’, respected for its rigorous training, that immediately gives students entrance into a variety of careers related to economic or political policy making, from journalism to diplomatic service. This qualification will enable students, once they are employed in the public or private sector, to respond in a sensitive, rational, and innovative manner to moral problems and challenges within their politico-economic context.
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | |||
Achievement level | |||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics |
APS (Grade 11) |
APS (NSC/IEB completed)
|
5 | 5 | 32 | 32 |
* To retain admission, you must obtain an APS of at least 32 in the NSC.
* Students who are interested in the Bachelor of Arts specialising in Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme, but do not comply with the 5 required in Mathematics, but have an APS of 32, a 4 in Mathematics and a 5 in English, may be admitted to another degree programme for the first year. If they register for STK 113 and 123 in their first year of study and pass both with at least 60%, they will be allowed to apply for an internal transfer to the Bachelor of Arts specialising in Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme in their second year of study.
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
Minimum credits: 122
Elective modules: Year 1
It is compulsory that students also select, in addition to the subjects on the fixed curriculum, any TWO semester modules (one per semester) from the same discipline at year level 1 to the credit value of at least 20 credits (if selected from Economic and Management Sciences) or 24 credits (if selected from Humanities).
Statistics Modules
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth, unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.
Module content:
Introduction to Philosophy
The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to four main subfields of philosophy, namely metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy and ethics. This module introduces students to two of these subfields, namely epistemology and metaphysics with reference to the work of a range of scholars from Africa and the rest of the Global South as well as from Asia and the West. Students will become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking, reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of critique as judgment and discernment.
Module content:
Introduction to Philosophy
The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to four main subfields of philosophy, namely metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy and ethics. This module introduces students to two of these subfields, namely political philosophy and ethics and the emphasis is on texts by African and Western scholars. Students will become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking, reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of critique as judgment and discernment.
Module content:
An introduction to the study of organised political society at national and international levels with specific reference to political concepts, approaches and methods. The emphasis is on state and governance as frameworks for analysis in light of the salient changes brought about at national and international levels by global trends and processes. Attention is paid to the corresponding dynamics of regime development, performance and change at national and international levels considering increasing challenges to national sovereignty from within and without states in a context of a growing global agenda dealing with transnational issues and challenges.
Module content:
Introduction to data and exploratory data analysis: Graphical representations and descriptive measures for numerical and categorical data; relationships between explanatory and response variables; data transformations. Foundations of inference: Simulation; sampling with and without replacement; confidence intervals with bootstrapping; hypothesis testing with randomization; inference with mathematical models (normal distribution and central limit theorem). Statistical inference: Inference for a single proportion, for comparing two proportions, for two-way tables, for a single mean, for comparing two independent means, for comparing paired means, and for comparing many means. Regression and inferential modelling: Correlation; simple linear regression models with numerical or categorical predictors; least squares regression; residual analysis; goodness-of-fit; outliers; prediction and extrapolation; inference. All module content is demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.
This module is also presented as a summer school for students who initially elected and passed STK 120 or STK 121 or STC 121 with a final mark of at least 60% and then decide to further their studies in Statistics as well as for students who failed STC 122 during semester 2.
Module content:
PART A: Mathematical concepts for the business student: Statistical applications of quantitative techniques. Systems of linear equations: solving and application. Differentiation: Rules and application using the rules. Optimisation, linear functions, non-linear functions, Integration: Rules and application using the rules, Marginal and total functions, Stochastic and
deterministic variables in a statistical and practical context: producers' and consumers' surplus. Linear programming. Matrix algebra. Limits and continuity.
PART B: Descriptive statistics: Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion. Probability. Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Statistical and mathematical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through Excel (practical coding) and simulation within a data science framework.
Exam entrance requires a subminimum of 40% in both Part A and Part B. To pass the module a student has to pass both Part A and Part B.
Module content:
Students can only get credit for one of the following two modules: STK 120 or STK 121.
Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and correlation, the analysis of time series and indices. Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques: Systems of linear equations: solving and application. Optimisation, linear functions, non-linear functions. Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are illustrated using simulation within a data science framework.
This is a terminating module.
Minimum credits: 152
Students should choose ONE of the following two sequences of Economics modules in Year 2: EKN 214/234 or EKN 224/244.
