Economics and International Relations with integrated foundation year

One of the best parts of studying Economics and International Relations at Queen Mary is how much you get to learn by doing. It’s not just lectures and essays — you’ll spend time working with real financial data, practising on the same software professionals use, and developing teamwork skills through workshops and projects. These experiences make the transition from university to the workplace much smoother, because you’ll already be familiar with the tools and environments that employers value.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll get to experience:

• Trading Lab with Bloomberg Terminals – step into a 25-seat trading floor environment where you’ll analyse live market data and learn to think like a professional economist or financial analyst.

• Specialist software at your fingertips – from Stata and Matlab to Eviews and ArcGIS, you’ll gain hands-on practice with the same packages used in government, consultancy, and international organisations.

• Premium data access – you’ll work with top resources like Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), Macrobond, the Financial Times, and The Economist, giving you insider access to the kind of datasets policy advisors and analysts rely on.

• Modern learning spaces – your seminars and group projects often take place in the Graduate Centre, with Harvard-style lecture theatres and collaborative rooms designed for debate and discussion.

• Career-focused preparation – you’ll even get access to psychometric testing tools, helping you practise the assessments that top employers use in their recruitment processes.

By combining cutting-edge technology with career-focused training, Queen Mary makes sure you graduate not only with knowledge but also with the practical skills and confidence to stand out.

Graduating from this programme puts you in a strong position for both global and UK careers. You’ll leave with a mix of economic insight, analytical skills, and international awareness that employers really value. Many graduates move into areas like policy, finance, consulting, or even diplomacy — so whether you see yourself shaping government strategy, advising clients at a top firm, or working with international organisations, this degree gives you the right foundation.

Typical career paths include:

• Economic or Policy Analyst in government or think-tanks

• Consultant in strategy, management, or economics

• Finance and banking roles in London’s financial sector

• Diplomatic or international affairs positions in NGOs or global institutions

 How Queen Mary helps you get there:

• Dedicated careers support: You’ll benefit from weekly workshops, CV and interview coaching, and sector-specific events through the School of Economics and Finance’s careers team.

• Real employer links: Take part in the Focus on Economics and Focus on Finance programmes, which bring in employers like Barclays, KPMG and Lloyd’s of London for networking and taster schemes.

• Graduate success: Around 89% of graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, and 91% of those are in highly skilled roles. Average salaries sit around £34,500, with strong growth just a few years into your career.

• Industry-standard tools: Learn with Bloomberg trading terminals and financial databases, giving you the same tools used by professionals in the City of London.

• Global reputation: The degree combines rigorous economics training with political insight, recognised worldwide by employers and universities alike.

 Further Academic Progression

If you’d like to continue studying, this degree opens doors to:

• Master’s programmes in Economics, International Relations, Development, or Public Policy

• Professional qualifications, such as the CFA, if you’re drawn to finance

• PhD research for those who want to shape knowledge and policy at the highest level

 In short, this degree doesn’t just prepare you for your first job — it sets you up for a long-term career where you can make an impact, whether that’s in finance, policy, or international affairs.