BSc Economics and Politics (LL12)
2026 entry | view 2025 entry
Course summary
Develop a deep understanding of economic and political systems by studying complementary social sciences on this joint honours degree.
Experience enriching and exciting intellectual challenges from two schools with strong reputations for teaching and research.
You'll build your core economics knowledge in areas like microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics – the use of statistical methods to estimate economic models.
Politics is organised around three themes: political theory, comparative and national politics, and international relations. You'll therefore study the politics of individual countries and governments, as well as the relationships between countries, communities and individuals.
You'll also be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions with optional modules in both economics and politics. This enables you to explore topics ranging from global justice to behavioural economics, political thought to industrial economics, gender politics to international trade, and more.
An optional dissertation will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a specialist area of politics if you choose – honing your research and analysis capabilities as you explore a question of particular interest to you.
By the end of the programme, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career. On average, Bristol economics students earn 26% more than other UK economics graduates within five years of graduation – typically enjoying salaries between £42,500 and £77,500 per year (discoveruni.gov.uk, 2024).
Recent BSc Economics and Politics graduates have gone on to work at organisations including the Civil Service, Bloomberg, Barclays, the Financial Conduct Authority, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Job roles of recent course graduates include Investment Analyst, Journalist, Funding Manager, Policy Advisor, Data Analyst, Associate Consultant, and Researcher.
Course structure
Economics follows a series of core units in the first and second years, covering economics, mathematics and statistics.
This lays the foundations for specialising in the areas of economics that most interest you in your third year. Previous optional economics modules have included development economics, behavioural economics, history of economic thought, international trade, environmental economics, health economics, and more.
Mandatory politics modules in the first year cover political concepts and thinking politically, plus you'll be able to choose between international relations or comparative government and politics modules. In years two and three, optional modules include subjects such as political economy, UK politics, US politics, gender, security and conflict, global justice, political theory, NGO development, and more.
There is also a strong emphasis on developing research skills, with the possibility of completing a politics dissertation in your final year.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Economics and Politics can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.