Economics and Politics BA with Study Abroad

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how governments make decisions and how economies shape the world around us, this degree brings both perspectives together in one powerful programme. The BA Economics and Politics with Study Abroad at the University of Leeds helps you understand how policies, markets and institutions interact — and equips you with the analytical, research and communication skills to make an impact in public policy, business, or international affairs.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building your foundations

Your first year gives you a solid grounding in the key ideas and tools of both disciplines. You’ll study Economic Theory and Applications and Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A/B to understand how economies function and how to analyse data. At the same time, modules like Comparative Politics and The Politics of Global Challenges: Becoming an Independent Researcher introduce you to political systems, global issues, and the skills needed to conduct research and think critically.

Year 2 – Expanding your knowledge and skills

In second year, you’ll dive deeper into core economics with modules such as Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Statistics and Econometrics. On the politics side, you’ll explore how states interact and how policies are shaped through options like Theories of International Relations, Political Data Analysis, and North–South Linkages. A dedicated Approaches to Analysis module strengthens your research and analytical skills, preparing you for more advanced study.

Year 3 (Study Abroad):
Students spend a year at an international partner university, studying economics and business-related modules aligned with Leed's curriculum. This year enhances global awareness, academic independence, and intercultural competence.

Final Year – Specialising and applying your expertise

Your final year is about tailoring your degree to your interests and career goals. You’ll complete a dissertation in either economics or politics, showcasing your independent research skills. Alongside this, you’ll choose from a range of advanced modules — from Global Political Economy and Applied Econometrics to Behavioural Economics, Economics of Development, and Gender and Security in Global Politics — allowing you to focus on areas you’re most passionate about.

Focus areas: global governance, public policy, quantitative analysis, development economics, security and international relations

Learning outcomes: graduate with strong analytical and research skills, confidence in handling data, a deep understanding of how economic and political systems work together, and the ability to apply theory to real-world challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Economics teaching is delivered by Leeds University Business School — a prestigious, triple-accredited institution recognised worldwide for quality and rigour.

Reputation (employability rankings): Leeds is ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for Economics and top 20 for Politics (Complete University Guide 2026), with strong employer links and excellent graduate prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Economics and Politics at Leeds isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about learning through real experiences and applying your knowledge to the world around you. From research projects and internships to year-long placements and global study opportunities, this degree is designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and professional network that employers value. You’ll be supported every step of the way with dedicated careers services, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to expert-led research centres that keep you connected to what’s happening in policy and economics today.

Here’s how you’ll turn theory into practice during your degree:

Year in industry option: Take a year-long professional placement between your second and final year, working with leading employers in areas like government, finance, consulting, or policy analysis. These placements help you gain real-world experience and make your CV stand out.
Internships and summer placements: Through the university’s Exclusive to Leeds scheme, you’ll have access to paid summer internships and part-time roles that let you apply your skills beyond the classroom.
Global opportunities: Combine your degree with international experience by studying or working abroad, gaining cultural insights and professional skills valued in global careers.
Research and policy engagement: Work with specialist teams in the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and Leeds University Business School, where you can contribute to real policy discussions, attend guest lectures by practitioners, and participate in research projects.
Specialist centres and institutes: Engage with interdisciplinary hubs like the Leeds University Centre for African Studies (LUCAS) and policy-focused research groups, enriching your understanding of global governance and development.
Advanced learning spaces: Access world-class facilities including extensive libraries, digital databases, and modern study environments that support everything from your dissertation research to data analysis projects.
Careers and employability support: Benefit from dedicated career advisors, workshops, and employer connections tailored to students in politics and economics, ensuring you graduate ready for the workplace.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Economics and Politics from Leeds opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers where you can shape policy, drive business decisions, or tackle global challenges. Graduates have gone on to work as policy analysts, economic consultants, civil service officers, and international development specialists, using the analytical, research, and communication skills gained during the course to make a real impact in government, business, and non-profit sectors. As your career progresses, you could find yourself advising on public policy, working with global organisations, or leading strategic projects in the private sector.

Here’s how Leeds helps you get there:

Dedicated careers support: The university’s award-winning Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and exclusive job opportunities through the MyCareer portal, helping you confidently step into the job market.
Placements and real-world experience: You’ll have the chance to complete a year in industry or shorter work placements, giving you valuable hands-on experience and professional connections before you graduate.
World-class reputation: Economics teaching is delivered by Leeds University Business School, one of a select group of schools worldwide with triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) — a mark of quality that employers recognise globally.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 91% of Leeds graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with many moving directly into graduate-level roles.
Competitive starting salaries: Graduates from this degree earn around £33,000 on average within 15 months of finishing, rising to approximately £37,000 after three years.
Industry links and research partnerships: You’ll benefit from collaborations with policy organisations and initiatives like the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and Q-Step Programme, which connect your studies to real-world challenges and employer needs.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue their studies with a master’s in fields such as economics, public policy, international relations, or development studies, while others pursue PhD research or join think tanks and research institutes focused on shaping the future of policy and society.