Students should choose ONE of the following two sequences of Political Sciences modules in Year 2: IPL 210/220 or STL 210/220.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
From Wall and Bay Street to Diagonal Street: a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and theories explaining the workings of the economy is essential. Macroeconomic insight is provided on the real market, the money market, two market equilibrium, monetarism, growth theory, cyclical analysis, inflation, Keynesian general equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy issues.
Module content:
Microeconomics
Microeconomic insight is provided into: consumer and producer theory, general microeconomic equilibrium, Pareto-optimality and optimality of the price mechanism, welfare economics, market forms and the production structure of South Africa. Statistic and econometric analysis of microeconomic issues.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
Application of the principles learned in EKN 214 on the world we live in. We look at international markets and dynamic macroeconomic models, and familiarise the students with the current macroeconomic policy debates. We also take a look at the latest macroeconomic research in the world. The course includes topics of the mathematical and econometric analysis of macroeconomic issues.
Module content:
Microeconomics
From general equilibrium and economic welfare to uncertainty and asymmetric information. In this module we apply the principles learned in EKN 224 on the world around us by looking at the microeconomic principles of labour and capital markets, as well as reasons why the free market system could fail. We touch on the government’s role in market failures. The course includes topics of the mathematical and econometric analysis of microeconomic issues.
Module content:
The content of this module engages in the historical emergence of contemporary African philosophy in relation to the Western canon. The first quarter traces the history of modern western philosophy, recounting key positions in epistemology (e.g. Descartes, Kant), metaphysics (e.g. Heidegger, Putnam), ethics (e.g. Bentham, Levinas) and political philosophy (e.g. Rawls, Habermas).The content of the second quarter considers recent works in African philosophy, as critical responses to, but also independent of the Western philosophies, with regard to epistemology (e.g. Menkiti, Ikuenobe), metaphysics (e.g. Mbiti, Ramose), ethics (e.g. Tut, Gyeke) and political philosophy (e.g. Biko, Fanon).
Module content:
In this module contextually relevant aspects of human reality are reflected on through philosophy considered as practical activity. Students will engage issues of social, political, or economic relevance in contemporary (South) Africa, the Global South and beyond. A range of themes may be investigated, such as structure and agency, social imaginaries, issues of social justice, gender and sexuality, the ethics of science and technology, the role of art and others. The focus is on key themes and debates of contemporary relevance and may include issues from any of the sub-disciplines of philosophy such as political philosophy, moral philosophy, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind and artifical intelligence, and philosophy of science.
Module content:
How do we explain the behaviour of state and non-state actors within the international system? The answer to this question depends on the theoretical lens through which global politics are viewed. An overview is provided of competing theoretical perspectives of international relations and research methodology within the field. It includes mainstream and alternative perspectives, as well as the underlying ideas, theories and variants of each. These theories also propose different approaches to global peace, amongst others peace through international organisation(s). A comprehensive analysis is made of selected international organisations with a universal or regional scope, such as the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
Module content:
Foreign policy and diplomacy
A short introduction to the study of foreign policy is followed by an explanation of the use of the comparative and case study methods as frameworks for foreign policy analysis and evaluation. This allows for the comparative study of the foreign policies of selected states from the major regions of the world, amongst others of South African foreign policy. In each case study the policy environment, the formulation and implementation processes, as well as the substance of the particular state’s foreign policy are covered. Thereafter the focus narrows to diplomacy: the oldest, most versatile and universally used instrument of foreign policy. The nature, history, modes of diplomacy and legal framework of the institution are explored. Examples are drawn from global practice, with specific consideration of the evolution of diplomatic practice within the African and South African context. This module also includes a simulation component, such as the Model United Nations Debate (MUN).
Module content:
Statistical problem solving. Causality, experimental and observational data. Probability theory. Multivariate random variables. Discrete and continuous probability distributions. Stochastic representations. Measures of association. Expected values and conditional expectation. Simulation techniques. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.
