BSc Economics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered why countries go to war, how governments make decisions, or why some voices carry more weight in global debates, this course is for you. The Politics and International Relations BA at Queen Mary is designed for curious minds who want to explore both the theory and the practice of politics — from Westminster to the United Nations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll start by building your foundations. Core modules like Thinking Politically, Introduction to International Relations, and Political Analysis will give you the key concepts and tools to study politics. You’ll also dive into practical learning with Politics in Action, while optional modules such as Background to British Politics or Global Histories let you explore different perspectives right from the beginning.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll sharpen your research and analytical skills. Core modules such as Social Science Methodologies and Modern Political Thought or International Relations Theory will deepen your understanding of how to study politics. Then you get to choose — perhaps you’ll look at Politics of the EU, Foreign Policy Analysis, or Power in Global Governance. If you’re more theory-minded, modules like Modernity: Theories of the State, Economy and Society will be right up your alley.

Year 3
Your final year is where you specialise and really make the degree your own. You’ll work on a Dissertation in Politics/International Relations, guided by a supervisor, and explore advanced topics such as Global Ethics, Environmental Politics, Migration and the Politics of Belonging, or Latin American Politics. This is your chance to tailor your degree to your passions and career goals.

Focus Areas

“Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, global governance, foreign policy, research methods.”

Learning Outcomes

“Graduates leave with the ability to question political systems, analyse global challenges, conduct independent research, and present compelling arguments with confidence.”

Professional Alignment

While there isn’t a formal external accreditation, the course is closely tied to real-world political practice. You’ll be taught by active researchers, often working on issues that appear in today’s headlines, and you’ll benefit from Queen Mary’s London location — just a tube ride from Parliament, international NGOs, and major think tanks.

Reputation

Queen Mary is ranked among the UK’s top universities, and its graduates are sought after in fields like government, media, policy, NGOs, and international organisations. Alumni have gone on to careers at the UK Home Office, the Houses of Parliament, and leading global think tanks. The programme’s reputation for academic rigour and employability ensures you’ll graduate ready to make an impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, this isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll be learning by doing. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience with real-world financial data, industry-standard tools, and opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical settings. Whether you’re analysing global economic trends in the trading lab or preparing for a placement year, everything is designed to help you step confidently into the professional world.

Here’s a taste of the opportunities you’ll benefit from:

Bloomberg Trading Lab – step into the shoes of a market analyst using Bloomberg terminals, working with the same real-time financial and economic data that professionals rely on.
Dedicated computer labs – access powerful software like Stata, Matlab, Mathematica, and Wolfram Finance Platform to sharpen your analytical and modelling skills.
Specialist databases – explore resources such as Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), CRSP, and Compustat, along with Bloomberg subscriptions, giving you insider access to financial and economic data used worldwide.
Stay globally informed – free subscriptions to The Economist and Financial Times mean you’ll always be up to date with current affairs, international policy shifts, and market developments.
Year in Industry or Year Abroad – add real depth to your degree by gaining work experience in a professional setting or spending a year studying in another country.
Events and workshops – through initiatives like Focus on Economics, you’ll meet guest speakers from finance, policy, and international organisations, helping you discover where your degree could take you.

These opportunities mean you won’t just graduate with theoretical knowledge — you’ll have the practical experience, digital skills, and global outlook that employers and graduate schools value most.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Economics and International Relations from Queen Mary opens doors in both the financial world and the global policy arena. Many graduates step into careers as policy analysts, consultants, financial specialists, or international relations officers. Because the programme blends rigorous economics with a global outlook, you’ll be ready to work in government, NGOs, international organisations, or major businesses that shape our global economy.

Here’s how Queen Mary helps you take that next step:

Careers & Enterprise support – from personalised CV checks to interview prep, internships, and employer networking events, you’ll have a team dedicated to making you career-ready.
Excellent outcomes – 89% of Economics & Finance graduates are in work or further study just 15 months after graduating.
High-skilled jobs – 91% of those employed move directly into professional roles.
Strong earning potential – the average graduate salary is around £34,500 only a year after graduation.
Industry connections – Queen Mary graduates have gone on to work at leading organisations such as Deloitte, EY, HSBC, and even Google.
Future-proof skills – your mix of economic modelling, policy analysis, and international awareness is valuable no matter how the global job market changes.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree sets you up perfectly for a Master’s in Economics, International Relations, Global Development, or Public Policy. Many students also branch into data analytics, security studies, or finance qualifications, while others choose to pursue a PhD and build careers in research or academia.