Economics and Politics

In Year 1 you’ll explore key concepts and debates in economics, as well as gaining the mathematical skills that you’ll need for economic analysis. You’ll also develop the critical and research skills you need to study politics, and learn about political theory and different political systems.

Core modules in Year 2 will give you a broad and deep understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics, and you’ll be introduced to econometrics. In addition, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules in both subjects so you can begin to develop your own interests.

These will include one module on political theory and others focusing on governments and political systems, as well as a broader range of topic such as security studies, theories of development and international relations. In economics, you could learn more about theories of economic growth or macroeconomic policy, as well as specialised modules in transport, labour or health economics among others.

In your final year you’ll apply your knowledge and skills to your dissertation - an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Around this, you’ll build your own programme of study in both subjects, with topics as diverse as economic development, global economic co-ordination, political psychology, international banking and finance or gender and violence.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Economics and Global History 10 credits
• Economic Theory and Applications 1 20 credits
• Studying and Researching in POLIS 5 credits
• Comparative Politics 20 credits
• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits

Optional modules

• Mathematics for Economics and Business 1 10 credits
• Statistics for Economics and Business 1 10 credits
• Mathematical Economics 10 credits

Discovery modules

• You may choose up to 40 credits of discovery modules

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Intermediate Microeconomics 10 credits
• Economics Research Methods 10 credits
• Introduction to Econometrics 10 credits
• Intermediate Macroeconomics 10 credits

Optional modules

• Introduction to Health Economics 10 credits
• Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution 10 credits
• Macroeconomic Policy and Performance in Britain 10 credits
• The International Economic Environment 10 credits
• How to be a Successful Policy Economist 10 credits
• The Conservative Party Since 1945 20 credits
• The Labour Party Since 1945 20 credits
• Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
• Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
• State and Politics in Africa 20 credits