The BSc Politics and Business at the University of Exeter combines the study of politics, business, management, and public policy to help students understand how organisations, governments, and societies influence each other. The programme is suited for students who want to explore global challenges such as economic change, sustainability, technology, and social issues while developing the analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed for careers in business, government, and related sectors.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
The first year introduces students to the core ideas of politics and business, helping them understand how organisations function and how political decisions shape society. Students explore modules such as Business and Society, Theory and Practice of Management, Understanding Work and Organisations, and Political Communication, building a strong foundation in management principles, workplace dynamics, political ideas, and effective communication.
Year 2
In the second year, students develop a deeper understanding of political systems, business strategy, and decision-making. Modules such as Project Management, Sustainable Enterprise Economy, Political Analysis, and Comparative Politics allow students to examine how businesses, governments, and institutions respond to economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Final Year
The final year enables students to apply their knowledge to complex real-world issues while developing specialist expertise in politics and business. Through modules such as Practice-Based Consultancy Management, Globalisation and Internationalisation, and a Future-Facing Dissertation/Project, students strengthen their research, consultancy, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Focus Areas
Politics and Government, Business Management, Public Policy, Political Communication, Sustainable Business, Globalisation, Corporate Governance, Leadership, Strategic Management, Political Economy, Ethics and Sustainability
Learning Outcomes
Understand the relationship between politics and business, analyse political and organisational decision-making, develop management and leadership skills, evaluate public policy challenges, apply business concepts to real-world situations, communicate ideas effectively, conduct independent research, develop strategic thinking, understand global economic and political trends, solve complex business and social challenges
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme develops a wide range of transferable skills including critical thinking, communication, teamwork, research, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills prepare graduates for careers in business, government, consulting, policy organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other sectors where an understanding of politics and management is valuable.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Exeter is a leading UK research university, offering research-led teaching that connects academic knowledge with real-world issues.
The programme focuses on developing practical skills and professional abilities that support careers in business, policymaking, public affairs, and organisational leadership.
Students benefit from studying at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, where smaller learning communities provide opportunities for closer interaction with academics and a supportive learning environment.
The BSc Politics and Business at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world political and business challenges. Through practical projects, group activities, discussions, presentations, and applied research, students develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, policy analysis, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Studying at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall provides students with a supportive learning environment where they can engage with academics, collaborate with peers, and explore issues affecting businesses and societies today.
Students gain practical experience through a range of applied learning opportunities and specialist resources:
Take part in group projects, presentations, seminars, tutorials, and practical exercises that build teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Explore real-world topics such as climate change, sustainability, social inequality, technology, economic change, corporate governance, and public policy through coursework and classroom discussions.
Participate in field-based learning activities that allow students to examine political and social issues through methods such as stakeholder interviews, focus groups, analysis of public spaces, and community-based research.
Gain professional experience through opportunities for work placements and employment experience, allowing students to apply political and business knowledge in workplace settings.
Develop research and analytical skills through independent projects, essays, presentations, and final-year research work focused on contemporary political and business issues.
Use digital learning resources and analytical approaches to study areas such as political communication, business strategy, organisational management, and policy analysis.
Access the SERSF Building at the Penryn Campus, which provides modern teaching rooms, collaborative study areas, and The Collaboratory, a dedicated space for business engagement, workshops, networking, and project-based activities.
Benefit from a close learning environment with opportunities to interact directly with academic staff and receive personalised guidance throughout the programme.
Access university libraries, online academic resources, study spaces, and support services that help students develop independent research and collaborative learning skills.
Engage with Exeter’s wider academic expertise in areas including politics, business, sustainability, governance, and public policy, connecting classroom learning with current research and global challenges.
The BSc Politics and Business at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a strong understanding of business, politics, policymaking, and organisational decision-making, helping them develop the skills needed for a variety of professional careers. The programme builds analytical, communication, research, and leadership abilities suited for roles such as Management Consultant, Policy Advisor, Civil Servant, Business Analyst, and Communications Officer, with opportunities across government, business, consultancy, non-governmental organisations, and public affairs.
The programme supports students in achieving their career goals through employability services, industry connections, and professional development opportunities:
The University of Exeter Career Zone provides dedicated career guidance, employability workshops, skills development sessions, employer events, CV support, interview preparation, and resources to help students successfully transition into graduate employment.
Students can take part in employability programmes such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which recognise participation in skills development, volunteering, work experience, and career-building activities.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a Work Placement Year or Employment Experience option, gaining practical workplace experience, improving professional skills, and applying their academic knowledge in real organisational settings.
Students benefit from Exeter’s employer links and professional networks, with graduates progressing into organisations such as Accenture, NHS, Barclays Bank PLC, Ogilvy and Mather, and Treehouse PR Ltd.
The programme develops highly valued workplace skills including critical thinking, research, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, organisation, planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
The University of Exeter Business School holds triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, providing students with an internationally recognised business qualification and demonstrating the School’s commitment to high-quality business education.
The University of Exeter has a strong reputation in politics and business-related subjects, supporting graduates with a respected degree that is recognised by employers worldwide.
Graduates are prepared for careers across sectors including consulting, government, public policy, business management, corporate affairs, communications, international organisations, and social impact organisations.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Politics and Business, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Public Policy, International Relations, Political Economy, Business Management, Globalisation, Communications, or related specialist fields. Further study allows graduates to develop advanced knowledge, specialise in areas of interest, strengthen their professional profile, and prepare for leadership roles in business, government, research, and policy-related careers.



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