# Hybrid degree matrix

This is the core decision framework for the current degree space. It deliberately separates a course’s title from the actual experience.

| Route | Central question | Quantitative load | Legal spine | What to inspect first |
|---|---|---:|---:|---|
| PPE | How do ideas, institutions and markets interact? | Varies sharply | None | Is economics compulsory? When can he specialise? |
| PPL | How do law, political systems and philosophy inform each other? | Usually low–medium | Often LLB / check qualification | How much is law compulsory and is it a qualifying law degree? |
| Law with Politics | How does legal thinking meet public power? | Low | LLB / usually strong | What proportion remains law; how much choice exists? |
| Economics & Politics | How do markets and governments shape outcomes? | Medium–high | None | Mathematics/econometrics requirement; depth of politics options |
| Political Economy | How do power, institutions and economics relate? | Medium, varies | None | Is it economics-led, politics-led, or genuinely balanced? |
| Philosophy & Politics | How should societies be organised and justified? | Low | None | Applied policy exposure versus theoretical philosophy |

## First verified distinctions

- **King’s PPE (BA/BSc):** the choice of BA/BSc changes the degree’s later balance; later years combine required modules with options. Source: [official course page](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/philosophy-politics-and-economics-ba-bsc), checked 2026-09-15.
- **King’s PPL LLB:** four-year LLB co-taught by Law, Political Economy and Philosophy; it gives access to modules across the three departments. Source: [official course page](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/politics-philosophy-and-law-llb), checked 2026-09-15.
- **York PPE:** BA is presented as a balanced three-discipline route; York says its BSc carries more economics and econometrics. The BA first year includes core approaches/debates plus options in Philosophy and Politics. Source: [York PPE pages](https://www.york.ac.uk/ppe/study/undergraduate/), checked 2026-09-15.
- **Birmingham PPE:** combines political analysis, economic reasoning and philosophical ideas; Birmingham also offers separate Economics & Politics and Policy, Politics & Economics routes. Source: [official course pages](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subjects/politics-international-relations-and-development-courses/politics-philosophy-and-economics-ba), checked 2026-09-15.

## Verification queue

1. Warwick PPE — correct course URL, compulsory Year 1, maths requirement, optionality, year abroad/placement.
2. Oxford PPE — admission-test cycle and current subject requirements.
3. KCL PPE and PPL — 2028 entry requirements when published.
4. York BA vs BSc PPE — module-level and assessment differences.
5. Birmingham’s three adjacent hybrid routes — preserve the right interpretation rather than collapsing them into one card.