Economics and Politics BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aston University

Program Overview

The BSc Economics and Politics at Aston University combines economic analysis with political theory to examine how markets, governments, and institutions interact. It suits students interested in public policy, governance, global affairs, and applied economic decision-making.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Students study core modules such as Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Macroeconomics, and Introduction to Politics. This year builds foundational understanding of economic principles, political systems, and key analytical skills.

Year 2:
The programme advances to Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and politics-focused modules such as Political Theory or Comparative Politics. Students learn to apply economic and political frameworks to real-world policy and institutional issues, supported by quantitative methods.

Placement Year (optional):
Students may undertake a paid placement in government, business, NGOs, or public-sector organisations. This year enhances employability by applying economic and political analysis in professional settings.

Final Year:
Final-year study includes advanced options such as Public Economics, International Political Economy, Applied Econometrics, or Global Governance. The emphasis is on independent analysis, policy evaluation, and integrating economic reasoning with political insight.

Focus areas :
Economics; politics; public policy; political economy; econometrics; international relations.

Learning outcomes :
Ability to analyse economic and political problems; apply quantitative and qualitative methods; evaluate public policy; understand institutions and governance; conduct independent research; communicate complex arguments clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Prepares graduates for careers in public policy, government, consultancy, economics, political analysis, international organisations, and postgraduate study.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Aston University is recognised for strong graduate employability and industry engagement, with economics and social-science graduates performing well in UK league tables and employer outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, real-world experience on the Economics and Politics BSc (Hons) at Aston University — you’ll not only learn economic theory but actively apply it using industry-relevant tools, real workplaces, and cutting-edge facilities that mirror the working world.

From the start, you’ll engage in group projects, case-study work and an integrated placement year designed to build professional readiness. Here are the flagship experiential features of your programme:

A compulsory integrated placement year in your third year, lasting at least 30 weeks, allowing you to work full-time and gain direct industry experience within your field of economics.
Access to Aston’s dedicated Careers & Placements team, who support finding, approving and managing your placement, conduct mock interviews, and offer career-building workshops.
Strong emphasis on hands-on quantitative skills: modules and teaching methods use coding, simulations, group video presentations and data-analysis tools, embedded in the teaching of economics within Aston Business School.
High-quality facilities and student resources: according to the National Student Survey, 97% of students were positive about the library and subject-specific resources, and the university offers extensive IT suites and software access for economics students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Aston University's BSc Economics and Politics combine economic analysis with political insight, achieving exceptional employability with 97% of economics graduates employed (primarily in England) and politics ranked 5th UK for graduate prospects. The program's practical focus leads to high earnings (£35,400 median five years post-graduation) and strong long-term outcomes (6th UK politics graduates employed after five years). Alumni secure roles bridging policy, business, and public service amid rising demand.

Typical job roles: Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Political Risk Advisor, Public Affairs Specialist.

Careers service: Aston Careers+ workshops, CV coaching, employer fairs, alumni mentoring networks
Employment stats: 97% employed; £35.4k median at 5 years
Partnerships: government/policy firms for internships, live projects, guest lectures
Accreditation value: Aston Business School triple accreditation (#14 economics Guardian) for credentials
Graduation outcomes: trade/policy analysis, consulting, public service roles

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue MSc programs in public policy, international economics, or political economy at Aston or elite institutions, extending undergraduate research into advanced interdisciplinary analysis.