BSc (Hons) Economics and Politics at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BSc Economics and Politics studies how governments and markets shape societies, from central banks and globalisation to the influence of economic forces on political decisions. It blends theory, data analysis and applied learning to address policy challenges.

Department: Department of Government | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Politics and Introduction to Quantitative Economics. Later modules include Microeconomics (Intermediate), Quantitative Political Analysis, Introduction to Econometric Methods, Advanced Quantitative Political Analysis, Comparative Political Economy, International Political Economy and a Capstone Project.

Career pathways

Graduates can enter government and public service (Civil Service, parliamentary staff, local and central government), international organisations (UN, NATO, World Bank, EU institutions), policy and research, business and finance, and media and communications.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, plus 128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. IB: 32 points in the IB Diploma or 128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects; the Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,750 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year)

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