Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics – MPPE
Combine philosophy, politics, and economics in this unique Master's degree and prepare for a career making change in politics, government, or related fields.
In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world we need more thinkers who can grasp the dynamics of politics and society—people who can help create stronger and more effective government.
The one-year 180-point Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (MPPE) combines three complementary disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the world and social decision-making. Study the only postgraduate programme of its kind in New Zealand, and get a head start in your career in politics, government, or the public service.
Learning across disciplines
Studying philosophy will develop your skills in logical reasoning and knowledge of ethics. Economics will teach you what drives people and organisations to make the decisions they do and the effect those choices have. And politics will give you a knowledge of political institutions and processes, and the impact they have on society. Combining these disciplines will give you a well-rounded range of practical and theoretical skills relevant to government.
It (the PPE degree) was designed to be deliberately broad. Because it's interdisciplinary, we can speak across subject boundaries.
Iain Mclean
Iain McLean, Professor of Politics, University of Oxford
From the vantage point of New Zealand’s capital city, you'll learn to critically examine concepts around politics, liberty and justice, and study the principles of micro- and macro-economics, and global governance and finance.
Through your Master's study, you'll become skilled in oral and written communication and learn to apply critical and reflective thinking, logic and persuasion to solve problems.
Research and internship
Your studies will build towards completing your own independent research project. Examine an area of interest under supervision from world-class academics.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete an internship that will build on what you have learnt. You'll be placed in a workplace such as a government ministry or other agency where you'll gain real-world experience and valuable insights into the workings of government.
International connections
Take advantage of the University's connections around the world including the opportunity to apply for a US congressional internship once you graduate.
Study philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and you get power and influence thrown in with your degree certificate on graduation day.
John Crace
John Crace in The Guardian
Advance your expertise with PhD study
Although the MPPE is a professionally focused Master's, if you have a strong research background you may be able to apply to do a PhD.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from highly regarded academics in the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
As a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, you'll be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR), which also handles all applications.
Before applying, you should talk to the programme director about available supervision.
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Study details