Enter OTP
The BSc Economics and Politics at the University of Birmingham is designed for students who want to understand how economic forces shape political decisions — and how political choices impact economies. It’s the perfect degree if you’re curious about how countries are run, how policies are made, and how data-driven decisions can tackle global challenges. You’ll graduate with a powerful mix of analytical skills, political insight, and economic expertise that employers and graduate schools value highly.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building Your Foundation
Your first year focuses on establishing a strong base in both economics and politics. You’ll study Principles of Economics, where you’ll explore how markets function and what drives economic growth, and Introduction to Political Theory, which introduces you to key political thinkers and ideas. Modules like Professional and Academic Skills for Economists A & B help you develop the writing, analysis, and research skills needed for success throughout your degree.
Year 2 – Expanding Knowledge and Skills
In second year, you’ll deepen your understanding and start applying what you’ve learned to real-world issues. Courses such as Quantitative Methods for Economics and Politics strengthen your data analysis and statistical skills, while Comparative Politics and International Relations allow you to explore how political systems work in different countries and how states interact on the global stage. You’ll also start examining the link between economic policies and political decision-making.
Year 3 – Specialising and Applying Your Learning
Your final year is about choice and independence. You can tailor your studies with advanced modules such as Public Policy Analysis, Applied Econometrics, or Political Economy, depending on your interests. A major highlight is your Dissertation or Independent Research Project, where you’ll investigate a topic you’re passionate about — applying economic theories and political analysis to solve complex, real-world questions.
Focus areas: Economic theory and policy, governance and political institutions, international relations, quantitative analysis
Learning outcomes: Graduates will confidently interpret and analyse economic and political data, evaluate public policies, understand complex global systems, and conduct independent research that informs decision-making.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is closely aligned with careers in government, public policy, international organisations, financial services, and research. It is widely respected for preparing graduates for postgraduate study in economics, politics, public policy, and related fields.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked among the UK’s top 20 universities (Complete University Guide 2025) and is the #1 most targeted university by top UK employers (High Fliers Report). Its economics and politics graduates are highly sought after for their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Studying Economics and Politics at Birmingham isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about applying what you learn to the real world from day one. The programme is designed to help you build practical skills through data analysis, real policy simulations, behavioural experiments, and opportunities to work with employers on live projects. You’ll have access to some of the best facilities, digital tools, and professional networks in the country, ensuring you graduate ready to make an impact.
Here’s how your learning goes beyond the classroom:
Birmingham Experimental Economics Laboratory (BEEL): Take part in live behavioural experiments and economic research in a dedicated lab equipped with around 40 computer terminals — giving you a front-row seat to how real people make decisions and how economic theory plays out in practice.
Professional Development Module: Work on consultancy projects with major companies like Capgemini or non-profit organisations, gaining hands-on experience in solving real business and policy challenges.
Embedded Work Experience: Complete over 40 hours of professional work experience as part of your degree, either during the summer or term time, helping you build valuable industry connections and workplace skills before you graduate.
Specialist Computing Labs: Use advanced computer clusters and software tools within the Business School to run data models, perform econometric analysis, and sharpen your technical skills.
Collaborative Projects and Case Studies: Work in groups on policy simulations, public sector case studies, and research projects, developing teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills that employers look for.
World-Class Libraries and Digital Resources: Access subject-specific collections, political archives, and economics databases that support your independent research and dissertation work.
These opportunities ensure that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand the theory behind economic and political systems — you’ll also know how to apply it in the real world.
A degree in Economics and Politics from Birmingham is a launchpad into a wide range of exciting careers. Graduates go on to shape policy, advise governments, influence global organisations, and work in the financial and business worlds. Whether you see yourself as a policy analyst, financial or economic consultant, public affairs advisor, or working for an international NGO or think tank, this programme equips you with the analytical expertise, political understanding, and real-world skills employers are looking for.
What gives Birmingham graduates a competitive edge is not just the degree itself, but the ecosystem of support and opportunities surrounding it:
Careers Network support: From your first year, Birmingham’s Careers Network is there to help you prepare for the job market — offering personalised career coaching, CV and interview workshops, networking events, and exclusive employer meet-ups focused on economics, politics, and public policy careers.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 95% of graduates from this course are in employment or further study within 15 months. Average salaries are around £32,000 shortly after graduation, rising to approximately £45,500 within five years, showing the strong market value of this degree.
Industry partnerships: The Business School works closely with major employers in consulting, finance, audit, and public sector organisations, giving you access to internships, client projects, and real industry challenges even before you graduate.
Employer demand: Birmingham is consistently ranked the #1 most targeted university by top UK graduate employers (High Fliers Report), which means companies actively recruit students from this course.
Long-term credibility: Although the programme isn’t tied to a specific accreditation, its strong alignment with economics, governance, and public policy makes it a respected qualification for a wide range of professional and academic pathways.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you’ll be well prepared to continue into postgraduate study. Many graduates choose to deepen their expertise through a Master’s in Economics, International Development, Public Policy, or Political Science, or even pursue doctoral research. The University of Birmingham also offers a range of specialist postgraduate programmes designed to build directly on your undergraduate training.
IB 6,6,6 32 points overallA-level requirement is AAA.Indian High School Leaving Certificate 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boardsAmerican Curriculum GPA around 3.7+, 5-5-5 AP scores of 4–5 (including Maths), and EnglishTOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and Writing.IELTS: 6.5 overall overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking,Policy AnalystEconomic Analyst / Economist Public Affairs Consultant Research Analyst Civil Service Fast Streamer / Government Officer Management Consultant Data Analyst (Public Policy or Finance) 
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University of Birmingham
