Bachelors of Economics / Arts(Political Science)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland is an exciting dual degree that combines strong economic analysis with a deep understanding of political systems. It’s ideal for students who want to explore how economic forces shape societies and how politics and policy influence decision-making, all while developing analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued in a wide range of careers.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both economics and political science. Economics courses such as Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics teach you how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions and respond to changing markets. At the same time, political science units like Introduction to Political Ideas and Australian Politics introduce you to the fundamentals of governance and public life, helping you see how economic and political systems interact.

Year 2
Your second year deepens your understanding and starts to connect theory to real-world issues. Economics units like Economics of Strategy and Behaviour and Economics and Public Policy develop your ability to analyse behaviour and assess the economic impact of public policies. In political science, subjects such as Political Problems and Public Policy and Political Thought: Machiavelli to Modernity expand your knowledge of historical and contemporary political ideas and practices.

Year 3
By the third year, you begin to specialise and apply your skills to more complex questions. In economics, units like Econometrics or Macroeconomic Policy Analysis give you hands-on experience with data and real-world economic challenges. Political science courses at this stage explore advanced topics in political behaviour, global governance, and policy evaluation, helping you develop the critical thinking skills needed for strategy and decision-making.

Year 4
Your final year brings everything together, letting you focus on your career goals. Through advanced economics electives and political science courses, you’ll refine your ability to evaluate major economic trends and political strategies, completing projects and assignments that prepare you for roles in policy, analysis, research, or leadership. This year is all about integrating your knowledge and gaining confidence for the next step in your career.

Focus areas:

Economic theory, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, public policy analysis, political ideas, governance, political problems, and policy evaluation

Learning outcomes:

Develop strong analytical and quantitative skills, understand economic behaviour and policy impacts, critically evaluate political systems and ideas, and communicate complex economic and political insights effectively

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This degree provides recognised expertise in economics and political science, equipping you for careers that require economic analysis alongside an understanding of political processes and public policy.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Queensland is ranked 1st in Queensland for arts and humanities and 3rd in Australia for business and economics, reflecting its strong academic reputation and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UQ, studying the Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) isn’t just about lectures and exams — it’s about gaining practical skills and real-world experience that prepare you for your career. You’ll have opportunities to work on research projects, take part in internships and placements, join student-led communities, and use professional tools and digital platforms that help you apply what you learn in economics and political science to real situations:

Research projects and scholarships: Participate in summer or winter research programs through the School of Economics, where you work alongside academics on real questions in areas like political economy, public policy, or behavioural economics.
Economics engagement opportunities: Programs like the Economics eCorner connect you with industry events, data analysis workshops, and coding modules, helping you develop practical skills and understand how economic theory applies in professional contexts.
Work experience and internships: UQ’s Careers and Employability team supports a wide range of internships and work placements, including global opportunities, giving you hands-on experience and a chance to build professional networks before you graduate.
Student societies and communities: Joining groups such as the UQ Politics, Philosophy & Economics Society or the Political Science & International Relations Society lets you attend networking events, panel discussions, and social activities, helping you build connections and leadership skills outside the classroom.
Library and digital tools: UQ’s libraries and online study platforms give you access to extensive research resources, collaborative study spaces, and digital tools, supporting independent research, group projects, and professional report writing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland leave ready to make an impact in a wide range of careers. With strong analytical, economic, and political skills, you could find yourself shaping policy, advising organisations, analysing data, or helping guide strategic decisions. Typical roles include Economic Analyst, Policy Advisor, Government Relations Officer, or Research Consultant:

Career support services: UQ’s Careers and Employability team supports you throughout your degree, offering personalised career advice, mock interviews, resume and LinkedIn guidance, industry networking events, and tailored internship opportunities to help you transition smoothly from study to work.
Employment outcomes and salary: UQ graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with many securing full-time work shortly after graduation. Roles in economics, policy, and related fields typically offer competitive starting salaries in line with national benchmarks for analytical and quantitative professions. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 65,000 and 80,000 per annum.
University–industry partnerships: UQ has strong connections with government departments, economic consultancies, research centres, and advisory organisations, giving you chances for internships, mentoring, and professional engagement before you graduate.
Long-term accreditation value: This dual degree combines internationally recognised training in economics and political science, giving you credentials valued across sectors, from public policy and international development to economic consulting and government roles.
Graduate destinations: Alumni go on to work in economic analysis, policy development, strategic consulting, public service, international organisations, financial services, research, and community advocacy, applying both economic reasoning and political insight to real-world challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you can continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Postgraduate options include a Master of Economics, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or Master of Data Science, building on your undergraduate foundation and opening doors to research, policy leadership, consultancy, or international roles. You could also pursue an Honours or PhD pathway if you’re interested in academic or high-level analytical careers.