The lowdown on PPE extracurriculars at York

18 January 2023 by Izzy
3 minute read

So, you’ve decided to study PPE at the University of York? Excellent choice! But what about everything that happens outside of the classroom? I’m going to give you the rundown on the fantastic academic extracurriculars that await. These are great opportunities to supplement your learning and encourage your progression beyond the University walls.

1. Vox Journal

First up is Vox Journal, a student-run academic journal based at the University of York. They focus on providing students with a platform to share their perspectives on topics related to Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. They have an annual print issue and an all-year online blog called Voxensus.

At Voxensus, you can read various shorter entries, and submit your own. If you’re passionate about journalism and publishing, you might want to join their committee! There are loads of different roles available, such as editors, publicity officers, and proofreaders. It’s a great stepping stone for internship and postgraduate press opportunities. They’re planning to host writing workshops and social events in the future too, so keep an eye out!

2. Club of PEP

With the second-oldest PPE department in the country, it’s only fair that we have a tremendous academic society to represent us. Introducing: Club of PEP.

my google hq pass to an exclusive q&a panel I visited with club of pep

The Club of PEP offers a range of activities. There are discussion groups and guest speakers on the academic side. On the more social side, there are barbecues and club nights. The highlight of the year has to be the annual PEP trip abroad. Last year was Dublin, Ireland; this year will be Budapest, Hungary. Is it okay that I’ve already started my countdown?

If Vox sounds interesting, but journals aren’t your thing, try listening to the Club of PEP podcast, PEPtalk. It’s available fortnightly on Spotify, and covers PPE topics in an accessible way.

Instagram: @clubofpep

3. Philosophy Society, Politics Society, and Economics Society

While you’ll be automatically enrolled into the Club of PEP as your School’s academic society, there’s no reason why you can’t get involved with the individual departments. Politics, Philosophy and Economics each have their own related societies (of which you can be a regular or committee member).

PhilSoc host a range of events, such as debate forums, wine and cheese nights, and pub quizzes. They invite guest speakers every term to present on topics like epistemic justice, eco-grief and social activism. You’ll also catch a fair few PhilSoc members at the weekly Vanburgh Jazz Night – don’t be afraid to say hello! IG: @uoyphilsoc

PolSoc meet regularly to discuss political theory and applied political topics. You can join them for live streams too, whether they’re showing the sitcom, The Thick Of It, or the slightly drier US midterm elections. PolSoc is a great space to learn more about the world around you. IG: @yorkpolsoc

EconSoc is the place to be for all things economics. They have fantastic resources for commercial awareness, including exclusive events with corporate sponsors and career talks. But if you fancy something a bit more laid-back, movie screenings and Winter Formals are on offer! They have their own subject journal called “Equilibrium” if economics is your speciality. IG: @econsocyork

4. The Laidlaw Foundation

The Laidlaw Scholars Undergraduate Leadership and Research Programme is a two-year programme designed to teach you the fundamentals of research and leadership. They aim to “create an international network of diverse, passionate and ethical leaders who will reinvest their skills, knowledge, and experience to help others succeed”.

My completed research project for the laidlaw scholarship

Research applications typically open from November to January. You will then complete this research project in your first summer. In your second year, you will complete the Leadership in Action component of the project. There, you will travel abroad to take part in a non-profit volunteering project. Possible destinations include Fiji, Mexico, and the USA!

The best part: all essential expenses are fully funded. The only restriction on eligibility for the scholarship is for undergraduate students in Year 1 of a three-year degree course, or Year 1 or 2 of a four-year degree.

Thanks for reading!

That’s all from me! Thank you for your time, and I hope you know more about the extracurricular opportunities available at York! See you at Jazz night?

I’m a 2nd-Year Economics and Philosophy undergraduate within the School of PPE. In my free time, I act as the President of Crafts Society, and conduct research initiatives around York’s accessibility and inclusivity campaigns.