Economics, Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

At Oxford Brookes, your learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks — it’s all about applying knowledge to real-world scenarios and building the skills employers look for. Throughout this course, you’ll work with real economic data, simulate policy decisions, debate political strategies, and analyse global issues just like professionals do. With access to industry-standard tools and opportunities to gain hands-on experience, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in the fields of government, finance, diplomacy, and beyond.

Here’s how Oxford Brookes helps you turn theory into practice:

• Real-world financial simulations – Learn to interpret and analyse live market data using the university’s state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Suite, the same platform used by financial analysts and economists worldwide.

• Collaborative group projects – Work alongside classmates on real policy challenges, presentations, simulations, and debates, helping you develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Interactive digital learning tools – Enhance your understanding through computer-based simulations, online discussion groups, and self-assessment quizzes that make complex economic and political ideas easier to grasp.

• Work placements with leading employers – Between your second and final year, you can complete a placement year with top organisations such as IBM, The Walt Disney Company, John Lewis, or the Office for National Statistics, gaining invaluable experience and building your CV.

• Global perspective through study abroad – Spend part of your degree studying overseas to explore international systems and cultures firsthand, deepening your understanding of global economics and politics.

• Access to powerful research tools – Use the university’s extensive digital libraries, journal databases, and econometric software to conduct professional-level research and complete your dissertation with confidence.

A degree in Economics, Politics, and International Relations from Oxford Brookes is your gateway to a wide range of impactful careers in government, policy, finance, and international organisations. You’ll graduate with the skills to analyse complex global issues, influence decision-making, and shape policies that make a difference. Many of our graduates go on to careers as Policy Analysts, Economic Consultants, International Relations Officers, and Public Affairs Specialists, using their knowledge to drive change at local, national, and global levels.

And Oxford Brookes will support you every step of the way:

• Dedicated careers support – The university’s expert Careers Service helps you prepare for life after graduation with CV and application reviews, interview coaching, networking workshops, and career events — and continues to support you for up to three years after you graduate.

• Strong employment outcomes – Around 90% of graduates from this course are working or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, and average salaries sit at around £28,500 soon after graduation.

• Valuable industry connections – You’ll have opportunities to gain experience with top organisations like IBM, The Walt Disney Company, John Lewis, and the Office for National Statistics, thanks to Brookes’ strong employer partnerships and internship programmes.

• Access to opportunities – Through the university’s JobTeaser portal, careers fairs, and employer events, you’ll connect directly with recruiters looking for graduates with your skills.

• Respected, future-focused degree – Although not tied to a single accreditation, the course’s interdisciplinary nature and research-led teaching ensure your qualification is valued across economics, policy, business, and international affairs sectors.

• x Diverse career destinations – Alumni from this programme now work in government departments, think tanks, international NGOs, financial institutions, and global consultancies — proving how versatile and in-demand these skills are.

 Further Academic Progression

Many students choose to deepen their expertise with postgraduate study. You could pursue a master’s in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or Global Governance, opening the door to advanced research, high-level policy roles, work in international organisations, or even doctoral study and an academic career.