Economics and Politics,BA

Economic and political theory shapes the decisions made in our society at every level. From the economic effects of climate change to healthcare policy, or the distribution of social funding to the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, the fields of economics and politics have a significant impact. 

BA Economics and Politics explores the connections between these two closely linked disciplines. You will develop your own views on a wide range of current issues and build a skill set that will help you make sense of some of society’s biggest challenges.

And when you study at Durham, you’ll develop these skills in a vibrant and intellectually challenging environment. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

You’ll divide your time equally between the two disciplines, studying a diverse range of topics such as world economy, macro and microeconomics, corporate finance, international relations and political systems. Years 2 and 3 offer a wide selection of option modules which allow you to adjust the balance of subjects to broaden your experience or focus on your major area of interest.

Learning from an academic team with expertise in contemporary economic and political issues, you’ll be well prepared for a career in the finance services, economics or commerce. In addition, the critical and analytical skills gained on the course extend your options to include the fields of journalism, public policy, education, international development, the charity sector and beyond.

Combine the study of key principles in economics with modern political systems and learn how the two areas can work together to benefit society.

A level offer – A*AA including Mathematics and a social sciences or humanities subject.

Contextual offer – AAB including Mathematics and a social sciences or humanities subject.

We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics and a social science or humanities subject.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We require you to obtain a Grade A at A level Mathematics or its equivalent. For students taking the IB we are happy to accept either Higher Level grade 6 or Standard Level grade 7 in Mathematics.

• We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics.

• If you are studying for the IB Diploma please note that we do not accept Mathematical Studies at standard level instead of standard level Mathematics.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.

• You are not required to have A level Economics, however, for anyone taking this subject, this will form part of the offer made to you.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degrees.

• We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well-structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Our students graduate with subject-specific knowledge such as economic theory and data analysis, as well as the commercial awareness, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across the world. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career possibilities in the economics and finance sector and beyond.

Our focus on employability stretches beyond the classroom. You will benefit from events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From employer talks and interview advice to business-tailored careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.

Previous Economics graduates have gone on to work for global innovators and leaders in their sector including Ernst and Young, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, PwC, JP Morgan and for government departments such as the National Audit Office, HMRC and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 89% of Economics and Finance graduates are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 96% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £36,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)