Enter OTP
If you’re fascinated by how governments make decisions and how economies actually work, this degree gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll learn the tools of economics while exploring political ideas, power, and policy — perfect if you want a career where analytical skills meet real-world impact.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
Your first year sets the foundation. You’ll sharpen your maths and data skills through Mathematics for Economics and Analysing Economic Data, while discovering how economists think in Economic Analysis. Alongside this, you’ll study Political Economy and get to choose topics like UK Politics or International Politics, giving you an introduction to how power works at home and globally.
Year 2
In second year you dive deeper into the core of both subjects. Courses like Microeconomic Analysis and Macroeconomic Analysis show you how markets behave and how governments influence the economy. On the politics side, you might study Public Policy or Government and Politics of the USA, applying theory to real-life institutions. This is also the point where you can start tailoring the degree to your own interests through optional modules.
Year 3
By your final year, you’ll bring everything together. You can take advanced options such as Behavioural Economics, Public Economics, or Global Justice and Human Rights. You’ll also have the chance to do a dissertation or project — a great way to showcase your independent research skills. If you’d like, you can even add a year abroad or a professional placement to boost your experience.
Focus areas
Politics, Economics, Public Policy, Quantitative Methods, Global Issues, Research Skills
Learning outcomes
You’ll graduate with strong data and analytical skills, a solid grasp of political systems and theories, and the ability to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. You’ll also gain confidence in independent research, problem-solving, and communicating complex ideas clearly.
Professional alignment
While this programme isn’t tied to a specific accrediting body, it’s designed with employers in mind. You’ll benefit from Newcastle’s partnerships with organisations like local councils, plus the option to do placements and international study that make you stand out in the job market.
Reputation
Newcastle is part of the prestigious Russell Group, known for high-quality teaching and research. Its Politics and Economics graduates have gone on to roles in finance, government, NGOs, consultancy, and the media. Employers value the mix of quantitative and political insight that this degree develops.
At Newcastle, this degree is about much more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about learning by doing. You’ll be encouraged to apply theories of politics and economics to real issues, gain experience in professional settings, and make the most of the University’s modern facilities. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand ideas but also know how to put them into practice.
Here’s how you’ll gain that practical edge:
Final Year Dissertation or Project – In your third year, you’ll have the chance to design and carry out your own research project on a topic you’re passionate about, working closely with expert academics.
Politics Work Placement module – Step outside the classroom with an optional work placement, where you’ll spend time in a political office, policy organisation, or NGO, building real experience and professional contacts.
Study Abroad option – Add an international perspective by spending a semester overseas in Stage 3, comparing political and economic systems first-hand while experiencing life in another country.
Business School Facilities – For economics, you’ll be based in Newcastle University Business School, with access to lecture theatres, PC clusters, bookable study rooms, and collaborative learning spaces designed for group projects and presentations.
Henry Daysh Building for Politics – Politics teaching takes place in this recently refurbished building, giving you bright, modern seminar spaces to debate, discuss, and work on projects.
Libraries and Digital Tools – From award-winning libraries to advanced IT and data resources, you’ll have everything you need to sharpen your research and analysis skills.
Careers and Employability Support – The Business School Career Hub connects you with employers, internships, and networking events, so you can start shaping your career while you study.
Graduates from Politics and Economics at Newcastle step into exciting and varied careers. Many build futures in government and policy, finance and economics, consulting, or the media and NGO sector. The mix of political insight and analytical economics skills makes you highly employable: you’ll be just as comfortable interpreting data as you are debating ideas or drafting policy.
And here’s how Newcastle helps you get there:
Careers support that works for you – The University’s Careers Service offers one-to-one advice, CV help, and connects you with employers through events and networking opportunities.
Strong salary outcomes – Economics graduates from Newcastle typically earn around £34,500 three years after graduating, rising to £45,500 after five years.
Placement opportunities – With the optional Politics Work Placement module, you can gain experience in real policy organisations, charities, or NGOs, making your CV stand out.
Business School connections – Being taught partly in the Newcastle University Business School means access to employer networks and business-focused events that open professional doors.
Recognised quality – The programme is built to nationally recognised standards, showing employers that your degree is rigorous and respected.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you could move on to a master’s degree in areas like Economics, International Relations, or Public Policy. Many graduates also progress to PhD research or take up postgraduate qualifications in data analytics, law, or other professional areas to specialise further.
AAB. A or AS Level Mathematics and/or Economics is desirable but not essential. GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade A/7) required if not offered at a higher level. General Studies is accepted.International Baccalaureate 34 points. Higher Level Mathematics desirable at grade 5 or above. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies required at grade 6 if not offered at Higher Level.80% in Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, NIOS, state boards, or autonomous schools) is typically considered equivalent to AAB at A level.APs with grades 5, 5, 4 (AAB equivalent); AP Seminar and AP Research are not accepted. SAT (650=AP4, 700=AP5) or ACT (26=AP4, 28=AP5) may substitute for one AP. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent with no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements of the test.TOEFL 90 overall (with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing)Scholarship details Value of award £7,000 tuition fee awardsEconomic consulting and political analysisGovernment rolesHuman resourcesIndustry associations and trade unionsManagement and consultancyMarketing and communications
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