School of Government & International Affairs | BA Economics and Politics (with Foundation Year)

BA Economics & Politics (with Foundation Year) at Durham University

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Combine the study of key principles in economics with modern political systems and learn how the two areas can work together to benefit society.

Economic and political theory shapes the decisions made in our society at every level. From the economic effects of climate change to healthcare policy, or the distribution of social funding to the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, the fields of economics and politics have a significant impact.

BA Economics & Politics explores the connections between these two closely linked disciplines. You will develop your own views on a wide range of current issues and build a skill set that will help you make sense of some of society’s biggest challenges.

And when you study at Durham, you’ll develop these skills in a vibrant and intellectually challenging environment. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

You’ll divide your time equally between the two disciplines, studying a diverse range of topics such as World Economy, Macro and Microeconomics, Corporate Finance, International Relations and Political Systems. Years 2 and 3 offer a wide selection of option modules which allow you to adjust the balance of subjects to broaden your experience or focus on your major area of interest.

Learning from an academic team with expertise in contemporary economic and political issues, you’ll be well prepared for a career in the finance services, economics or commerce. In addition, the critical and analytical skills gained on the course extend your options to include the fields of journalism, public policy, education, international development, the charity sector and beyond.

Our students graduate with specialist knowledge in areas of accounting and of finance, as well as the analytical, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career opportunities in the financial world and beyond.

Our focus on employability extends beyond the classroom. You will benefit from employability-focused events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From interview advice and employer talks to subject-specific careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.

Previous graduates have gone on to work within the accountancy profession and for businesses as accountants, specialising as auditors, financial accountants, tax specialists, management consultants etc. Graduates have also specialise in areas of finance such as financial analysis, risk management and investment banking. For employers such as PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, National Audit Office, Capita, Deutsche Bank and Sage Plc. Many have been offered places on graduate talent schemes across a range of sectors, while others have taken on roles in charitable organisations and in general management.

Our courses are informed by both academic researchers and our links with industry. This specialist expertise develops the knowledge and skills that our students need to succeed in a competitive job market.

We offer a series of employment-related events which include talks from visiting speakers who explore the range of careers open to politics and international relations students, and offer advice about applying for jobs. We also host a regular Civil Service Fast Stream event in which Durham alumni give first-hand advice about how to excel in the recruitment process.

Graduates are equipped with an academic and practical skill set that will take them into a wide range of fields including local and national government, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. They have gone on to achieve great success in the political arena and beyond, with roles including Chief Operating Officer for the GB Equality and Human Rights Commission, Head of Defence Inquests and Disclosure in the Ministry of Defence and Political Officer in the British Embassy Mogadishu.

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