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(Full time) 2019 start

Economics and Politics BA

Overview

This degree in Economics and Politics allows you to explore the institutions and practices of modern political systems, alongside the institutions, principles and theories of economics.

You’ll develop in-depth understanding of the economic factors influencing income, wealth and wellbeing, as well as the ways in which they influence public policy. You’ll study microeconomics and macroeconomics as well as gaining a foundation in political theory, international relations, development studies and systems of government.

Course content

In Year 1 you’ll explore key concepts and debates in economics, as well as gaining the mathematical skills that you’ll need for economic analysis. You’ll also develop the critical and research skills you need to study politics, and learn about political theory and different political systems.

Core modules in Year 2 will give you a broad and deep understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics, and you’ll be introduced to econometrics. In addition, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules in both subjects so you can begin to develop your own interests.

These will include one module on political theory and others focusing on governments and political systems, as well as a broader range of topic such as security studies, theories of development and international relations. In economics, you could learn more about theories of economic growth or macroeconomic policy, as well as specialised modules in transport, labour or health economics among others.

In your final year you’ll apply your knowledge and skills to your dissertation - an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Around this, you’ll build your own programme of study in both subjects, with topics as diverse as economic development, global economic co-ordination, political psychology, international banking and finance or gender and violence.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Economics and Global History 10 credits
  • Economic Theory and Applications 1 20 credits
  • Studying and Researching in POLIS 5 credits
  • Comparative Politics 20 credits
  • Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits

Optional modules

You will study one of the below modules, depending on your previous mathematics study:

  • Mathematics for Economics and Business 1 10 credits
  • Statistics for Economics and Business 1 10 credits
  • Mathematical Economics 10 credits

Discovery modules

You may choose up to 40 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Intermediate Microeconomics 10 credits
  • Introduction to Econometrics 10 credits
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics 10 credits

Optional modules

You will also take a core methods/methodology module plus modules that explore political theory and government and political systems based research specialisms in the School of Politics and International Studies. The list of options may include:

  • Introduction to Health Economics 10 credits
  • Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution 10 credits
  • Macroeconomic Policy and Performance in Britain 10 credits
  • The International Economic Environment 10 credits
  • Labour Economics 10 credits
  • How to be a Successful Policy Economist 10 credits
  • The Conservative Party Since 1945 20 credits
  • The Labour Party Since 1945 20 credits
  • Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
  • Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
  • State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
  • Security Studies 20 credits
  • Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations 20 credits

Discovery modules

You may choose up to 40 credits of discovery modules. You may choose a maximum of 40 credits of discovery modules over Levels 2 and 3 combined.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

You will choose to complete a final year project in Politics or Economics.

  • Politics Dissertation 20 credits
  • Economics Final Year Project 30 credits

Optional modules

You will choose from a wide ranging list of optional modules from Leeds University Business School and the School of Politics and International Studies. This list may include:

  • Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health 10 credits
  • Advanced Microeconomics 10 credits
  • International Trade 10 credits
  • Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy 10 credits
  • The Economics of Unions 10 credits
  • The Political Economy of Work 10 credits
  • Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy 20 credits
  • The End of British Politics? 20 credits
  • The Politics of national identity in the UK 20 credits
  • The Politics of Aid 20 credits
  • International Development and Social Policy 20 credits
  • Britain and the EU 20 credits
  • Political Psychology: on Authority and Obedience 20 credits
  • Philosophy of Human Rights 20 credits
  • Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture 20 credits

Discovery modules

You may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules. You may choose a maximum of 40 credits of discovery modules over Levels 2 and 3 combined.

For more information on typical modules, read Economics and Politics BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.

The teaching structure varies depending on your level of study – for example, in Year 1 you might expect to have six or seven lectures and three or four seminars per week. However, independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.

You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete projects based on essays and case studies, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year you’ll also submit a dissertation.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

We don’t require A-level Politics for any of our degrees and we welcome applications that include vocational A-level subjects such as AVCE (single or double awards). Any combination of these with A-levels is acceptable.

In general we expect applicants to have two ‘traditional’ academic subjects at A-level. See our accepted A-level subjects document to see which subjects we accept.

GCSE: grade A in Mathematics or equivalent.

  • Access to HE Diploma

    Complete 60 credits with 45 credits Distinction grade at Level 3.

  • BTEC

    DDD.

  • Cambridge Pre-U

    D3, D3, M1.

  • International Baccalaureate

    35 overall (6,6,5 higher).

  • Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

    AAAAAB.

  • Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

    AAAAB overall (AB at advanced level).

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Politics and International Studies admissions team.

International foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.


Improve your English

If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
 

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Politics and International Studies Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

Economics and Politics BA combines two challenging subjects to equip you with a wide range of subject knowledge, in addition to skills in data analysis, research, critical thinking, communication and presentations that will serve you well in a variety of careers.

Politics provides a strong base for a career in political research and analysis, research bodies, interest groups, political consultancy, lobbying, the media, the civil service, local and national government, NGOs, charities and international organisations like the UN and World Bank. Economics leaves you equally well-qualified for roles in management, banking, finance, the civil service and administration.

In addition, you’ll have the varied skill set needed for diverse roles in business, HR, law, broadcasting, journalism, marketing and communications or further study and academia.

Careers Support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.


Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.