Claire Wright

2nd year, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

I found it difficult at first when choosing what subject to study at university. My A Levels were very broad and I thought for a very long time that I would study either Languages or History. But when I finally settled on PPE, I knew it was the right decision for me. I wanted to keep the breadth and flexibility in my studies, but also wanted the chance to focus on important and relevant issues to the world today. PPE is perfect for this. All three areas permeate every caveat of modern society and it is fascinating to see how the three link together.

Having not studied either Philosophy or Economics before, this did seem like quite a daunting prospect, especially considering I had taken a gap-year and was uncertain about how the transition back to academic life would be. But I soon discovered that there is a wealth of support here in College to help students make the transition from A Levels and gap years to Oxford. The tutors are very willing to offer extra help and advice to those who want it, and because Univ takes in a large number of PPEists every year compared to other colleges, there is always a ready group of friends to work with. Students are actively encouraged to meet up informally throughout the week to discuss their work and relevant ideas, creating a real team spirit. And if you ever get really stuck on a question, students in the year above and ‘study buddies’ are also there to help.

The main focus of work in the PPE course is that set for classes or tutorials which happen within college. There are two to three classes or tutorials per week and a piece of work is set for each – often a problem sheet or an essay. The work is handed in beforehand and then discussed during the session. This is a really great way to learn as you have guidance on what books are the best to read for a certain topic, and yet you also have a lot of independence in what you read depending on what you find interesting. In addition, doing the work beforehand and then discussing it makes it much easier to identify if you’ve misunderstood something, or if you want to ask questions about a certain area.

In the first year there are a number of core modules that you have to take: a general introduction to philosophy and logic; political theory and the comparative politics of different western states; microeconomics and macroeconomics. There are thus three papers that you sit at the end of the year with two sections in each. In the second year however you have the option to specialise by taking on just two of the three branches of PPE. I have continued with Politics and Economics, and am really enjoying looking at International Relations and further microeconomic theory with a view to specialising further in my third year into Development Economics. There is thus a massive range of modules and choices to take, and the opportunity to learn them from some of the top specialists in the country.

The facilities in Univ for the PPE course are fantastic – the Library is open 24/7 and has the vast majority of the books that you need. If it doesn’t have a particular book that you want, Univ being such a central college in the city, the Social Sciences Library is just a short walk away.

But university isn’t just about the work – I have got involved in so many other activities both within college and in the wider University throughout my time here. Although you must work hard, if you manage your time well you can also fit in other activities from standing for the JCR committee, to charity work, college rowing or university sports or journalism – there is a club or society for everyone! And because Oxford is special with its college system it is so much easier to try new things and get involved with drama or sports when you wouldn’t have tried it otherwise. Living in a college is such a fantastic way to experience all aspects of university life – both academic and extra-curricular – as you feel part of a real community.