Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics

at University of Stirling United Kingdom

Our modern world works because of computer scientists. It’s a world where the vast majority of global money exists only on computers and a computer can tell a fake smile from a real one. By 2020, an estimated 31 billion devices will be connected to the internet.

This course has a practical, problem solving approach. You’re taught how to design effective solutions to complex problems. Not only will this course give you the theory, but you’ll get lots of practical experience in how to design, build and analyse computer systems. You’ll also develop a firm understanding of how computers work as well as effective computer programming.

According to the 2020 ScotlandIS Scottish Technology Industry survey, about 100,000 people are working in digital technologies professions. This is a growth of 9% since 2016. The growth has been strongest in web design and development, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, programmers and software development professionals. Our graduates are highly sought-after. We’ll help you build strong links within the industry and give you the opportunity to take part in a three-month summer placement or a one-year placement. You’ll also have the chance to experience diverse international teaching methods if you choose to study abroad.

Here at Stirling, you can enjoy access to a vibrant community with an active Computer Club that supports projects and activities for those interested in Computer Sciences, including the organisation of a Hackathon.

The history of the Scottish nation is dramatic, surprising and an infinite source of inspiration in popular culture. Studying at the University of Stirling will place you right at the heart of that history, with some of the most significant locations in Scotland’s past located right on your doorstep.

On this course, you’ll explore both the myths and the realities of Scottish History, unpicking the events that shaped a nation – from the wars of William Wallace to Scotland’s unprecedented impact on the wider world. You can expect in-depth insight into every aspect of Scottish History - political, social, environmental and economic – all of which will deepen your understanding of present-day Scotland at the same time.

History at the University of Stirling is highly regarded. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 98% of our research was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent. That expertise feeds directly back into our teaching, ensuring you gain unique insights into Scottish History from some of its most respected scholars. Every step of the way, your employability will be a top priority - with career-focused modules, field trips and guest lecturers all designed to get you ready for the world of work. Our location in the shadow of so many famous Scottish events helps to distinguish your studies from other Scottish History courses.

Humans share this planet with other animals and our interactions are at the core of our everyday lives. We farm and eat animals, we keep them as companions and for work, as models for humans in laboratory research, in animal-assisted interventions for positive behaviour change, and in education, entertainment and ecotourism. Depending upon our perceptions and attitudes towards animals, and in relation to the impact they have on us and the environment, we may actively attempt to conserve them, domesticate them or eradicate them.

In this Masters in Human-Animal Interaction you will learn interdisciplinary approaches and a diverse range of methods used to research our relationships with other species. The Masters covers a broad range of topics and looks at human–animal interactions across a wide range of contexts – from pet owning to animal-assisted interventions, zoos, farms and conservation.

You'll learn about the importance of both human and animal behaviour in shaping human animal interaction, and the associated ethical issues, as well as learning to critically evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions and their outcomes.

You'll carry out a practical placement and research project to get direct experience tailored to your individual career goals. You will also learn from our recognised experts in human–animal interaction, whose specialisms include:

• The study of animal behaviour and animal welfare
• Animal-assisted activities and interventions
• Human and animal coexistence

This is the only Human Rights and Diplomacy programme in the world taught in partnership with the leading training body of the United Nations: the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

This is an interdisciplinary course that combines Law, Philosophy and Politics of human rights.

You’ll learn about the practice and theory of human rights laws and politics, the UN human rights institutions, their history and their philosophical foundations. You’ll be taught by top human rights researchers and will be given practical training from experienced UN personnel in negotiating draft documents, and learning how to make a difference.

The course includes a 5-day study visit to Geneva for all students, to observe the Human Rights Council in session. Additionally, for the final three months of the course, if your profile is strong enough then you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a highly desirable internship, or else to pursue projects with human rights organisations or to tackle a traditional dissertation.

Studying a modern language opens up a world of opportunities, and a French degree from the University of Stirling is designed with your future firmly in mind.

We focus on giving you in-depth knowledge not only of the language, but also of the factors that are shaping France and the wider Francophone world today. This contemporary, all-encompassing approach means you’ll graduate with a true grasp of France’s place in the world and a deep understanding of the language’s ongoing evolution and reach. You’ll be qualified to apply this knowledge in a host of professional arenas – with former French graduates from Stirling having gone on to work in areas as diverse as journalism, teaching, law and translation. There’s no formula or limit to what you can do with a second language, and the opportunity to spend an extended period studying abroad will further broaden your horizons.

