Economics and Politics, MA

At Aberdeen, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. This degree is built to help you apply economic and political theory to real-world challenges, develop practical skills, and build a strong professional profile before you graduate. From research projects and group simulations to employer-led consultancy work and internships, you’ll get hands-on experience every step of the way. The university’s cutting-edge facilities — including one of the UK’s most advanced libraries, research centres, and digital resources — give you everything you need to succeed both academically and professionally.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, career-ready experience throughout the program:

• Real-world consultancy project: In your third year, you’ll work with external organisations on the Employer-Led Interdisciplinary Project (ED3537). You’ll collaborate in teams to solve genuine business or policy challenges, present your recommendations, and gain practical project-management experience.

• Internships with top employers: Through the university’s ABDN Internships programme, you can secure paid placements — part-time during term or full-time over the summer — with government bodies, NGOs, and private companies. These experiences strengthen your CV and open doors to graduate roles.

• Applied group work and simulations: Many modules include team-based projects, debates, and policy simulations, helping you practise communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills that employers value.

• Access to world-class resources: You’ll benefit from the Sir Duncan Rice Library, a state-of-the-art learning space with vast digital and print collections, research databases, and collaborative work areas dedicated to politics, economics, and social sciences.

• Career-focused support and events: The School of Social Science hosts career workshops, guest lectures from policymakers and economists, and employer networking events to help you connect your studies with future opportunities.

• Active student societies and research community: By joining the Politics & International Relations Society, attending research seminars, and engaging with the university’s institutes, you’ll deepen your knowledge and build valuable academic and professional networks.

Graduating with a degree in Economics and Politics from Aberdeen opens doors to an exciting range of careers in both the public and private sectors. This program equips you with the analytical thinking, policy knowledge, and problem-solving skills that employers around the world look for. Many graduates go on to impactful roles such as Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer, Political Adviser, or Researcher — working with governments, international organisations, NGOs, media, and major businesses.

Here’s how the university supports your journey from classroom to career:

• Dedicated careers support: Aberdeen’s award-winning Careers and Employability Service offers tailored guidance from day one — including career coaching, mentoring, networking events, and access to the MyCareerHub platform where you’ll find internships and graduate roles.

• Work experience built in: Through the ABDN Internships programme, you can gain paid experience during your studies, working with government departments, NGOs, research institutes, and businesses — building a strong CV before graduation.

• Impressive employment outcomes: An outstanding 97.9% of Aberdeen graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and economics graduates report a median starting salary of around £26,000.

• Industry connections: The university’s strong links with employers mean you’ll benefit from real-world consultancy projects, guest lectures, and employer-led challenges throughout your studies, helping you understand what the job market expects and build a professional network early.

• Highly respected qualification: The combination of economics and politics is valued across sectors — from public administration and diplomacy to finance, consultancy, and research — and offers excellent long-term career flexibility and growth opportunities.

• Graduate success stories: Alumni from this program have gone on to influential positions in national governments, international organisations, media outlets, and global think tanks, shaping policy and decision-making on a global scale.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re passionate about continuing your studies, Aberdeen offers a wide range of postgraduate options to help you specialise further. Many graduates go on to master’s degrees or PhDs in areas such as Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or Political Theory. These advanced qualifications open doors to research careers, academic positions, or senior roles in international organisations and policy institutions.