Philosophy, politics and economics

PPE is a 180 ECTS programme which may be completed in two to three years depending on the ability and the wishes of the student. Students typically complete 78 credits per year, but can proceed more slowly and in certain cases more quickly, as outstanding students have the chance to work on summer projects which can shorten their course of study to two years. Admission requirements are the matriculation examination.

PPE is a cross-disciplinary programme covering three social science fields: philosophy, politics, and economics. Students complete a minimum of 36 credits in each of the three fields. The methodology component of the programme totals 22 credits, electives or specialisation 18 credits, independent group projects (term projects) 12, work with a faculty member (the tutor system) 8 credits, and the BA thesis 12 credits.

The programme stresses that the three disciplines should strengthen each other and should improve students' ability to solve problems in society and the working world. Frequent short assignments and close relationships to teachers and other students distinguish the programme, and make it of practical value above and beyond the regular requirements of understanding and knowledge in the subject area. The programme provides access to further studies at the master's or doctoral level which depend, however, on the requirements of individual schools regarding minimum credits in each subject, minimum grades and so forth.

Instruction begins each September and classes are on-site at Bifröst. The principal language of instruction is Icelandic, although some courses, especially summer courses taught by visiting instructors, are given in English.