Politics with Economics BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Keele University

Program Overview

Keele’s Politics with Economics degree helps you understand the forces shaping our world — from government decisions and global power shifts to markets, growth and real economic challenges. It’s a great choice if you’re curious about international affairs, enjoy analysing why economies behave the way they do, and want a degree that leads to careers in government, business, finance or policy-making.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Your Introduction to Politics & Economics

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation across both subjects. Through Why Politics Matters, you’ll explore how power works and why political systems succeed or struggle. In Introductory Microeconomics and Introductory Macroeconomics, you’ll learn how markets operate, what drives growth, and how economic decisions affect society. Modules like Quantitative Methods I also begin developing your analytical and data skills — essential for understanding modern politics and economics.

Year 2 – Connecting Ideas Across Both Fields

Your second year takes you deeper into political and economic systems. Introduction to Global Political Economy helps you understand how globalisation, trade, conflict and cooperation shape countries and markets. You’ll also continue strengthening your economics knowledge with intermediate micro/macro modules and expand your politics learning with modules that explore political change, public policy and governance. This is the year where you begin to think like a political economist — connecting political decisions with economic outcomes.

Year 3 – Specialising and Preparing for Your Future

In your final year, you’ll choose modules that match your interests — whether that’s international relations, public policy, economic modelling or political theory. You may also complete a major research project or dissertation that ties together your politics and economics training. By the end of the year, you’ll have a strong, personalised academic profile and practical skills that employers value.

Focus areas (string)

Political economy, governance, public policy, microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative analysis, global political systems.

Learning outcomes (string)

Critical thinking, political and economic evaluation, data literacy, policy analysis, research skills, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This programme is not linked to a single accreditation body, but it benefits from Keele’s strong Schools of Politics and Economics, and access to specialist tools like Bloomberg and STATA that support professional-level training.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Keele is ranked No. 1 in the West Midlands for Politics (Guardian University Guide 2026), and students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software used across business and finance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying Politics with Economics at Keele is how much you get to do, not just learn. You’ll move beyond theory and start working with real data, real policy challenges, and real organisations. From political simulations to economic analysis using industry-standard tools, Keele gives you a practical, hands-on learning environment that builds your confidence and prepares you for the workplace.

Here’s what that looks like throughout your studies:

Take part in political simulations and campaign-style activities, where you’ll work in groups to design policy ideas, create manifestos for social change, and draft policy memos — the kind of tasks real analysts and advisers tackle every day.
Use the Bloomberg Lab, with access to the professional Bloomberg Terminal software, to analyse financial markets, track economic trends and build real-world economic literacy.
Choose a placement year, study abroad year or entrepreneurship year, giving you the chance to gain industry experience, explore another country’s political and economic landscape, or even develop your own business idea.
Engage with external organisations, such as local councils or community partners, through modules that encourage you to apply your learning to real societal issues and develop your professional digital presence

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Politics with Economics degree from Keele opens doors to careers where you can genuinely shape decisions, influence policy and understand the financial forces behind major global issues. With this blend of skills, graduates often move into roles such as policy advisor, financial or economic analyst, NGO or charity project officer, or strategy and communications roles within government or the private sector. Employers value the mix of political insight, economic reasoning and data literacy that this programme develops — it’s a combination that gives you real flexibility.

To help you get there, Keele surrounds you with strong support and real opportunities:

You’ll benefit from the Careers & Employability team, offering one-to-one guidance, CV support, mock interviews, alumni mentoring and employer events tailored to the Social Sciences.
Keele is ranked Top 15 in the UK for graduate employability, giving your degree strong recognition in the job market.
Graduates in the West Midlands see a significant long-term boost — earning on average 36% more by age 31 compared to non-graduates, showing the value of a Keele degree.
Related programmes show that around 55% of graduates go into highly skilled roles, including finance, research, business analysis and public sector work.
Because your training spans politics and economics, you have long-term flexibility — you can move into public policy, consultancy, finance, research, governance, international organisations and more.

Further Academic Progression:

If you want to continue studying, this degree is an excellent platform for postgraduate pathways such as MA in International Relations, MSc in Political Economy, Public Policy, International Development, or even a Law conversion course. Your interdisciplinary background makes you a strong candidate for advanced academic and professional training.