Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary History, Politics and Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Autonomous University of Barcelona

Program Overview

The Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary History, Politics and Economics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) equips you with the interdisciplinary tools to tackle today's global challenges, blending historical context, political analysis, and economic insight for a multifaceted worldview. It's perfect if you're passionate about current events, crave multidisciplinary problem-solving, and want to analyze socio-political issues with real-world impact—think roles in international organizations or consultancies.

Curriculum Structure
First Year
You'll kick off with foundational knowledge to build a strong base, diving into Contemporary History I, where you'll explore key events from the 1930s onward that shaped our world, alongside Microeconomics, examining individual and firm-level decision-making, and Introduction to Political Science, which unpacks core concepts like power, governance, and ideologies. This year sets you up to connect historical turning points with economic behaviors and political systems, giving you the analytical edge right from the start. It's all about understanding how past events echo in today's headlines.

Second Year
Building momentum, you'll tackle Contemporary History II, tracing post-WWII developments and globalization's roots, paired with Macroeconomics, focusing on national economies, growth, and policy impacts, and Comparative Politics, comparing political systems worldwide. These courses sharpen your ability to link economic policies with political shifts across eras, preparing you to dissect complex global dynamics. Expect lively discussions on real crises like economic downturns and regime changes.

Third Year
Here, things get specialized with Economic History, analyzing how economic systems evolved in contemporary contexts, International Relations, covering diplomacy and global conflicts, and Public Economics, exploring government roles in markets and welfare. You'll learn to propose solutions for issues like inequality and trade wars, blending history's lessons with forward-thinking economics and politics. This year hones your skills for high-stakes analysis.

Fourth Year
Cap it off with advanced electives like Politics, War and Economics in the Age of Globalization, surveying theories on world politics and post-1991 institutions, plus options in geopolitical analysis or economic policy, culminating in a final project. You'll synthesize everything to address contemporary problems, gaining confidence in research and presentation. Graduates emerge ready to influence policy or media with nuanced, evidence-based views.

Focus Areas
Interdisciplinary analysis of contemporary global issues from the 1930s, emphasizing historical context, political processes, economic consequences, and multidisciplinary solutions to socio-economic challenges.

Learning Outcomes
Develop skills to analyze political issues in historical settings, propose economic solutions, synthesize data for current events, and communicate findings effectively—fostering versatility, critical thinking, and a global perspective.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This EHEA-aligned 240-credit degree (4 years) meets EU standards for bachelor's programs, delivered classroom-based across UAB's top faculties, with no specific external accreditation noted beyond UAB's quality assurance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UAB boasts strong employability, with grads landing roles in public administration, UN/World Bank, NGOs, consultancies, media, and research—bolstered by the university's HR Excellence in Research distinction and interdisciplinary prestige; high admission marks (9.006/10) signal selectivity and quality.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary History, Politics and Economics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), you'll dive into hands-on learning that builds real-world skills in analyzing political issues, economic impacts, and historical contexts—preparing you to tackle today's global challenges with confidence. Taught across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Political Science and Sociology, and Economics and Business Studies on the vibrant Bellaterra Campus, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary projects and discussions that sharpen your critical thinking and debating abilities, all while 80% of courses are in English to boost your international edge.

This practical focus shines through in dedicated opportunities like international mobility exchanges and research-aligned activities:

- International mobility programs with partners in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, letting you study abroad, experience diverse realities, and earn credits toward your degree—perfect for building a global network.
- Interdisciplinary group work across history, politics, and economics faculties, where you'll collaborate on analyzing socio-political and economic problems, defending ideas, and developing multifaceted solutions in classroom-based settings.
- Research facilities tied to the Department of Modern and Contemporary History (Building B, Bellaterra Campus), supporting advanced studies in political, social, and economic history—ideal for thesis-level projects or deepening your analytical skills.
- UAB exchange circuits for outgoing and incoming students, including procedures through the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, to integrate real-world perspectives into your studies.

These elements make this degree a standout choice for thoughtful students like you who thrive on debate and global insights—imagine applying right now to secure one of the 60 spots (admission mark 9.006) and kickstart your career. Check UAB's full facilities and services list here: https://www.uab.cat/web/universitat/facilities-and-services-1345662566275.html. Ready to take the next step? Let's chat about your application!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary History, Politics and Economics at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) are well prepared for careers in public institutions, international organisations, research centres, NGOs, consultancy firms, and the private sector. The programme develops strong analytical, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills, which are highly valued in today’s global job market. Typical career paths include policy advisor, international relations specialist, economic analyst, research consultant, and public affairs professional.

This degree provides strong professional support and excellent long-term value:

University Career Services: Students have access to career guidance, professional workshops, job fairs, and employer networking activities that help them connect with organisations in both the public and private sectors.
Internship Opportunities: The programme encourages practical experience through internships and external placements, allowing students to gain real-world skills before graduating.
Employment Statistics: Official graduate surveys show strong employment outcomes for UAB bachelor’s graduates, with a high percentage finding work within a few years after completing their degree.
University–Industry and Institutional Links: UAB maintains collaborations with public administrations, research institutions, international organisations, and companies, creating valuable opportunities for professional development and networking.
Long-Term Academic and Professional Recognition: As a degree from a leading public university recognised within the European Higher Education Area, it has strong national and international academic value.
Graduate Outcomes: The interdisciplinary training prepares students to understand complex political, social, and economic issues, making them adaptable and competitive in multiple career sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students can continue their studies by enrolling in official master’s programmes at UAB or other national and international universities. They may choose advanced studies in areas such as international relations, political science, economics, public policy, or research methods. For those interested in academic or research careers, it is also possible to pursue doctoral studies (PhD), leading to opportunities in universities, think tanks, and international organisations.