Economics and Politics BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- LL12
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAA (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- ABB
Full entry requirements - Contact
- ugpolis@leeds.ac.uk
Course 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 details
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B | 10 |
| Economics and Global History | 10 |
| Economic Theory and Applications | 30 |
| Comparative Politics | 20 |
| Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Microeconomics | 10 |
| Intermediate Macroeconomics | 10 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century | 20 |
| Justice, Community and Conflict | 20 |
| Economics Research Methods | 10 |
| State of Emergency: Social science and the COVID-19 pandemic | 20 |
| Introduction to Health Economics | 10 |
| Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution | 10 |
| Industrial Economics | 10 |
| Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 | 10 |
| The International Economic Environment | 10 |
| Business Economics | 10 |
| Statistics and Econometrics | 20 |
| Labour Economics | 10 |
| How to be a Successful Policy Economist | 10 |
| Ethics and Economics | 10 |
| The Labour Party Since 1945 | 20 |
| North-South Linkages | 20 |
| Politics and Policy in the EU | 20 |
| Politics of Contemporary China | 20 |
| State and Politics in Africa | 20 |
| United States Politics | 20 |
| Theories of International Relations | 20 |
| Security Studies | 20 |
| Analysing Data in Politics, Development and International Relations | 20 |
| Approaches to Analysis | 20 |
| Transport Economics | 10 |
| Project Appraisal | 10 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
You will choose one of the following Final Year Project/ Dissertation modules.
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project | 30 |
| Dissertation for Joint Honours Economics and Politics | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health | 10 |
| Advanced Microeconomics | 10 |
| Transnational Corporations in the World Economy | 10 |
| Economic Development | 20 |
| Economics of Famines | 20 |
| Environmental Economics | 10 |
| Applied Econometrics | 10 |
| Behavioural Economics | 10 |
| Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy | 10 |
| Public Enterprise and Regulation | 10 |
| Advanced Macroeconomics | 10 |
| International Economics: Integration and Governance | 20 |
| The Economics of Unions | 10 |
| Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy | 20 |
| British Foreign Policy | 20 |
| Prime Ministers and British Politics | 20 |
| The Politics of National Identity in the UK | 20 |
| International Development and Social Policy | 20 |
| Violence and Reconciliation in Africa | 20 |
| Extreme Right Parties | 20 |
| Britain and the EU | 20 |
| Europe in the World | 20 |
| Gender and Security in Global Politics | 20 |
| Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics | 20 |
| Philosophy of Human Rights | 20 |
| Radical Political Ideas | 20 |
| Reimagining Politics: Gender, Race, and Popular Culture | 20 |
| Advanced Statistical Analysis | 20 |
| Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture | 20 |
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
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 subjects document to see which subjects we accept.
GCSE: Grade 7/A in Mathematics or equivalent.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
BTEC
DDD.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M1.
International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6,6,5 higher).
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAAAAB.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAAAB overall (AB at advanced level).
T-Levels
We will consider T levels in appropriate subjects as they become available. In all cases applicants should have GCSE English at 4 or above.
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.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £24,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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.
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.
Scholarships and 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.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration. Please see our Admissions Guidance page for more details as well as advice on personal statements.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
School of Politics and International Studies
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
School of Politics and International Studies Admissions Team
Email: ugpolis@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
BA Economics and Politics 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 about Careers support.
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. We have over 300 University partners 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.