Module content:
Multivariate probability distributions. Sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Frequentist and Bayesian inference. Statistical learning and decision theory. Simulation techniques enhancing statistical thinking. Supervised learning: linear regression, estimation and inference. Non-parametric modelling. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical algorithms. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Micro)
The study of the theory and practice of behavioural phenomena in politics, including a critical engagement with how behavioural phenomena have been (and are) studied. With reference to appropriate examples, the emphasis is on the study of political dynamics internal to the nation state, including but not limited to the following: elections, electoral systems, and voting behaviour; parties and party systems; political culture, political identities, public opinion, leadership, communication, and interest groups.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Macro)
This module is offered in two parts. Part One places emphasis on the nature of the state, governance and conflict in Africa. Amongst others, a study is made of the issues of colonialism and post-colonialism, democratisation, authoritarianism and the development of the state in Africa, in the context of a globalising world. Part Two provides a thorough introduction to and overview of South African politics. Topics to be unpacked include: South Africa’s transition to democracy, South Africa’s electoral system, and the political, social and economic challenges facing South Africa at present. Mini case studies are applied throughout the module to aid comprehension and analysis. Case studies may differ from year-to-year depending on local and international developments.
Minimum credits: 160
Students should choose ONE of the following two sequences of Political Sciences modules in Year 3: IPL 310/320 or STL 310/320.
Module content:
Public finance
Role of government in the economy. Welfare economics and theory of optimality. Ways of correcting market failures. Government expenditure theories, models and programmes. Government revenue. Models on taxation, effects of taxation on the economy. Assessment of taxation from an optimality and efficiency point of view. South African perspective on public finance.
Module content:
Economic analyses
Identification, collection and interpretation process of relevant economic data; the national accounts (i.e. income and production accounts, the national financial account, the balance of payments and input-output tables); economic growth; inflation; employment, unemployment, wages, productivity and income distribution; business cycles; financial indicators; fiscal indicators; social indicators; international comparisons; relationships between economic time series - regression analysis; long-term future studies and scenario analysis; overall assessment of the South African economy from 1994 onwards.
Module content:
In this module the focus is on understanding humankind, its knowledge and its relation to reality.This module traces the development of the conceptions of ‘self’ and ‘subjectivity’ in any given philosophical tradition in Africa, or more generally the Global South or the West, by focussing, amongst others, on issues such as the nature of the human mind, existentialism, the nature of personal identity, the relation between personal identity and morality, the nature of subjective experience and the issue of free will.
Module content:
In this module contextually relevant aspects of human reality are reflected on through philosophy considered as practical activity. Students will engage issues of social, political, or economic relevance in contemporary (South) Africa, the Global South and beyond. A range of themes may be investigated, such as, structure and agency, social imaginaries, issues of social justice, gender and sexuality, the ethics of science and technology, the role of art and others. The focus is on key themes and debates of contemporary relevance and may include issues from any of the sub-disciplines of philosophy such as political philosophy, moral philosophy, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence, and philosophy of science.
Module content:
International political economy
The nature and functioning of the international contemporary political-economic order are analysed against the background of the process of globalisation. Analysis of the mainstream theories employed by scholars in this field is also included. The focus is on the interaction of political and economic trends and issues such as the vital role played by state and non-state actors; the rise of new economic powers in the Global South; and global economic governance.
Module content:
Security and strategic studies
A study of traditional and contemporary approaches to security and strategy. Attention is paid to theories on war, security and strategy; military and non-military security issues and threats; the nature, levels, patterns, forms and instruments of strategy; and the laws of war. Global and regional strategic and security issues and trends are analysed, along with multilateral approaches to understanding and confronting security issues.
Module content:
Political theory
A theoretical and normative study of political ideas, concepts, texts and values. This includes the study of key global political thinkers throughout history, as well as the contemporary manifestations of ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism, postcolonialism and feminism. This normative assessment of politics will also focus on the critical evaluation of prominent political concepts such as justice, liberty, power, democracy and equality.
Module content:
Part 1: Public Policy Studies: A high-level critical analysis of the theory and practice of public policy within the domestic, regional, and international context. Attention is given to key aspects of the policy-making process, including, but not limited to: agenda setting, policy adoption, policy assessment, and policy termination. Case studies may differ year-on-year depending on local and international developments.
Part 2: Political analysis: The methods and practice of political analysis are the focus of this module. The principles and problems underpinning different approaches and methods of political analysis are described and explained. This includes the nature, methods and use of comparative analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, performance evaluation and the political audit. These analytical methods are positioned in a political and policy context, with emphasis on practical application. Applicable examples and case studies are used throughout and differ year-on-year depending on domestic and international developments.
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