Austria

BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, University of Salzburg

The University of Salzburg has offered a three-year bachelor’s degree programme in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) since 2017, making it the first programme of its kind in the German-speaking world. This interdisciplinary course reflects the growing interdependence of politics, economics, and social life. It is driven by the observation that, while the social sciences have made significant advancements through specialisation, contemporary issues of great socio-political importance increasingly demand interdisciplinary approaches.

Students are introduced to the basics of logic, mathematics, and both quantitative and qualitative empirical methods. In philosophy, the curriculum puts an emphasis on the philosophy of science, political philosophy and ethics. The courses in political science include international relations and political theory, as well as modules on both Austrian and EU politics. The economics component of this course gives students the necessary tools and skills in both macro and micro economics. Students will also study the history of economic thought to gain an understanding of how the world around them has come to be how it is.

Graduates of the programme are equipped to analyse and resolve complex decision-making scenarios using an analytical approach, enabling them to address fundamental social, political, economic, and ethical conflicts in a rational and insightful manner.

While German is necessary for completion of this course, some modules are offered in English.

MA Philosophy & Economics, University of Vienna

The University of Vienna’s MA Philosophy & Economics is a two-year interdisciplinary programme jointly delivered by the philosophy and economics departments. The programme focuses on three intersections of the two disciplines: Philosophy, History and Methodology of Economics; Rationality and Decision-Making; and Ethics, Welfare and Justice. For each of these sub-fields, the programme provides foundational as well as optional specialisation modules, which all combine philosophy classes specifically developed for P&E and economics classes that are jointly attended together with and economics MSc students. A central pillar of the programme are interdisciplinary P&E modules that all students take together in every semester. Some of these seminars are also co-taught by members of the economics and philosophy department.

Students can individually  tailor their study programme by designing their own interdisciplinary specialisations that can also include a further academic subject, e.g. political science or sociology, and by taking electives classes in the philosophy and economics departments as well as in other disciplines. Depending on undergraduate qualifications, students can also apply to study the other MA programmes in the philosophy and economics departments in conjunction with P&E.

The Vienna P&E MA programme is selective (30 places each year) and fosters a close-knit student community which also organises social and academic events.