Economics and Politics BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

If you’re someone who wants to understand how economies really work — and how political decisions shape people’s lives — this degree gives you the perfect mix of both worlds. Economics and Politics at Sheffield lets you explore the forces behind markets, governments, policies and global events, all while building the analytical and problem-solving skills that employers value.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year gives you a strong foundation in both subjects. You’ll study Microeconomic Analysis and Policy and Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy, where you learn how individuals, firms and countries make decisions, and how governments respond to economic challenges. Alongside this, modules like Political Analysis 1: An Introduction to Research and Scholarship and Thinking Politically: Key Concepts introduce you to the big political ideas — democracy, power, justice and international relations — and teach you how to analyse political issues confidently.

Year 2

In your second year, the course becomes more applied and analytical. You dive into intermediate economics — such as Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics and Statistics and Econometrics — strengthening your quantitative and data skills. On the politics side, you continue with Political Analysis 2, learning how to conduct real empirical research, while choosing optional modules that match your interests, whether that’s global politics, governance, international relations, or political behaviour.

Year 3

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll take Economic Policy and Practice, where you apply economic tools to real policy debates and current global issues. You’ll also complete a major politics research project, choosing a topic you care about and working closely with academics to build your own analysis. Optional modules let you specialise in areas such as development economics, health economics, political economy, global conflict, world politics or international trade.

Focus Areas

Economic theory and policy, political institutions and ideas, global politics, public policy, empirical methods and quantitative analysis.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with strong analytical and data skills, a deep understanding of economic and political systems, confidence in evaluating real-world policy issues, and the ability to conduct independent research.

Professional Alignment

This degree is jointly delivered by the School of Economics and the Department of Politics, giving you access to expert academics in both fields. Their research shapes real policy discussions, ensuring what you learn is connected to real economic and political challenges.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Many graduates go on to work in government, consulting, banking, policy, research and public-sector organisations.
Teaching is research-led, and Sheffield’s Economics and Politics departments both have strong reputations within the UK for academic quality and practical relevance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Graduates from Sheffield’s Economics and Politics BA usually step into careers where they can influence decisions, shape policy, or drive change in business and government. Because you’re learning how the economy works and how political systems shape it, you’ll be well-prepared for roles like policy analyst, economist, consultant, or public-sector adviser.

Here’s what your future could look like at Sheffield:

You get strong support from the university’s Careers & Employability Service, offering one-to-one guidance, internship help, and networking with employers.
You also have the option to do a paid year-long work placement after your second year — a huge advantage when you’re applying for competitive graduate jobs.
The course is supported by the Sheffield Economics Employability Development (SEED) programme, which brings in employers, runs skills workshops, and helps you build confidence in areas like economic problem-solving, data analysis, and policy thinking.
Salary outcomes are encouraging: data shows that Sheffield graduates from similar degrees earn around £28,000–£33,000 early in their careers, with many progressing to significantly higher earnings over time, especially in finance, consulting, and government roles.
Sheffield has strong links with respected organisations — graduates have gone on to work at places like the Bank of England, HM Treasury, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, PwC, and major public-sector bodies.
Because this is a dual-honours degree, you leave with a rare combination of analytical ability and political understanding — something employers genuinely value across many industries.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to keep studying after your BA, you’ll be in a great position for postgraduate pathways such as a master’s in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Economy, Global Development, or Data Analytics. And if you’re drawn to research or academia, this degree also leads naturally into PhD routes and research careers in policy institutes or think-tanks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Sheffield’s Economics and Politics BA usually step into careers where they can make real impact — in business, finance, government, policy, or global organisations. The mix of economic problem-solving and political understanding makes you stand out immediately, opening doors to roles like policy analyst, economist, consultant, or public-sector adviser.

Here’s what your future could look like:

You’ll get strong support from the University’s Careers & Employability Service, which helps you secure internships, placements, and personalised career advice throughout your degree.
You can even take a year-long paid placement after your second year — a huge advantage when applying for graduate jobs.
Sheffield’s SEED programme (Sheffield Economics Employability Development) adds extra career workshops and employer interactions, helping you build real-world skills in data, analysis, and policy.
Many Sheffield graduates go into high-skilled roles within 15 months of finishing. National salary data shows early career earnings for similar graduates typically sit around £28,000–£33,000, and often higher in finance or consulting.
Students benefit from the university’s connections with organisations like the Bank of England, HM Treasury, and major employers such as PwC and Deloitte — all places where Sheffield graduates have gone on to work.
Because this is a dual-honours degree, you develop two powerful skill sets together: economic modelling and political analysis. Employers value this combination for roles in policy, strategy, finance, diplomacy and NGOs.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue studying, you’ll be in a strong position for postgraduate routes such as a master’s in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Global Development, or even a specialised pathway in Data Analytics. And if research interests you, you could progress towards a PhD and work in academia or policy-focused research centres.