BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics with a Placement Year

Course Overview

Discover how money and power interact. Few economic questions are untouched by political themes, so this degree combines a thorough grounding in economic analysis with the study of theory and practice of politics. Taught jointly by the School of Economics and the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, you'll gain high-level training in economics alongside detailed insight into political science. By mastering the tools of both political and economic inquiry, you’ll be able to make wider-reaching predictions and more confident real-world recommendations. You’ll learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses both of markets and of governments. You’ll leave UEA in an excellent position to pursue a range of careers, including economic analysis, policy advising, consulting, politics, think tanks and international organisations, banking, insurance, and the Civil Service. By combining BSc Politics and Economics with a placement year, during your third year you'll spend nine to 12 months gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.

This course allows you to study both economics and politics in a combined approach, giving you thorough and high-level training in economics while providing you with a detailed insight into political science.

You’ll be based in the School of Economics, and you’ll also be taught in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies. You'll study microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic modelling and data analysis, as well as choosing from a broad range of other economics modules in areas such as behavioural economics, government and economic policy, or environmental and development economics. At the same time, you’ll study contemporary politics, you may choose to write a dissertation, and you’ll certainly develop your own specialized interests from a very wide range of other modules in political, social and international studies.

Combining your course with a placement year, you'll typically spend between 9 and 12 months of your third year in a full-time placement. Although you'll be expected to secure your own work placement, dedicated staff within the School and the Careers Service will support and assist you throughout the process of searching, applying for, and ultimately gaining a position. Furthermore, support will also be provided whilst you are on placement and when you return to complete your studies in your fourth (final) year.

You’ll receive the very best support and guidance through a dedicated module called STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support) running throughout your course, as well as through your academic adviser. A university-wide Learning Enhancement team is also on hand to help you with mathematics, writing, critical-thinking, revision, and time management skills.

Employability is the backbone of our curriculum’s structure. Our teaching and assessment provide you with a curriculum that develops and enhances your employability relevant skills and attributes. The course’s syllabus is rich in real world examples and with opportunities for you to experience how the subject and its methods are applied. Guest lectures from graduate employers also contribute to the content of some of our modules. To develop and enhance your employability even further, our employability team organises a wide variety of events, such as: weekly employability workshops, networking and alumni events, one-on-one meetings with top professionals, job coaching and training, nationwide competitions, internships and consulting opportunities, mentoring by former alumni, among many others.

The student-led Economics Society is the perfect place for you to network and socialise with fellow students, whilst our Staff-Student Liaison Committee gives you a say in the future direction and everyday running of the School. The Norwich Economic Publications (a combination of a journal and a Podcast run by students) and the ECO Blog are outlets where you can share your enthusiasm about what you study.

In the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies you’ll enjoy a lively social and academic environment which plays host each year to a large number of talks by visiting politicians and philosophers.

Entry Requirements

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree: International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA) International Year One in Business Management and Economics (for Year 2 entry to UEA)

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Employability

Graduating from the School of Economics, you’ll be able to demonstrate a combination of analytical and interpersonal skills that are highly valued by employers. You’ll be well placed to choose from a wide range of career opportunities, including working as an economist, analyst or in other managerial roles, within economics or business consulting, the Civil Service, international think-tanks and organisations, investment banking and finance, accounting and auditing, insurance and actuarial work.

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Example of careers that you could enter include:

• Economic Analysis

• Management Consulting

• Government

• Think Tanks

• Political and Economic Risk Analysis

• NGOs and International Organisations

Discover more on our Careers webpages.