Economics, Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

If you're curious about how economies work, why governments make certain decisions, and how global events shape our future, this course gives you all three perspectives in one powerful degree. Royal Holloway’s BSc Economics, Politics and International Relations combines economic theory, political decision-making, and international affairs, making it perfect for students who want to influence policy, work in government, banking, diplomacy, or global organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year introduces you to the core ideas of all three subjects. In Principles of Economics, you’ll explore how markets function, inflation, unemployment, and economic decision-making. Alongside this, modules in politics and international relations, such as Introduction to Politics and Government and Introduction to International Relations, help you understand how power, diplomacy, and political institutions shape everyday life.

Year 2 – Applying Theory to Real Issues
In the second year, you start connecting data with real-world challenges. Economics modules focus on using statistics and mathematical tools to solve problems — you'll work with topics like Econometrics and Intermediate Microeconomics/Macroeconomics. In politics and IR, you may study International Political Economy, Global Governance, or Comparative Politics, analysing how governments respond to economic crises, elections, or international conflict.

Year 3 – Specialisation and Independent Study
Your final year is where you take full control of your learning. You’ll choose optional modules that match your interests — these could include Financial Crises and Risk, Political Economy of Development, European Union Public Policy, or Global Inequality. You may also complete an independent research project or dissertation where you combine economics and politics to explore a topic you’re passionate about.

Focus areas (in a string):

“economic theory, econometrics, political systems, international relations, global governance, political economy, policy analysis”

Learning outcomes (in a string):

“graduates will be able to apply economic models and statistical tools, evaluate political and international systems, connect economic and political insights to global events, and present complex ideas clearly and logically”

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This degree isn't linked to a single professional qualification, but it’s closely aligned with careers in government, banking, policy-making, diplomacy, consultancy, finance, NGOs, and international organisations — industries that value analytical thinking, data skills, and global awareness.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Royal Holloway’s Politics and International Relations department is ranked 2nd in the UK for research quality (REF 2021).
Graduates from this course have a median salary of £34,500 within 15 months, rising to around £45,500 after five years (DiscoverUni).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This course isn’t just theory-heavy — it’s built to help you practice economics, politics, and international relations the way real analysts, policymakers and researchers do. From your first year, you’ll be working with real-world datasets, debating political decisions, using economic software, and learning how governments and financial systems respond to global issues. You’ll study in small seminars, technology-enabled classrooms, and computer labs that are designed for data analysis and research.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s what hands-on learning looks like in this degree:

Data and Software Training (from Year 1)
In the module Data Skills for Economists, you’ll start using real data and statistical tools like R to analyse economic trends — a skill employers in finance, policy analysis and consultancy actively look for.
Economics & Quantitative Labs
Modules such as Mathematics for Economics and Quantitative Methods are taught using computer labs where you don’t just learn equations — you apply them to solve real economic and political problems.
Research and Problem-Solving Projects
Throughout your studies, you’ll take on group tasks that link all three subjects — for example, analysing a financial crisis, assessing government responses or debating international policy decisions. This helps you build teamwork, research and presentation skills.
Guest Lectures and Research Seminars
You’ll get to attend talks and seminars run by academics, policy advisors, economists and political researchers. These are organised by the Departments of Economics and Politics & International Relations and allow students to engage with current issues like global inflation, elections, climate policy and international conflict.
Access to Academic Databases and Digital Resources
You’ll use specialist tools like the Oxford Handbooks of Political Science, JSTOR, economic data archives and international policy databases — the same platforms used by researchers and professionals.
Final-Year Specialisation & Research Project
In your final year, you choose modules based on your interests such as Financial Crises and Risk, Political Economy of Development, or Global Governance. You can also complete an independent dissertation where you combine economics and politics to explore a real issue — like inflation, inequality, conflict or foreign policy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree opens doors to careers where economic understanding meets political decision-making. Graduates are equipped to work in government, global organisations, finance, consultancy, or policy research. Many alumni go into roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Services Officer, Public Affairs Consultant, Financial or Business Analyst — roles that value people who can connect data, politics, and global events.

To support your career journey, Royal Holloway gives you real, structured help:

Career Support You Can Actually Use:
The university’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one coaching, CV and cover letter workshops, employer networking events, and career fairs. Economics students also benefit from the department’s Economics@Work programme, where graduates and employers share insight into careers in banking, policy, civil service, and consultancy.
Graduate Employment & Salary Stats:
Graduates from this course earn a median salary of around £34,500 within 15 months, rising to £45,500 after five years (DiscoverUni). A strong proportion of students go into employment or further study, thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of economics, politics, and IR.
Industry Links & Work Exposure:
Students can apply for placements in MP offices, policy institutes, NGOs, financial firms, and local government through the Politics & International Relations placement scheme. Departments also invite guest speakers from institutions like the Bank of England, House of Commons, Civil Service, think tanks, and international organisations.
Long-Term Value of the Degree:
While this course isn’t tied to one specific professional accreditation, it gives you something more powerful — transferable skills that employers trust: data analysis, problem solving, political awareness, economic reasoning, negotiation, and persuasive communication.
Typical Graduates Work In:
✔ Government & Diplomacy – Policy Analyst, Civil Service Fast Stream Officer, Diplomatic Services Officer
✔ Finance & Consulting – Economic/Financial Analyst, Business Strategy Analyst, Risk Consultant
✔ International Organisations & NGOs – Development Officer, Human Rights Policy Advisor
✔ Media & Public Affairs – Political Journalist, Public Affairs Officer, Researcher at think tanks

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to study further, this degree sets you up well for:

MSc in International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, or Political Economy
MA in Global Governance, Diplomacy, or International Security
Law Conversion (PGDL) for students wanting to enter legal professions
MPhil/PhD research in Economics, Politics, International Relations, or Development Studies