This is a pioneer degree programme in Portugal that is only in its second year of existence, but is already making headlines abroad and gaining more and more value. Why is that? Because it combines humanities, politics and economics in a single degree programme.
In 2021, the Faculdade de Ciências Humanas launched the first Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree programme in Portugal, which is one of the most prestigious degree programmes in Europe and North America (where it is usually known by the acronym PPE). The BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics has been attended by international leaders such as Bill Clinton and David Cameron, and more recently by human rights activist Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
In the field of economics, PPE students are taught by professors from CATÓLICA-LISBON, which maintains its commitment to educating leaders for the future - aware, capable of change and agents of change in society.
The first PPE program in Portugal
In addition to its highly qualified faculty, the program can count on the collaboration of highly respected guest lecturers: Vítor Bento (Chairman of the Board of Directors of SIBS and Visiting Professor at FCH-Católica), Paul Weithman ( University of Notre Dame) and Robert Sherman (former U.S. Ambassador to Portugal), to name a few.
This interdisciplinary course, created in 1920 at the College of Oxford, has gained great prestige and international dissemination thanks to the excellent training of its students. The triple training in philosophy, politics, and economics enables graduates to take a comprehensive and integrative approach to the challenges facing contemporary societies.
By combining three areas of knowledge, the program promotes critical thinking so that graduates can be responsible agents in transforming society. The goal is to educate competent and ethically responsible professionals who are able to respond to the major social, political, and economic issues of the day on a global scale.
What can students expect when they enter the PPE program?
Because this is an interdisciplinary major, students will be able to explore a variety of issues that impact the world and will certainly have an impact on their future careers. Philosophy is designed to develop critical and reflective thinking that promotes ethically informed discussion of the challenges facing human society.
In Politics, students can gain a deeper understanding of political institutions and processes in a global community and learn basic tools for analysis and action in an influential profession.
Economics, the third area of this course, aims for students to understand the workings of today's economy and the role of institutions and economic actors.
By bringing together the humanities, such as philosophy, with politics and economics, we know that we are educating conscious, alert, and better-informed leaders who are able to effect change and make a difference in the job market and in their post-academic careers.
Still have questions about this course? Discover the testimonials of those who have already taken it
"I chose to take the PPE course because the subjects I liked best in high school were philosophy and math. I have had a very good experience with the course. I think all the teachers are excellent and you can build a good relationship with the teachers. Also, I think that the curriculum is very well structured and allows us to develop a very deep knowledge in each area. I am very confident about the possibilities that the EPP holds for my future." Constança Melícias, a student in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme, says that.
Constança adds, "We already feel that there is a lot of interest from companies and non-governmental organizations, not least because PPE is a highly respected course at the international level. I think that from the moment we graduate we will have great opportunities. In my specific case, I already had the opportunity to work on a conference organized by UN. During the interview, I was asked if I was studying law or political science. When I said that I was studying PPE, they were very curious and immediately told me that it would be an asset to the team," she adds.
Diogo Martins, another student, first took a course and only then realized that PPE was his path. "After taking another course, I felt the need to find a degree that combined several areas of my interest, namely politics and economics. I think that the added value of this course is that we have experienced teachers in the different areas, which means that we are constantly confronted with real issues. In addition, we have contact with several renowned national and international personalities in the various areas of study of the course who give us classes on current topics. These activities undoubtedly enrich our training."
Gabriel Valente first knew that it was at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa that he would find the best for his future. Then the PPE captivated him: "The Universidade Católica Portuguesa has always been first on my list of possible choices for Higher Education. Having been distinguished, in recent years, as the best University in the country, when I was in High School, I began to have a special interest in its courses and, after a search surrounded by uncertainties, I found certainty in FCH, in the PPE course. PPE captivated me, since I have always been curious about the challenges that emerge from our society. The curriculum of this course not only offers us a philosophical and political aspect, but also an economic view of the world. Therefore, I saw in the course the possibility to find the necessary bridges to the change that the world has been demanding", reflects the student.
If you want to be an agent of change and impact in the world and you are interested in more than one field of study, maybe this is the right course for you. Find out more on the FCH website, here.