BSc Economics with Political Studies with a Year in Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The BSc Economics with Political Studies with a Year in Business at Royal Holloway, University of London gives you the perfect blend of theory and real-world experience. You’ll explore how markets, governments, and global systems influence each other — while gaining hands-on business experience during your professional placement year. It’s an ideal choice if you’re interested in understanding how economic decisions are made and how political forces shape the business world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Foundation
In your first year, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of economics through modules like Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods I, developing a strong understanding of markets, mathematics, and data analysis. At the same time, Introduction to Political Studies introduces you to key political theories, systems, and institutions — helping you see how government policies influence economic outcomes.

Year 2 – Expanding Your Analytical & Global Perspective
You’ll strengthen your economic and analytical skills in courses such as Econometrics and Microeconomic Principles, while exploring politics through options like Global Governance or Political Communication. This combination helps you connect the dots between global politics, business trends, and economic decision-making.

Year 3 – The Year in Business Experience
Your third year is all about putting theory into practice. You’ll spend a full year working in a professional environment — whether at a business, NGO, or public organisation — gaining valuable experience, industry insight, and professional skills that will make your CV stand out after graduation.

Year 4 – Specialisation & Application
Returning to campus, you’ll take advanced modules like Game Theory, Financial Economics, or Industrial Economics, while deepening your political understanding through Public Policy or International Political Economy. You’ll also complete a research project or dissertation that allows you to explore a real issue at the intersection of economics, politics, and business.

Focus Areas:

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, business strategy, global governance, political institutions

Learning Outcomes:

Gain strong analytical and problem-solving skills; apply economics to business and policy contexts; understand how political decisions affect global markets; and communicate complex data-driven insights clearly and effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Royal Holloway’s School of Business and Management holds AACSB accreditation, ensuring your degree meets international standards for business education and career readiness.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Royal Holloway’s Department of Economics is recognised for its high employability outcomes and research excellence, with graduates going on to roles in finance, government, consulting, and international organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, your learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. From the very first year, you’ll work hands-on with real data, political case studies, and group projects that challenge you to think like an economist and act like a policymaker. The program blends theory with practical application — giving you the chance to analyse data with industry tools, discuss real-world political events in seminars, and gain a full year of professional experience through the Year in Business.

You’ll spend time in cutting-edge computer labs, collaborate in modern classrooms, and use the latest software like R to interpret and present data. The university’s dedicated placements team helps you secure internships and business roles that align with your career interests — whether that’s finance, government, consulting, or international relations.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the course:

Data-Driven Learning: Get hands-on with real economic data using R, a key analytical tool used by economists worldwide.
Applied Quantitative Skills: Use mathematics and statistics to tackle real economic and policy challenges in the “Mathematics for Economics” and “Data Skills for Economists” modules.
Interactive Seminars: Debate power, rights, and democracy in small, discussion-based classes where you connect theory to current global events.
Year in Business Placement: Spend your third year working in a real organisation — gaining industry experience and professional confidence before you graduate.
Politics in Action Module: Take your political knowledge into practice through placements with NGOs, local government, or media organisations.
Exceptional Learning Spaces: Study in the Emily Wilding Davison Building, home to Royal Holloway’s library, digital labs, and over 1,000 study spaces.
Career & Employability Support: Access one-on-one guidance, mock interviews, and employer networking through the university’s Econ@Work and Careers Service initiatives.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this course step confidently into a world where economics and politics meet real impact. Whether you picture yourself shaping government policy, analysing global markets, or advising businesses on strategy, this degree sets a solid foundation. The combination of rigorous academics and a real business placement year means you’ll graduate not only with knowledge, but with experience employers truly value.

Many students go on to exciting roles such as:

Economic Analyst – interpreting market trends and influencing corporate strategy.
Public Affairs or Policy Advisor – helping shape political or economic decisions.
Management Consultant – solving real-world business and policy challenges.
Civil Service Officer or NGO Associate – driving change through policy and governance.

And you won’t be doing it alone — Royal Holloway’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service guides you every step of the way:

Personalised career coaching & employer events: From mock interviews to networking with visiting employers, the service helps you build connections that matter.
Proven graduate success: Around 93% of graduates are in work or further study within six months of finishing their degree.
Competitive salaries: Economics graduates from Royal Holloway earn on average £30,000 within 15 months, and typically 40% above the national average in the long run.
Industry-linked learning: Your Year in Business connects you with real organisations — from finance and consultancy firms to government and NGOs — supported by the university’s placement team.
Recognised degree value: Royal Holloway’s Economics department has a strong reputation for employability and graduate outcomes across the UK and beyond.

This means that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only have an impressive academic record but also real-world experience that sets you apart in today’s global job market.

Further Academic Progression:
Your degree also opens a clear path for continued study and specialisation. Many graduates choose to:

Pursue a Master’s in Economics, Political Economy, or Public Policy at Royal Holloway or other top universities.
Specialise further through an MSc in Data Analytics, Finance, or Business Strategy — ideal for those who enjoyed the quantitative or business side of the degree.
Continue to PhD or MPhil research in economics, politics, or international relations.
Combine postgraduate study with professional qualifications in consulting, finance, or government policy.