What is Philosophy, Politics & Economics?
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics bring together some of the most important approaches to understanding the world around us and developing skills useful for a wide range of careers and activities.
Studying philosophy develops analytical, critical, and logical rigor, enabling you to apply these skills to deep, puzzling questions that help us to better understand each other and our societies.
The study of politics provides a thorough understanding of the impact of political institutions on modern societies. It helps us to evaluate the choices that political systems must regularly make, to explain the processes that maintain or change those systems, and to examine the concepts and values used in political analysis.
Economics is the study of how consumers, firms, and government make decisions that collectively determine how resources are allocated. An appreciation of economics has become increasingly necessary to make sense of governmental policy-making, the conduct of businesses, and the enormous economic transformations throughout the world.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Philosophy Politics & Economics in the following subject areas:
- BA (Honours) Politics, Philosophy and Economics – An introduction to Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.
- Doing Philosophy – Develop skills of analysis, argument, and writing needed to do philosophy, which thrives on discussion and debate.
- Thought and Experience: Themes in the Philosophy of Mind – Explore central questions concerning the nature and activities of the human mind, focusing in particular on emotion, thought and language, imagination and creativity, and consciousness.
- Diploma in Politics & Society – Gain in-depth knowledge of politics and society and an understanding of the laws and rights that govern the Republic of Ireland.
- Certificate in Irish Government and Politics – An introduction to the political institutions and systems that determine how Ireland is governed.
- Ireland and Europe: Current Affairs, Politics and the Role of the Citizen Course – This course is for those interested in understanding how current affairs, local, national, and European government works
Studying Philosophy, Politics & Economics
Many courses in Philosophy Politics & Economics may take place over a few days, weeks, or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification. You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
Work Experience will not only allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a Philosophy, Politics & Economics course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of economical research, philosophy, and political ideas and practices.
Within the field of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics you’ll carry out research and collect large amounts of information that can cover any aspect of economic and social policy, ranging from interest rates, taxation, and employment levels to energy, health, transport, and international development.
You’ll analyze the information using specialist software and advanced methods in statistical analysis to produce forecasts of economic and political trends.
Major organizations offering graduate development programs encourage graduates to enhance their career development by moving between areas and roles to develop their skills and knowledge. There are also opportunities to work abroad in a wide range of countries. If you’re joining the private sector, you may enter as an economic or political research officer or analyst before progressing to become a consultant or senior economist.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours, or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Working hours tend to be 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, although your hours may be longer and less predictable to cope with your workload.
Related jobs include:
- Further education teacher
- Higher education lecturer
- Secondary school teacher
- Actuarial analyst
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Financial risk analyst
- Investment analyst
- Political risk analyst
- Risk manager
- Statistician
- Business development manager
- Civil Servant
- Data scientist
- Diplomatic service officer
- Local government officer
- Management consultant
- Policy officer
- Quantity surveyor
- Business analyst
- Marketing executive
- Newspaper journalist
- Social researcher
- Solicitor
Further study
After completing a course in Philosophy, Politics & Economics you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as Finance, Law, Management Studies, Mathematics, Modern languages, Politics, and International economics.
FAQ
What skills could be helpful for a career in Philosophy, Politics & Economics?
In general, competition for posts in the field is fierce so being able to show experience or references for the following skills may give you an edge:
· Well-developed research skills
· The ability to extract and analyze relevant data using a range of statistical software packages
· Excellent written and spoken communication skills to convey complex ideas to people with varying levels of economic expertise
· The ability to build productive working relationships and work within a team
· Excellent organizational and time management skills
· The ability to work alone under pressure, often to tight deadlines
· Accuracy and attention to detail
· The ability and confidence to make sound judgments and recommendations
· The ability to juggle and prioritize different tasks
· Project management skills
· A genuine interest in economics and current affairs
· Self-reliance and motivation
· Good IT skills
Foreign language skills can be helpful, especially if you’re considering working abroad.
Where can I study Philosophy, Politics & Economics?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· Aristotle descended from the courtly aristocracy of Macedonia. His father, Nicomachus, was the court doctor for King Amyntas II.
· Aristotle served as the tutor for the young son of Macedon’s King Phillip II. This boy would grow up to be none other than Alexander the Great.
· Founded in 385 BCE, Plato’s Academy was one of the first institutions of higher learning in Western civilization. Plato led the Academy for the rest of his life and it would continue for centuries until 529 CE.
· In 560 BCE, the Greek philosopher Anaximander became one of the first people to realize the Earth could not be flat. But he didn’t get everything right: he thought that it was shaped like a cylinder.
· One hundred oxen were sacrificed to celebrate Ancient Greek mathematicians proving that the root of two is an irrational number.
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