BSc Politics with Economics with professional placement or study abroad

At Bath, your degree is not just about reading books and sitting in lectures—it’s about putting your knowledge into action. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to connect political and economic theory with real-world issues. Whether you choose to go on a professional placement or spend a year studying abroad, the programme is designed to give you the kind of hands-on experience employers value most. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to use data, research tools, and software that bring your studies to life.

Here’s how you’ll gain that practical edge:

• Professional Placement (Year 3)
  Spend up to a year working in the UK or overseas. Recent students have joined government departments, think tanks, financial services, and NGOs. The dedicated placements team will help you secure opportunities and get the most from your experience.

• Study Abroad Option (Year 3)
  If you’d rather broaden your academic horizons, you can spend a year at one of Bath’s partner universities worldwide. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in another culture, study different perspectives, and add an international dimension to your CV.

• Research Opportunities
  You’ll be taught by academics who are shaping debates in climate governance, digital politics, and global economics. You can also get involved in research groups like Future Politics, tackling pressing challenges of the 21st century.

• Quantitative & Digital Skills
  Many of your economics modules focus on practical skills: you’ll learn to work with real data, use statistical software, and apply econometric methods—tools that employers in government, business, and policy analysis rely on.

• Independent Dissertation
  In your final year, you’ll carry out an in-depth research project on a political or economic topic of your choice. This is your chance to showcase your ability to think critically, write persuasively, and present evidence like a professional researcher.

• Interactive Learning
  Beyond lectures, you’ll work in small seminar groups, debate key political and economic issues, and take part in group projects and presentations that sharpen your teamwork and communication skills.

• Resources & Support
  You’ll have full access to Bath’s library and digital learning hubs, packed with journals, data services, and study spaces. The university also provides tailored support through its career services and placement provider network.

By combining academic depth with practical experience, Bath ensures you graduate not only with a strong degree but also with the confidence, global outlook, and professional skills to thrive in your future career.

Graduating from Bath with this degree really opens doors. Employers value the combination of political insight and economic analysis, especially when paired with the hands-on experience you’ll gain from a placement or study abroad year. Many Bath graduates go on to roles that shape policy, drive financial decisions, and influence organisations worldwide. You’ll see graduates stepping into positions such as policy analyst, economic adviser, political consultant, or financial services professional.

And the opportunities don’t stop there:

• Personalised career support: Bath’s specialist careers and placement teams will help you find and prepare for internships and graduate jobs, from CV coaching to interview practice and networking events.

• Strong graduate success: 89% of Bath graduates are in highly skilled jobs within 15 months, and Politics and Economics graduates report average starting salaries of around £31,500–£32,000.

• Prestigious industry links: Students have secured placements with leading organisations like AXA Investment, Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton, and policy think-tanks, as well as government departments.

• Respected qualification: A Bath degree, especially one with a placement or international study element, is widely recognised by employers for its academic rigour and practical value.

• Diverse career outcomes: Alumni have gone on to careers with the Bank of England, Deloitte, Accenture, Houses of Parliament, Ministry of Justice, and more.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue studying, you’ll have excellent options. Many graduates go on to master’s programmes in economics, public policy, international relations, or development studies — either at Bath or other top universities in the UK and abroad. Others choose professional qualifications in finance, public administration, or data-driven fields, while some pursue research or PhDs if they’re aiming for an academic or think-tank career.

 In short: this programme gives you not just knowledge, but a launchpad — whether you want to start shaping policy, work in finance, or continue your academic journey.