(Full time) 2021 start
Economics and Politics BA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This exciting, interdisciplinary degree allows you to explore the institutions and practices of modern political systems, alongside the institutions, principles and theories of economics. As an Economics and Politics student you’ll gain expertise in data analysis, research, critical thinking and more as you develop an in-depth understanding of the economic factors influencing income, wealth and wellbeing, as well as the ways in which they influence public policy.
In addition to studying mircoeconomics and macroeconomics, you’ll gain a foundation in political theory, international relations, development studies and systems of government. You’ll examine the interrelated nature of Economics and Politics and how the disciplines shape society. We offer a wide range of optional modules which allows you to tailor your degree to pursue topics that excite you, so you can you develop your interests in specialist areas.
On this course you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, allowing you to develop an international perspective on your subject or undertake a work placement which will give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector linked to your studies.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain a diverse skillset that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as in your future career – whatever path you choose to take.
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. In addition, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules in both subjects so you can 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 topics such as security studies, theories of development and international relations. In economics, you could learn more about theories of economic growth, macroeconomic policy, econometrics and research methods, 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
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B 10 credits
- Economics and Global History 10 credits
- Economic Theory and Applications 30 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 (selection of typical options shown below)
Students without an A-level in Maths (or equivalent) will be required to study the following module.
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A 10 credits
Discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 30 credits of discovery modules.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Intermediate Microeconomics 10 credits
- Economics Research Methods 10 credits
- Intermediate Macroeconomics 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 10 to 50 credits from lists of optional modules in the school.
- Introduction to Health Economics 10 credits
- Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution 10 credits
- Industrial Economics 10 credits
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 10 credits
- Macroeconomic Policy and Performance in Britain 10 credits
- The International Economic Environment 10 credits
- International Economics 10 credits
- Business Economics 10 credits
- Applied Economics 10 credits
- Introduction to Econometrics 10 credits
- Labour Economics 10 credits
- Economics of Innovation 10 credits
- Statistics for Business and Economics 2 10 credits
- How to be a Successful Policy Economist 10 credits
- Ethics and Economics 10 credits
- The Conservative Party Since 1945 20 credits
- The Labour Party Since 1945 20 credits
- Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
- North-South Linkages 20 credits
- Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
- Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia 20 credits
- Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits
- State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
- United States Politics 20 credits
- Theories of International Relations 20 credits
- Security Studies 20 credits
- Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
- Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
- Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations 20 credits
- Approaches to Analysis 20 credits
- Career Planning for POLIS Students 20 credits
- Transport Economics 10 credits
- Project Appraisal 10 credits
Discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 40 credits of discovery modules.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
You will choose one module from the below list.
- Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project 30 credits
- Dissertation Joint Honours 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 40 to 80 credits from lists of optional modules.
- Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health 10 credits
- Advanced Microeconomics 10 credits
- Contemporary Issues in Economic Growth 10 credits
- Transnational Corporations in the World Economy 10 credits
- Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project 30 credits
- Economic Development 20 credits
- Economics of Famines 20 credits
- Environmental Economics 10 credits
- Applied Econometrics 10 credits
- Behavioural Economics 10 credits
- Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy 10 credits
- Public Enterprise and Regulation 10 credits
- Advanced Macroeconomics 10 credits
- International Economics: Integration and Governance 20 credits
- The Economics of Unions 10 credits
- The Political Economy of Work 10 credits
- Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy 20 credits
- British Foreign Policy 20 credits
- The End of British Politics? 20 credits
- The Politics of national identity in the UK 20 credits
- Parliaments and the Public 20 credits
- Land, Fuel and Agriculture 20 credits
- The Politics of Aid 20 credits
- International Development and Social Policy 20 credits
- Violence and Reconciliation in Africa 20 credits
- Extreme Right Parties in Contemporary Europe 20 credits
- Britain and the EU 20 credits
- Europe in the World 20 credits
- American Foreign Policy 20 credits
- Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics 20 credits
- Political Psychology: on Authority and Obedience 20 credits
- Philosophy of Human Rights 20 credits
- Radical Political Ideas: Marx, Nietzsche, Schmitt, Foucault, Kristeva 20 credits
- Reimagining Politics: Gender, Race, and Popular Culture 20 credits
- Introduction to Programming for Social Science 20 credits
- Advanced Statistical Analysis 20 credits
- Dissertation Joint Honours 20 credits
- Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture 20 credits
Discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules selected, you may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our 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.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
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 do not require A-level Politics for courses in the School of Politics and International Studies. 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 7/A in Mathematics or equivalent.
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Access to HE Diploma
Complete 60 credits with 45 credits Distinction grade at Level 3.
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BTEC
DDD.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M1.
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International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6,6,5 higher).
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
AAAAAB.
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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.
Typical Access to Leeds offer:
ABB at A level. Applicants must also hold 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics at grade A/7 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4, and pass the Access to Leeds module.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).
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:
- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)
- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)
- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)
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.
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.
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
Faculty of Social Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £21,750 (per year)
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.
Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
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.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
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 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Read more about Study Year Abroad.
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.