International Relations with Economics BA

At Birmingham, this degree isn’t just about reading books and writing essays — you’ll constantly be putting theory into practice. From day one you’ll take part in seminars, workshops, and small-group projects where you test ideas, debate global issues, and learn how political and economic research really works. By the time you graduate, you’ll have hands-on experience that employers recognise and value.

Here’s how that looks in real life:

• Internships with impact – Through the university’s B-Experienced Internship Programme, you can take up short-term placements (on campus, hybrid, or remote) where you work directly with organisations and build professional skills. Many are paid and designed to fit around your studies.

• Virtual global internships – If you want international exposure without travelling, Birmingham offers virtual internships with companies around the world, so you can get experience in global markets from your laptop.

• Research opportunities – In your second year, you can apply for paid research internships in Politics and International Studies (POLSIS). This means working alongside academics on real research projects — a great boost for postgraduate study or policy careers.

• Model NATO – Each year, selected students represent Birmingham at the Model NATO conference, role-playing how real diplomats negotiate. It’s a fun, competitive way to sharpen your diplomacy and teamwork skills.

• Professional Development Module – In your final year, you can take a module that links directly to a work placement, helping you translate your academic knowledge into career-ready experience.

• State-of-the-art facilities – You’ll study in spaces like the JG Smith Building (home to Economics), with access to computer clusters, specialist resources, and Birmingham’s world-class libraries. You’ll also benefit from research centres and institutes within the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS).

This degree opens doors in both politics and economics, so you’ll graduate with plenty of options. Many students go into roles like international policy advisor, diplomatic officer, NGO project manager, or economic consultant. Others use the mix of skills to step into government, journalism, or even finance — it’s a degree that really lets you choose your path.

Here’s what that support and progression looks like in practice:

• Tailored careers support – Birmingham’s Careers Network runs workshops, one-to-one coaching, and job fairs where top employers recruit directly from campus. You’ll also have access to Careers Connect, an exclusive platform listing internships and graduate roles.

• Recognition of your skills – The Birmingham Award formally recognises the experiences you gain outside lectures (like volunteering, society leadership, or part-time jobs), making your CV stand out.

• Employment success – Around 87% of Birmingham students are in graduate-level jobs or further study within 15 months. For this course specifically, typical graduate salaries are already around £31,500 at that stage.

• Strong industry links – Employers regularly connect with Birmingham students through subject-specific careers events. Alumni from this very course have gone on to work at places like the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.

• Lasting value – Even without a single “professional body” tied to it, the reputation of Birmingham (ranked the UK’s most targeted university by top employers) means the degree carries real weight on the job market.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, this degree sets you up perfectly for postgraduate options. Many graduates go on to master’s programmes in International Relations, Economics, Global Development, or Diplomacy. You could also take the research route with an MPhil or PhD, or choose professional pathways like public policy, public administration, or international law.