Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Politics and Economics (with Placement Year) University of Surrey, UK

Why choose this course

• Politics and economics is about money and power: political choices fundamentally determine the economies within which we live and work; yet often economic reality seems to shape the limits of political possibility.  
• Our course will introduce you to the most important public policy questions in the UK, around Europe, and the world, and explore how political and economic decision-makers' impact on others.  
• Along the way, you’ll be able to address the economic and political issues behind the biggest debates in contemporary society.  
• You’ll have the option to take one of our award-winning Professional Training placements that will prepare you for work in industry.

What you will study

Our BSc Politics and Economics degree will provide you with an in-depth understanding of core political and economic concepts, theories and methodologies. You’ll then be able to specialise in a wide variety of areas, from political economy and financial markets through to international organisations and international trade.  

Our degree has Bachelor of Science status, in recognition of its technical analytical components that are highly valued by an increasingly diverse range of employers in the knowledge economy. You will develop transferable qualitative and quantitative research skills, and learn how to design and carry out research projects using market-leading data analysis software.

Our curriculum is research-informed and student-led so you can tailor your degree to your own interests and passions.

Your time will be split equally between modules in politics and economics. This will allow you to draw links between the two both in the theoretical and applied fields of study.  

You’ll be provided with the knowledge necessary to tackle some of the most pressing questions that confront us today, from the role of markets in civic life to the existence of rationality in decision-making.
Nick Kitchen

Politics and economics placements

You’ll be taught how to apply theoretical understandings of politics and economics to world events and issues.

Additionally, we’ll equip you with the practical skills necessary to find a placement. The aim of our Professional Training placement is to provide you with first-hand experience of how politics operates in practice. Our students have completed placements in the voluntary sector, government departments, MPs’ offices, international organisations and the private sector.

Recent placement providers for Politics and International Relations include:

• Bank of England
• ECOFEL
• House of Commons
• House of Lords
• Mapfre
• Panasonic
• UKAS External Affairs
• UN Development Office
• Unilever