BA in Economics and Politics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Durham University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how governments make decisions, how economies grow, and how policies shape our world, Durham’s BA Economics and Politics is the perfect degree for you. It blends the rigour of economic theory with the insight of political analysis, giving you the tools to understand — and influence — the forces that drive change in societies, markets, and governments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building your foundations
Your first year is all about building a strong understanding of both disciplines. You’ll explore the core principles of how economies function in Principles of Economics, and learn the mathematical and statistical techniques behind economic analysis in Economic Methods. Modules like Global Economic History put theory into context by examining how past events shaped today’s world. Alongside this, you’ll dive into politics with modules such as Introduction to Political Theory, Comparative Politics, or International Relations, giving you a solid grounding in political ideas and institutions.

Year 2 – Expanding your perspective
In second year, you’ll take your knowledge further and begin connecting economics and politics more deeply. You’ll study Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, exploring everything from consumer behaviour to national economic performance, and develop a deeper understanding of Economic Theory. On the politics side, modules like Global Political Economy, Foundations of Western Political Thought, or Politics Research Project will help you investigate how global power dynamics and economic forces interact. By the end of this year, you’ll have the analytical skills to examine real-world issues from multiple perspectives.

Year 3 – Specialising and shaping your future
Your final year is where you make the degree your own. A major part is the Dissertation, where you’ll research a topic you’re passionate about — from climate policy to inequality or global governance. You can also tailor your studies by choosing advanced modules in areas such as Environmental Economics, Development Policy, Security and Conflict, Gender and Politics, or International Relations. This final stage is designed to help you specialise in the fields that match your career goals.

Focus areas: economic theory, political institutions and behaviour, public policy, global political economy, quantitative methods, research and comparative politics

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of economic and political systems, confidence in quantitative and statistical methods, and the ability to think critically about how policies and markets shape our world.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Although this degree does not carry a formal professional accreditation, it is delivered by one of the UK’s most respected departments for economics and politics and is designed to meet the high standards expected by employers and postgraduate institutions worldwide.

Reputation (employability & rankings):

Durham ranks 6th in the UK for Economics (Complete University Guide 2026) and 4th in The Guardian University Guide 2025.
Graduate outcomes are outstanding: 87% of economics graduates and 88% of politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with over 95% in professional-level roles.
Graduates typically earn average starting salaries of around £40,000 (economics) and £32,425 (politics).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Durham, learning economics and politics goes far beyond textbooks and lectures — it’s about applying your knowledge in real-world contexts and building the skills employers are looking for. From placements and international study to workshops, research projects, and access to cutting-edge facilities, this degree is designed to help you experience how theory works in practice. You’ll work with real data, debate current issues with guest experts, and even conduct your own research alongside world-leading academics.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout your degree:

Work placements to boost employability: You have the option to transfer into the BA Economics and Politics with Placement Year pathway, spending at least 40 weeks working in a relevant organisation. It’s a powerful way to build industry experience, grow your professional network, and make your CV stand out before graduation.
Study abroad for a global perspective: Durham offers a Study Abroad version of this degree, giving you the chance to spend a year at one of the university’s partner institutions overseas. This international experience deepens your understanding of global political and economic systems and helps you develop the cross-cultural skills employers value.
Real-world insights through guest lectures and case studies: Many of your modules include talks from policymakers, economists, and industry experts, as well as case studies drawn from real political and economic events — ensuring what you learn in class is directly connected to what’s happening in the world.
Access to specialist research centres: As a student, you’ll benefit from Durham’s cutting-edge research environment. You can attend seminars and events run by centres such as the Centre for Experimental Methods & Behavioural Research, the Centre for Macroeconomic Policy, and the Centre for Environmental & Energy Economics, all of which explore the latest challenges shaping economies and societies.
Modern facilities designed for collaboration: Most of your teaching takes place in the Lower Mountjoy Teaching and Learning Centre, an inspiring space equipped with advanced lecture theatres, group project areas, and digital learning tools.
World-class libraries and data resources: Durham’s Bill Bryson Library and Palace Green Library provide access to vast collections of books, journals, archives, and economic and political data. You’ll also use specialist databases to support your research projects and assignments.
Workshops and research events: Regular departmental seminars, policy debates, and workshops give you the chance to engage with leading academics and external professionals — a great way to expand your network and learn how research influences real-world decision-making.
Interdisciplinary opportunities: Through Durham’s Institute of Advanced Study, you’ll have opportunities to explore topics that cut across economics, politics, and wider societal issues, broadening your understanding and sharpening your critical thinking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Economics and Politics from Durham is more than just an academic qualification — it’s a launchpad into a wide range of impactful and rewarding careers. Because you’ll graduate with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of how policies are made, and the ability to interpret complex data, you’ll be highly sought-after in sectors such as public policy, financial services, political consultancy, international development, and government. Typical graduate roles include policy analyst, financial consultant, diplomatic officer, and economic researcher.

Here’s how Durham sets you up for career success:

Outstanding careers support: From your first year, Durham’s Careers & Enterprise Centre offers tailored one-to-one advice, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and sector-specific career fairs — all designed to help you transition confidently into the workplace.
Powerful employer connections: Many Economics and Politics graduates go on to work with top employers such as Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, JP Morgan, Lloyds Banking Group, and in prestigious public sector roles at organisations like HMRC and the National Audit Office.
Impressive graduate outcomes: Around 91% of Durham economics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, and more than 95% of those roles are professional or graduate-level positions. Typical starting salaries are around £38,000, reflecting the high demand for Durham graduates in the job market.
Global reputation employers trust: Durham’s global standing adds significant weight to your degree — the university ranks 64th in the world for employer reputation (QS 2026), giving you an advantage when applying for competitive roles worldwide.
Real-world relevance: The combination of economic theory and political insight you’ll gain is exactly what employers in finance, consultancy, government, NGOs, and international organisations are looking for.
Long-term career value: This interdisciplinary degree doesn’t just prepare you for your first job — it equips you with the adaptability and strategic thinking skills to grow into leadership roles as your career progresses.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates choose to deepen their expertise with postgraduate study. With a BA in Economics and Politics, you’ll be well-prepared for master’s degrees in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or Development Studies. Durham offers an excellent MSc in Economics that many of its undergraduates continue into, and you could even progress further to a PhD, leading to careers in academia, policy research, or high-level governmental and international roles.