1. First PPE programme in Europe 🏛️
Did you know that PPE at VU Amsterdam was the first Bachelor's programme of its kind on continental Europe? It was founded in 2016, and still one of the few bachelor’s programmes in Europe to combine the three complementary domains of philosophy, politics, and economics in an integrated manner, in line with the academic tradition in PPE originating in the United Kingdom and the US.
2. A university with impact 💡
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking, the research and education of VU Amsterdam is ranked among the top 15-20 percent of 1406 participating universities worldwide when it comes to impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG's) Reduced inequalities; Gender equality; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and Climate Action. These topics are also closely woven into the vision and curriculum of PPE, for example in the PPE in Practice courses.
3. The best of three worlds 🏆
PPE is a collaboration between three faculties of VU Amsterdam: the Faculty of Humanities (FGW), the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSW) and the School of Business and Economics (SBE). Lecturers and professors from all three faculties bring their background and expertise to PPE. Being part of SBE, PPE is also an AACSB accredited programme, attesting to the excellent quality of education and research (we are now ranked among the top 2% of business schools worldwide)!
4. Partnerships all over the world 🌍
The PPE programme is known - amongst others - for its international orientation and great exchange opportunities. During their third year, all PPE students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, or do an internship. Students can pursue a part of their studies at the Indira Gandhi Institute (IGIDR), Australian National University or Stellenbosch University for example! Check out all VU Amsterdam and PPE exclusive partnerships on the VU World Map.
5. A college within VU 🏠
PPE has its own floor within VU Amsterdam’s main building: the John Stuart Mill College (also known as “the fourth floor”). This allows students to experience the vibrant VU campus life while taking advantage of the college’s private spaces available only to PPE students (so always a study spot during the exam weeks!). In addition to the PPE study area, the college provides spaces for social activities (mostly organized by PPE’s own study association KallioPPE) and extracurricular events organized by staff.
6. Most sustainable university 🍃
VU Amsterdam is the most sustainable university in the Netherlands! Sustainability is an increasingly important topic for the entire VU Community, as is reflected in the many sustainable projects and initiatives. Of course, there are always still ways to improve, which is why PPE's study association has set up their own sustainability committee, working on a more sustainable and green fourth floor.'/
7. Generalised specialists 📚
PPE aims at both multi- and interdisciplinarity. This means students gain substantial knowledge in all three individual disciplines, but also learn how to apply that knowledge in an integrated manner. From year two onwards, PPE students get to shape their own programme. They specialise in two out of the three disciplines (or do the Honours programme so you get to follow courses in all three tracks), pick the electives that appeal most to them, and pick their own exchange programme and thesis topic. This way, you specialise in something you are passionate about, while still drawing on your extensive knowledge and skillset.
8. A bright future 🎓
Because PPE students have such a solid basis in all three disciplines, they can be admitted to a large number of Master's programmes without having to do additional courses or a pre-Master. Whether you like to specialize in Economics, or stick to a more interdisciplinary programme like Law and Politics of International Security, there are endless opportunities at VU and beyond. PPE graduates have been admitted to Oxford University, Cambridge, LSE and many more renown schools. Read more about our alumni and career prospects here.
9. Make a difference 🎙️
PPE encourages and appreciates students’ engagement in extracurricular activities and gives students the possibility to launch their own projects. The John Stuart Mill College sets aside a yearly budget for these projects which allows students to acquire the necessary tools to realise their ideas. One of the initiatives that has been founded by the PPE Incubator Fund is PPE Encounters. They recently started a podcast in which they engage in societal and political debates with other students or experts.
10. Unique thesis trajectory 📝
Writing a thesis can be quite daunting, the PPE thesis trajectory is unlike most thesis trajectories for Bachelor's programmes. It is characterized by its intensity, contact hours, and structure. In the context of a small thesis group (one supervisor per four students), students have a guided tutorial on seminal work related to some topic that is suitable for further exploration in the PPE thesis. Plus, the college awards a thesis prize to three students every year!