BSc Economics with Political Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The BA in Economics with Political Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London is designed for students who want to understand how money, markets, and power interact to shape the world. You’ll learn how economic decisions influence governments — and how political systems, in turn, impact economic growth, policy, and society. If you’re curious about both global economics and political change, this program is a perfect blend of theory, data, and debate.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Laying the Foundations
Your first year builds your economic and political toolkit. Through core modules like Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods I, you’ll learn how to analyse markets, interpret data, and understand key economic models. Alongside this, Introduction to Political Studies introduces you to how governments, ideologies, and policies shape everyday life — helping you see economics from a real-world perspective.

Year 2 – Deepening Analysis and Global Insight
In your second year, you’ll apply your growing expertise to real-world scenarios. Courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics sharpen your analytical skills, while political options like Political Communication, Global Governance, or Comparative Politics explore how decisions made at the top ripple through societies and economies. You’ll learn to connect theory with practice — a key skill for future economists, consultants, or policymakers.

Year 3 – Specialisation and Application
Your final year lets you specialise and showcase your expertise. You can choose from advanced economic modules such as Game Theory, Labour Economics, or Economic History, while in political studies, you might explore International Institutions or Public Policy. You’ll also complete a research project or dissertation — a chance to investigate an issue you’re passionate about, blending both your economic and political insights.

Focus Areas:

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, political systems, governance, public policy, international relations

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills; interpret and apply economic theory; evaluate political structures and policy impact; communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) — earning you up to four professional exemptions and a valuable head start if you plan to pursue a career in business, finance, or consultancy.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Royal Holloway’s Politics Department ranks 11th in the UK (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), and its graduates are highly sought after for their strong analytical skills and cross-disciplinary understanding of economics and politics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, the Economics with Political Studies degree is all about connecting theory with real-world experience. You won’t just learn from lectures — you’ll work hands-on with data, debate real policy issues, and develop the analytical and digital skills that employers in business, finance, and government truly value. The program encourages curiosity and teamwork, helping you apply classroom learning to global economic and political challenges.

Here’s how that practical learning experience comes to life:

Economics Data Labs – Get real experience using industry-standard software like R and Python to analyse data, forecast trends, and evaluate policy outcomes in dedicated computer labs.
Quantitative & Econometrics Modules – Courses such as Quantitative Methods I and Econometrics give you the skills to handle real datasets, build models, and translate numbers into insights that matter.
Applied Political Studies Projects – Work collaboratively in seminars and group projects where you debate issues like governance, democracy, and global markets — gaining both teamwork and presentation experience.
Cross-Disciplinary Perspective – Combine economic reasoning with political understanding through case studies and real policy simulations that reflect the way economists and policymakers collaborate in the real world.
Career & Employability Support – Benefit from the university’s Careers & Employability Service, offering workshops, employer networking events, and one-on-one coaching to help you secure internships and graduate roles.

This program ensures you don’t just study economics and politics — you live them, working with real data, real issues, and real impact.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA in Economics with Political Studies from Royal Holloway, University of London, sets you up for a future that bridges business, policy, and global decision-making. You’ll leave with a powerful combination of analytical, quantitative, and political insight — skills that open doors in both the private and public sectors. Many graduates go on to become Economic Analysts, Public Policy Advisors, Financial Consultants, or Research Associates in government, finance, or international organisations.

Here’s how Royal Holloway helps you launch your career with confidence:

Personalised Career Support – The Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one career coaching, interview preparation, and exclusive networking events with employers in economics, banking, and public policy.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Economics graduates earn an average salary of around £30,000 within 15 months of graduating, with many progressing into competitive roles across finance, consulting, and government.
Industry & Global Links – The Department of Economics maintains close connections with employers, research institutions, and policy organisations, ensuring students gain real insight into how economics shapes the world.
Professional Value & Recognition – The program’s rigorous quantitative training means graduates are 40% more likely to earn above the national graduate average, demonstrating its long-term value in the job market.
Career Success Rate – Around 93% of Royal Holloway Economics graduates are employed or in further study within six months of completing their degree — a testament to the university’s strong career preparation.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to advance their studies with postgraduate programs such as:

MSc in Economics or Finance – to deepen analytical and research expertise.
MSc in Public Policy & Governance – for careers in government or global institutions.
MA in International Political Economy – to specialise in how politics and markets interact globally.

With this degree, you’ll be ready to step into influential roles that shape economies, policies, and societies — wherever in the world your ambitions take you.