Politics and Economics BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered how political decisions influence markets—or how economic forces shape societies—this joint degree is made for you. The BA Politics and Economics combines analytical thinking with real-world awareness, giving you the tools to understand and influence the systems that run our world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Foundation
Your journey begins with the fundamentals of both disciplines. You’ll explore how political systems work and how economies function through modules like Foundations of Microeconomics, Foundations of Macroeconomics, Introduction to Comparative Politics, and Understanding Global Politics. These courses help you see how decisions made by individuals, governments, and institutions intertwine to shape global outcomes.

Year 2 – Expanding Your Perspective
In the second year, you’ll go deeper into economic principles and political analysis. Core modules such as Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics sharpen your analytical skills, while options like International Political Economy, Development Economics, British Party Politics, and Global Security let you tailor your studies toward the issues that inspire you most—from global development to financial systems.

Year 3 – Specialization and Application
Your final year is about putting theory into practice. You’ll focus on advanced topics like Advanced International Trade, Advanced Political Economy, or China in Global Politics, and work on a major dissertation or a placement project. It’s your chance to research a topic you care about, showcase your expertise, and prepare for your next step—whether that’s graduate study or a professional role.

Focus Areas

Global and comparative politics • Economic theory and policy • Development and trade • Data analysis and quantitative research

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to analyse policies, interpret data, evaluate markets, and think critically about the political and economic challenges shaping our future. You’ll also gain communication and problem-solving skills valued across industries.

Professional Alignment

While the degree doesn’t have formal accreditation, it’s highly regarded by employers in government, consulting, finance, NGOs, and international organisations. Students can also enhance their CVs through research projects, internships, or a year abroad.

Reputation & Employability

The University of Nottingham ranks among the Top 10 UK universities most targeted by major employers (High Fliers 2025) and is consistently recognised in the Top 100 worldwide for graduate employability (QS 2022). Its School of Politics and International Relations is ranked in the UK Top 20 for quality and outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Nottingham, learning goes far beyond lectures. From your first year, you’ll apply your ideas to real political and economic challenges—through debates, projects, placements, and research. The university’s interactive teaching style means you’re constantly testing theories, analysing data, and engaging with global issues that matter. You’ll learn how policies work in practice, not just on paper, while developing the confidence and professional skills that employers value most.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

Placements and Internships: Apply classroom learning in real organisations through the School’s internship programme, which connects you with roles in government, NGOs, think tanks, and private firms.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Spend a semester or year overseas at partner universities in Europe, the US, or Asia—broadening your perspective on global politics and economic systems.
Research and Group Projects: Work collaboratively on research assignments that mirror real-world policy analysis and data interpretation, developing teamwork and presentation skills.
Student Societies and Debates: Join active communities like the Politics Society or the UN Society to take part in debates, guest lectures, and study trips that bring your learning to life.
Libraries and Digital Resources: Access one of the UK’s best academic library networks, rich with political archives, economic databases, and the latest digital tools for research.
Specialist Facilities: Study on Nottingham’s award-winning campuses, featuring collaborative study zones, data-analysis suites, and global learning hubs that encourage cross-disciplinary thinking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Economics from Nottingham opens doors to diverse, high-impact careers. Graduates are valued for their ability to think critically, interpret complex data, and understand how political decisions and economic forces shape the world. Many go on to work in government, finance, research, or global organisations—turning their analytical skills into real change.

Typical career paths include:

Policy Analyst or Parliamentary Assistant – shaping and evaluating government policy
Data or Economic Analyst – working with major firms or public institutions
Consultant or Business Strategist – advising on economic trends and global markets
Researcher or International Development Officer – contributing to NGOs and think tanks

Here’s how Nottingham prepares you for career success:

Dedicated Careers & Employability Service: Offers personalised coaching, networking events, and exclusive access to internships and graduate recruiters.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Over 89% of Economics graduates were in highly skilled work or further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of £33,841.
Employer Recognition: Nottingham is consistently among the Top 10 UK universities most targeted by leading employers (High Fliers 2025).
Alumni Network & Industry Links: Graduates have gone on to roles at the BBC, Citibank, AON, the Civil Service, and the House of Commons, joining a global network of successful Nottingham alumni.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students continue to postgraduate study in areas such as International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, Data Analytics, or Law—either at Nottingham or other world-leading universities—further developing their expertise and research skills..