Another advantage of studying French at Stirling is the flexibility of our degree programme. You can combine French with one of many other courses to further enhance your employability and pursue specific career goals from the outset. From Marketing and Mathematics to Computing Science and Professional Education, our complementary subject choices are as unique as your ambitions.

With around 250 million French speakers and 400 million Spanish speakers on the planet, a firm grasp of both languages can open up boundless opportunities.

At the University of Stirling, we specialise in teaching French and Spanish in a contemporary, global context. You’ll develop high-level written and spoken linguistic skills in both languages, as well as build an understanding of the diverse societies, literature and visual cultures that surround them. You’ll also enjoy extensive opportunities to sharpen your French and Spanish skills through our study abroad links with universities in France, Spain, Morocco, Switzerland, Canada or Latin America.

To help you find the perfect professional context for your Modern Languages study, you’ll combine the course with one of eight other subjects that range from International Politics and Management Studies to Secondary Education. Wherever you hope your new-found knowledge of French and Spanish will lead you, we’ll pour all our energy and expert knowledge into helping you get there.

Our Psychological Research Methods course combines training in psychological theory with practical skills development - a modern approach to studying mind and behaviour preparing you for a future career in psychology. You’ll gain a thorough introduction to quantitative and qualitative research, the analysis and interpretation of data, and a critical, sceptical approach to psychological science.

The unique feature of this course is flexibility - you’re free to investigate a wide range of topics across the discipline while maintaining a high standard of training. This encourages an understanding of different methods and perspectives within the field of Psychology helping you make choices which will benefit your future career.

There are a number of degree pathways available:

• Child Development
• Cognition and Neuropsychology
• Evolutionary Psychology

Opportunities for practical hands-on skills development are built in, ranging from low-tech observational assessment to high-tech eye-tracking. You’ll carry out a work placement, typically in an external company, charity or third sector organisation. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to develop relevant work-based employment skills, and to develop a network of contacts relevant to your future career goals. Students benefit hugely from this experience, combining skills and experience with personal and professional development.

You’ll be based in a dedicated MSc office, or within an appropriate research group, and allocated a peer mentor. You’ll also have an academic supervisor in Psychology who supports and guides your development, including your research dissertation project.

Our Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree course was the first of its kind in Scotland, and combines three complementary subjects that give you a unique perspective on how the world works.  

If you’re intellectually curious and passionate about understanding the complex challenges facing modern societies and economies, our PPE course is made for you. As you study, you’ll gain a broad insight into what makes the world tick, and also explore the big ideas that have helped shape Western society.

The course brings together highly-regarded teaching staff from across our faculties. You’ll benefit from the industry insights of our multi-accredited Stirling Management School – which ranks among the top 25 in the UK for Business and Management (REF 2014). You’ll also learn from experts in Politics and Philosophy from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, who will help to ensure you graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of intellectual ideas, politics and business.

Become a Sport and Exercise scientist with our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree and you can transform lives and sporting careers.

As Scotland’s official University for Sporting Excellence, we place Sport and Exercise Science at the heart of everything we do. We prepare athletes for success on the world stage and improve the health of the nation through physical exercise. It’s why we're 1st in Scotland for research outputs in Sport (REF 2021).

Study our BSc Sport and Exercise Science degree and you’ll learn from our experts in sport and exercise physiology, nutrition, genetics, medicine, health and physical activity.

Our research and performance analysis laboratories enable you to develop your scientific and practical skills in a world-class learning environment. Our course will prepare you for the many career opportunities available in Sport and Exercise Science. Our research ranges from molecular mechanisms through to the whole body level.

Our Masters in Public Policy allows you to develop the conceptual, analytical and practical skills you’ll need to flourish in the world of policymaking. We prepare you for a career in vocations that make a contribution to the development or delivery of public policy.

This course is extremely flexible, and you can tailor it to fit your particular interests. Core modules on Policy Theory and Practice are combined with optional modules in Social Research and policy-relevant disciplines. If you want to pursue an interest in other policy-relevant disciplines, you can also combine a focus on policy and research with options in areas such as:

• Law
• Economics and behavioural science
• Strategic communications
• International politics

You can also use this degree as a pathway to pursue research to PhD level by taking three modules in Applied Social Research.

As part of the Masters course, you must complete a dissertation. You’ll also have the potential to gain practical experience by pursuing a placement with a relevant organisation (with our help) – allowing you to tailor your research to a policymaker or policy-influencer audience.