There’s a new gold standard for university courses in 2024 and beyond.
Referred to as ‘interdisciplinary’, these courses equip graduates with a firm intellectual foundation. As well as the cognitive and practical skills they need to adapt to today’s ever-changing job market.
Courses like this interdisciplinary degree from Deakin University: the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (BPPE).
Sitting at the intersection of three highly relevant and functional disciplines, the BPPE seamlessly integrates all three into one powerful academic blend.
We spoke to Dr Zim Nwokora, Deakin’s BPPE course director and senior lecturer, about this new education experience that’s equipping its graduates with knowledge, prestige – and vast employment opportunities.
What is the BPPE
The BPPE is a single degree that brings together three of the world’s oldest and most respected intellectual disciplines – politics, philosophy and economics.
Despite its rich old-world history, the BPPE combination is considered one of the most progressive and well-rounded degrees of modern times.
That’s because, as Dr Zim Nwokora explains, it offers a strong foundation for varied intellectual and professional pursuits: a significant advantage in today’s job market.
‘It’s widely acknowledged that the economic climate is frequently changing,’ says Dr Nwokora.
‘The BPPE equips graduates with open and flexible thinking. They learn how to adapt to a variety of situations, which is exactly what modern employers are looking for.’
What are the benefits of studying multiple disciplines together?
Education is empowerment. And there’s a lot to be said for broadening your learning – which is what interdisciplinarity courses are all about.
‘To get a real grasp on any problem, it’s important to look at it through different disciplinary lenses,’ Dr Nwokora explains.
‘Take the environment for example. To make any movement towards sustainable, actionable change on a large scale requires an understanding of public policy, economic impact and societal preferences and views.’
Employability is another enormous benefit of interdisciplinarity courses.
Graduates of interdisciplinary degrees are frequently praised by prospective employers for having the exact skills they’re seeking – including their depth and variety of knowledge and strong cognitive skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
What makes the synthesis of the BPPE so powerful?
Underpinning your learning with multiple disciplines gives you a broader understanding of job roles – and the world. And the BPPE combination boasts many strengths.
‘Politics, philosophy and economics underpin everything our society is built on, intersecting in all sorts of ways,’ says Dr Nwokora.
With many governmental policies devised through economic theories, the relationship between economics and politics is particularly powerful. Both practically and theoretically.
The connection between philosophy and politics is also advantageous. Philosophy provides learners with the tools to think critically and access a depth of understanding across multiple viewpoints: an invaluable skill in public policy.
The interplay between philosophy and economics, on the other hand, is more abstract – though no less practical.
Dr Nwokora explains: ‘The thematic ties between philosophy and economics are looser. However, both disciplines provide deep cognitive skills like problem-solving and reasoning.
‘When you put this trio of disciplines together, you have a powerful foundation indeed.’
What would a typical day as a BPPE student look like?
Choosing a degree isn’t solely about what life looks like at its conclusion. It’s also about the learning experience itself.
And BPPE students consistently describe their days as ‘engaging’, ‘interactive’ and ‘eye-opening’.
‘Some of our most sought-after vocational units on campus are entrenched in the BPPE course structure,’ notes Dr Nwokora.
‘So our students engage in a variety of practical sessions. We run mock parliaments, live debates and fun interactive games that allow the cohort to experience all the moving parts that go into making real-world policy or business decisions,’ he says.
Skills that really do make for job-ready graduates.
What careers does the BPPE lead to?
For those looking to get straight into the workforce, the BPPE is a great platform.
‘The employment opportunities are vast,’ says Dr Nwokora. ‘Graduates can move into the political and government sector and comfortably excel in public policy or department officer roles.
‘Or,’ he continues, ‘they can explore the business sector and take on managerial or research roles.
It’s worth noting that these are all resilient career paths that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. But if you’re unsure of your pathway, or looking to complete more study, the BPPE is still a wise choice.
‘The BPPE is also a strong foundation for postgraduate study, not just in these three areas but across the social sciences and beyond,’ says Dr Nwokora.
‘And because it exposes students to multiple fields, it allows them to explore and discover their passions, too.’
Why study the BPPE at Deakin?
Deakin is Victoria’s number one university for student satisfaction, teacher quality and student support. With a wide range of courses and units that can flexibly fit around most schedules.
But what is it about Deakin’s BPPE specifically that makes students choose this university?
‘It’s a new course,’ says Dr Nwokora, ‘but we’re not starting from scratch. We’re bringing three strong disciplines from three recognised and respected faculties together – and delivering the best from each.’
The result? A suite of unique, sought-after academic units complemented with specialist work-integrated-learning – including internships – that provide a rich learning experience. All created and delivered by world-class professors at the cutting-edge of their fields of research.
What’s more, the Deakin BPPE aims to draw the world into the classroom.
Unlike other BPPE degrees, Deakin incorporates units that provide insights into the policies and governments of different countries around the world. It also boasts units that study decision-making in international institutions – and the effects of coordination and dysfunction in global politics. Truly making the world a student’s intellectual and professional playground.
But, just like the world we live in, the Deakin BPPE will continually develop and evolve. Ensuring its graduates remain at the forefront of global trends – and at the top of employers’ minds.
Ready to embrace the classics, broaden your horizons, and make a difference in the world?
Explore Deakin’s Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and gain the foundations of a future-proof career.
Footnotes
*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
^2022 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
+2022 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)