BSc Economics and Politics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aberystwyth University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how economies function and why political decisions shape everyday life, this degree gives you the perfect mix of both worlds. It’s designed for students who enjoy thinking about global issues, analysing data, and understanding how policies, markets, and power structures interact — all while preparing you for careers where you can make a real difference.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds the foundations you’ll rely on throughout the degree. You’ll learn core ideas in economics through modules like Economic Theory and Policy, Understanding the Economy, and Data Analytics, where you begin developing practical numerical and analytical skills. At the same time, you’ll explore essential political themes in Politics in the 21st Century and Exploring the International: Central Concepts and Core Skills, helping you understand how nations and global systems operate.

Year 2

In your second year, the course becomes more analytical and applied. You’ll study Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy Applications and Microeconomics: Theory and Policy Applications, gaining the tools to understand real-world economic behaviour. In politics, modules like People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today help you explore how governments differ and why political systems succeed or fail. You can also tailor your path with options such as Climate Change Politics, Econometrics, or European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems.

Year 3 (Final Year)

Your final year allows you to bring everything together and specialise in areas that excite you most. You’ll take advanced modules such as Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy and Growth, Development and Sustainability, exploring major global challenges in depth. This year also includes your dissertation — a chance to research a topic you’re passionate about and showcase your ability to combine economic insight with political understanding.

Focus areas:

Economics, politics, data analytics, global policy, sustainability, public decision-making

Learning outcomes:

Analytical thinking, quantitative skills, political evaluation, policy analysis, independent research, and communication

Professional alignment (accreditation):

While not linked to a single accrediting body, the programme is taught by academics who are active researchers and practitioners, ensuring you learn skills and insights aligned with current industry and policy environments.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The university highlights the strong career potential of this degree, noting that graduates benefit from excellent foundations for roles across business, finance, politics, consultancy, and public sector analysis.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying Economics and Politics at Aberystwyth is how practical and applied the learning feels from day one. You won’t just study theories in isolation — you’ll work with real data, debate current political issues, use modern analytical tools, and complete projects that mirror real policy and economic challenges. The teaching team brings current research directly into the classroom, and you’ll have access to excellent facilities across the Business School and the Department of International Politics.

Here’s what your hands-on learning experience will look like:

Data analysis training using dedicated computer and analytics facilities, especially in modules like Data Analytics and Economic Theory and Policy, where you learn to handle real datasets and interpret economic trends.
Interactive seminars and group projects in politics modules such as Politics in the 21st Century and People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today, where you debate ideas, work in teams and present your findings.
Access to Aberystwyth’s highly rated library and digital resources, including specialist databases, economic and political data sources, and comfortable study spaces that support both group work and independent research.
A major independent research project in your final year, within modules like Contemporary Issues in Economics and Policy and Growth, Development and Sustainability, giving you the chance to explore a topic you care about and build real research experience.
A research-active academic environment, where lecturers integrate real policy questions, current global issues and applied economic scenarios into your learning — making classes feel relevant, modern and grounded in reality.

Progression & Future Opportunities

One of the biggest strengths of combining Economics and Politics is the sheer range of doors it opens for you after graduation. You’ll develop the ability to analyse data like an economist, understand systems like a political scientist, and evaluate decisions with a broader, global perspective. This makes you a strong candidate for roles such as Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Political or Parliamentary Researcher, Public Sector Officer, or even roles in business and consultancy where analytical thinking is essential.

Because Aberystwyth builds practical experience into the degree, you graduate not just with knowledge — but with evidence of what you can do.

Here’s how the university prepares you for strong career outcomes:

Dedicated, personalised careers support: Aberystwyth’s Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance, help in finding internships, support with CVs and interview preparation, and access to employer networks relevant to economics, finance, politics and public service.
Hands-on experiences that stand out: The course includes a consultancy-style project where you work on real business or organisational challenges — this becomes a brilliant talking point in interviews and helps you build problem-solving confidence.
Exceptional political engagement opportunities: The Department of International Politics offers unique experiences such as shadowing a Member of Parliament, giving you meaningful exposure to real political processes and decision-making environments.
A strong academic reputation: Economics at Aberystwyth is ranked Top 5 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025), reassuring employers — and you — that the training you receive is well-regarded and impactful.
Long-term employability value: The skill set you build — data literacy, policy analysis, communication, research, critical thinking and understanding global systems — is applicable across public policy, banking, NGOs, consultancy, finance, government agencies, international development and more.
A confident graduation profile: By the time you finish, you’ll have completed major analytical modules, advanced political coursework, and a significant final-year research project. Together, these give you a strong academic portfolio and real project experience to show potential employers or postgraduate admissions teams.

Further Academic Progression:

After your degree, you’ll be well positioned to continue into postgraduate study. Many Aberystwyth graduates choose master’s programmes in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Business & Finance, Global Development, or Security Studies. If research or academic work appeals to you, you can progress into an MRes or PhD, especially within Aberystwyth’s renowned Department of International Politics or Aberystwyth Business School.