Economics and International Relations with a Year in industry and integrated Foundation Year BSc (Econ) (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

This exciting degree blends economics and international relations to help you understand how money, markets, and global politics shape the world around us. It’s a great choice if you’re curious about how countries interact, what drives economies, and how policy decisions impact real people and global change.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
Your journey begins with a foundation year designed to strengthen your academic and analytical skills. You’ll build confidence in areas like mathematics, writing, and the core principles of economics and politics — ensuring a smooth transition into university-level study.

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore the basics of both disciplines. Modules like World Economy, Microeconomics 1, Macroeconomics 1, Introduction to International Relations, and Politics in Action introduce you to the global forces that influence markets and governments. You’ll also gain practical skills through Mathematical Methods in Economics and Finance and Global Histories, helping you see how economic trends evolve over time.

Year 2
The second year deepens your understanding of international trade and economic analysis. You’ll study International Relations Theory, Macroeconomics 2, Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research, and Games and Strategies. You can also tailor your studies with options such as International Finance or Foreign Policy Analysis, while continuing your Personal and Career Development Plan to prepare for professional success.

Year in Industry
Before your final year, you’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience through a paid industry placement. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your classroom learning in real-world settings — whether that’s in government, finance, consultancy, or international organisations.

Final Year
In your final year, you’ll dive into advanced topics like Applied Econometrics, Public Economics, and Behavioural Economics, alongside international relations modules such as Globalisation: Issues and Debates and Nationalism and Ethnicity in International Relations. You’ll develop expertise in analysing policies, interpreting data, and understanding the economic and political challenges shaping our future.

Focus areas: Economics and political theory, international trade and development, data and quantitative analysis, global policy and diplomacy.

Learning outcomes: Gain the ability to connect economic models with real-world global issues, analyse data to support policy or business decisions, and understand how governments, markets, and international organisations interact.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the degree isn’t tied to a specific accreditation, it’s highly respected for its strong industry connections and practical experience. The year in industry gives you a competitive edge, helping you graduate with valuable professional experience and a strong network in London’s global hub of business and politics.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queen Mary University of London is part of the prestigious Russell Group and ranks among the top UK universities for economics and international relations. Located in the heart of London, it offers exceptional career opportunities in finance, policy, and international development. Employers value Queen Mary graduates for their analytical thinking, communication skills, and real-world understanding of global affairs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. This program is designed to give you real-world experience, helping you develop practical skills that employers really value. From working alongside professionals in a year-long industry placement to using cutting-edge financial tools, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice.

Here’s what you can expect:

Year in Industry – Spend a full year working with top organizations in economics, international relations, or related fields. This hands-on experience is a fantastic way to understand how the concepts you learn in class apply in the real world.
Bloomberg Trading Room – Get access to professional-standard financial data and analytics tools, giving you a taste of what it’s like to work in financial markets.
Collaborative Projects – Work in teams on projects that simulate real-world economic and political challenges, helping you build teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Research Institutes – Engage with cutting-edge research through the Mile End Institute and the Centre for Governance and Democracy, contributing to studies that tackle real global issues.
Guest Lectures and Seminars – Hear from industry experts, policymakers, and academics about the latest trends and insights in economics and international relations.
Study Abroad Opportunities – Expand your global perspective and experience different cultures by spending part of your degree studying abroad.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – Make the most of modern study spaces, libraries, and digital tools across Queen Mary’s campuses to support both your learning and research.

These experiences are all about helping you take your learning further, build confidence, and prepare you for a successful career in a globalized world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Queen Mary with a BSc (Econ) in Economics and International Relations gives you a strong foundation for a variety of exciting careers. You’ll leave ready to work in sectors where understanding both global economics and international politics matters, making you highly sought after by employers. Many of our graduates go on to work in finance, policy, or international organizations, applying their skills in real-world settings.

Here are some roles you might pursue:

Economic Analyst – Interpreting economic data to help businesses and governments make informed decisions.
International Relations Consultant – Advising organizations on global political and economic matters.
Policy Advisor – Providing strategic guidance to government bodies or NGOs.
Financial Consultant – Offering expertise in financial planning, investments, and market analysis.

You won’t be navigating your career alone:

Careers and Enterprise Service – Get tailored career advice, CV support, and interview preparation.
Industry Partnerships – Connect with organizations like Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, HMRC, KPMG, and PwC through placements and networking opportunities.
Bloomberg Trading Room – Gain hands-on experience with professional financial software and data.
Graduate Outcomes – Most of our graduates secure employment within six months, with competitive starting salaries reflecting the high demand for their skills.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you can take your studies further:

Master’s Degrees – Specialize in International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, Finance, or related fields.
PhD Programs – Dive into advanced research in economics or international relations.
Professional Qualifications – Pursue certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or project management credentials to boost your career prospects.

This program not only sets you up for immediate success in the job market but also provides the knowledge and experience you need to continue growing academically and professionally.