Economics and International Relations with Year Abroad BSc (Econ) (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

This degree is perfect if you’re curious about how economics and politics shape our world — from global trade and development to diplomacy and international institutions. With the built-in Year Abroad, you’ll not only study these issues in London but also experience them first-hand in another country, giving you a unique global perspective that employers really value.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the essentials of both economics and international relations. You’ll study modules like World Economy, Macroeconomics 1, Microeconomics 1, and Introduction to International Relations, alongside Politics in Action and Mathematical Methods in Economics and Finance. It’s a solid foundation that helps you understand how markets and governments operate, while also starting to think about your own career with a Personal and Career Development Plan.

Year 2
Your second year is where things get more applied and analytical. You’ll explore International Relations Theory and Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research, while also deepening your economics knowledge with Macroeconomics 2, International Trade, and Games and Strategies. You’ll then have the freedom to choose electives such as International Finance, Comparative Politics, or Foreign Policy Analysis, depending on where your interests are heading.

Year 3 (Year Abroad)
This is your chance to take your studies global. You’ll spend a full year at one of Queen Mary’s partner universities around the world, experiencing new teaching styles, cultures, and perspectives. Whether it’s studying European politics in Paris or development economics in Asia, this year abroad gives you stories, insights, and skills that stay with you for life — and look fantastic on your CV.

Year 4
Back in London for your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in the areas you’ve become most passionate about. On the economics side, you might pick Development Economics, Public Economics, or Behavioural Economics, while in international relations you could choose Globalisation: Issues and Debates, Nationalism and Ethnicity in International Relations, or Politics of the Middle East. This year is all about building your expertise and confidence so you’re ready for the next step — whether that’s a graduate role or further study.

Focus areas

Economics and policy, international politics, quantitative and analytical skills, global trade and finance, development and diplomacy, cross-cultural perspectives through a year abroad.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to think critically about global economic and political challenges, apply statistical and analytical methods to real problems, debate and understand international relations theories, and work effectively in diverse international environments.

Professional alignment

The programme is jointly taught by the School of Economics and Finance and the School of Politics and International Relations, both with strong links to employers and policy organisations. You’ll also have access to Bloomberg trading terminals, employability workshops, and career support that connects you to opportunities in finance, government, NGOs, and beyond.

Reputation

Queen Mary ranks 25th in the UK for Economics (Complete University Guide 2020).
Graduates have gone on to top organisations like Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, HMRC, KPMG, PwC, and international policy institutions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, this degree isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll constantly be applying what you learn. From using live market data in our trading lab to developing your presentation skills through group projects, everything is designed to give you hands-on experience that feels relevant and practical. The highlight is, of course, your Year Abroad, where you’ll live and study in another country, learning first-hand how economics and politics play out in different contexts.

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

Bloomberg Trading Lab: You’ll get access to around 29 Bloomberg terminals, the same software used in banks and investment firms, to track markets, run analyses, and understand how economic decisions play out in real time.
Specialist computer labs: With 64 PCs across two dedicated rooms, you’ll use software like Stata, Matlab, Mathematica, Eviews, ArcGIS, and more to carry out real data analysis and simulations.
Premium databases and subscriptions: You’ll be working with resources like WRDS (Wharton Research Data Services), Global Financial Data, Macrobond, plus subscriptions to The Economist and Financial Times, so your coursework is always backed by real-world insights.
Collaborative coursework: Many modules involve projects, presentations, and group assignments, so you’ll sharpen the teamwork and communication skills employers look for.
Year Abroad: Spend your third year studying overseas at one of Queen Mary’s partner universities — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain new perspectives and build global experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave Queen Mary with a unique mix of analytical and global skills, ready to make an impact in both economic and international policy arenas. Many go on to exciting roles such as:

Economic Analyst – interpreting data and advising organisations on economic trends
Policy Advisor – shaping government or NGO strategies with evidence-based insights
International Relations Consultant – supporting cross-border projects and diplomacy
Financial Risk Manager – assessing and managing financial uncertainties in companies

To help you reach these roles, Queen Mary offers a wealth of support and opportunities:

Careers and Enterprise Centre – personalised guidance, workshops, and networking events to boost your employability.
qNomics – a student-led initiative where you can apply economics and finance theory to real-world problems.
Graduate Outcomes – 90% of QMUL graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Average Starting Salary – Economics and Finance graduates earn around £34,000 on average in the UK.
Industry Partnerships – connections with over 250 organisations globally, giving access to internships, placements, and international experience.
Accreditation & Curriculum Relevance – the programme aligns with professional and industry standards, ensuring your skills are up-to-date and sought after.

Further Academic Progression:

After your degree, the world is wide open:

Postgraduate Study – you could continue with a Master’s in Economics, International Relations, or related fields to specialise further.
Research Opportunities – engage in MRes or PhD programmes, including options through QMUL’s partner institutions.
Professional Qualifications – enhance your career with certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FRM (Financial Risk Manager).
International Programs – take advantage of Queen Mary’s global partnerships to study abroad or participate in international research collaborations.

With this mix of skills, support, and global exposure, you’ll leave QMUL ready to thrive in a variety of careers or continue your studies at the next level.