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Politics related courses at Oxford and Cambridge
Both Oxford and Cambridge insist on students taking the opportunity to study politics along side other subjects. The possible combination of subjects varries according to which of these universities is chosen.
Oxford University
Traditionally, Politics is studied along side Philosophy and Economics (PPE). This gives students a firm grounding in the reason and rhetoric that underlies the nation's common sense and general knowledge. PPE is the most commonly studied degree by current MPs with Alumni including Lord Jenkins and William Hague. All three subjects are studied in the first year but, following this, students may focus on just two. To be admitted onto a PPE course there is no need to have previously studied any of these subjects. However, mathematics to A-level greatly strengthens applications.
Politics can also be studied with Modern History, as a joint honours degree. This offers an alternative slant on the politics students' skills.
Oxford's History and Politics website
Cambridge University
Politics at Cambridge is studied in the Politics, Psychology and Sociology course (PPS).
Reading List for PPS/PPE
Philosophy and Political Philosophy
Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy *
W. Hodge, Logic
W. Kymlicka, Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction *
Machiavelli, The Prince
Mill, On Liberty
T. Nagel, What Does it all Mean? **
B. Russell, Problems of Philosophy
J. Wolff, An Introduction to Political Philosophy
Politics
P. Norton, Legislatures
P. Norton, Parliament in British Politics
M. Smith, The Core Execuitve in Britain
Wright and Knapp, The Government and Politics of France (4th ed.)