BSc (Hons) Economics and Politics with a Year in Industry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Economics and Politics with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent gives you strong training in both economic analysis and political theory, along with hands-on workplace experience. It suits students who want to understand how markets, governments, and societies interact — and who want to make an impact in policy, government, finance, or international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Stage 1 – Building Foundations

Your first year sets the groundwork in both subjects. You’ll study Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, learning how markets, consumers, and governments operate. Through Statistics for Economics, you’ll start developing data and analytical skills. On the politics side, you’ll explore modules like Making Sense of Politics and The Power of Political Ideas, helping you understand political systems and ideologies that shape societies.

Stage 2 – Expanding Your Perspective

In the second year, you’ll move into more advanced theory and analysis. Economics modules such as Macroeconomics I and Microeconomics II will help you examine economic growth, inflation, and global markets in detail. You can also choose political modules like The Politics of the EU, Democracy Under Threat, or Foreign Policy: Systems, States and Leaders — giving you the freedom to focus on areas that inspire you most.

Year in Industry – Gaining Real-World Experience

After your second year, you’ll spend a full year working in industry — whether in government, banking, consultancy, or non-profits. This hands-on experience bridges classroom theory with real-life practice and makes you stand out to future employers. The university’s dedicated placement team will help you secure an opportunity that matches your interests and career goals.

Stage 3 – Specialising and Researching

In your final year, you’ll dive deeper into specialist topics. Core modules like Topics in Advanced Macroeconomics are combined with a range of electives such as Financial Economics and Asset Pricing, Econometric Methods, Monetary Economics, Environmental Economics and Green Finance, or Politics of the Middle East and North Africa. This is your chance to connect theory with modern-day challenges and build expertise for your career.

Focus Areas

Economic policy • International relations • Quantitative methods • Public policy • Political theory • Environmental and financial economics

Learning Outcomes

You’ll learn how to:
• Analyse economic trends and political systems with confidence
• Use data and quantitative tools to make evidence-based conclusions
• Debate and research global issues from multiple perspectives
• Apply your skills in professional and policy settings

Professional Alignment

While the course isn’t tied to one specific professional body, it’s shaped closely around the skills employers want — critical thinking, data literacy, policy awareness, and practical experience. Kent’s School of Politics and International Relations and School of Economics both maintain strong connections with government offices, think tanks, and major private-sector employers.

Reputation & Employability

Kent is known for its excellent graduate employability, with Economics and Politics graduates working in government, consulting, banking, and international organisations. The University ranks consistently well in UK league tables for teaching quality and student experience — and its location near London adds access to major global employers and networking opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, learning Economics and Politics isn’t just about lectures — it’s about applying ideas to the real world. From your first year, you’ll explore how governments make decisions, how economies react to change, and how data can uncover political trends. You’ll study in the Sibson Building, a modern space with computer labs, collaborative rooms, and the ASPIRE Lab, where you can explore real data and develop strong analytical skills.

You’ll also have full access to the Templeman Library, one of the UK’s best university libraries, with specialised collections in politics, economics, and international relations — including the British Cartoon Archive, an incredible resource for understanding political communication and public opinion through history.

The highlight of this course is the Year in Industry, where you’ll gain professional experience and build connections before you even graduate. This year helps you stand out to employers and gives you a clearer sense of where your degree can take you.

Here’s what makes the practical side of your degree so valuable:

Year in Industry Placement – You’ll spend a full year (typically paid) working in an organisation related to economics, politics, or public policy. It’s a perfect way to put your classroom learning into practice.
Personalised Placement Support – Kent’s Careers and Employability Service helps you find your placement, prepare for interviews, and supports you throughout the year with regular progress check-ins.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – The Sibson Building gives you access to specialist computer labs, study pods, and open learning areas designed for teamwork and research.
Hands-On Data Training – You’ll work with professional tools like R and econometric software in workshops that teach you how to interpret real-world data and policy evidence.
Interactive Learning – Small-group seminars, policy debates, and simulation exercises let you practice communication and decision-making skills employers value.
Research & Discussion Forums – Events such as the Politics Open Forum and research seminars connect you with academics, professionals, and policymakers discussing today’s biggest challenges.
Unique Resources – Use the British Cartoon Archive for visual and historical analysis of political life — a resource found only at Kent.
Comprehensive Library Access – The Templeman Library offers thousands of digital resources, research guides, and quiet zones for independent work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Economics and Politics from Kent opens doors to a wide range of careers — from shaping public policy to analysing financial markets. Graduates often move into exciting roles such as policy officer, economic analyst, management consultant, or research associate. With your Year in Industry experience, you’ll already have the kind of professional edge that employers are looking for.

Here’s how Kent helps you build a strong career foundation:

Dedicated Career Support – The Careers and Employability Service will guide you from day one, offering personalised coaching, CV reviews, mock interviews, and employer networking events.
Exceptional Industry Reputation – Kent ranks among the Top 50 UK universities for placements and work experience (RateMyPlacement Awards 2024–25), showing how strongly the university values real-world learning.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – Around 93% of Kent Economics & Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, proving how well the program prepares you for life after university.
Excellent Earning Potential – Graduates typically start with salaries ranging from £25,000 to £43,000, depending on their chosen path.
Employer Connections – Kent students have gone on to work with top organisations such as HMRC, PwC, Deloitte, Barclays, and various UK government departments.
Vibrant Alumni Network – You’ll join a community of successful graduates working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors — from research economists at the Bank of England to data analysts in leading consultancies.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies after graduation, Kent offers excellent postgraduate options to deepen your expertise:

Master’s degrees in Economics, International Political Economy, or Public Policy.
Research pathways (MPhil/PhD) through Kent’s active research centres in Development Economics, Political Strategy, and International Relations.
Professional certifications such as finance, data analytics, or governance qualifications, that complement your degree perfectly.

With Kent’s strong career support, placement year experience, and proven graduate success, this program doesn’t just give you a degree; it gives you a head start in your professional journey.