BA Economics and Politics
About this course
BA (Hons) Economics and Politics is an undergraduate degree placing the course within economics, politics and international relations. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Policy Analysis and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course explores the links between the two disciplines, and students may apply to add a placement year or a year abroad, increasing the degree from three years to four. The first year provides foundations in both disciplines, with compulsory modules covering micro- and macroeconomic theory, economic methodology and supply and demand, mathematical and statistical tools such as matrix algebra, calculus, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, and world trade and the international financial system through Global Economic History; optional first-year choices have included Researching Politics and International Relations, Introduction to Political Theory, Introduction to Comparative Politics, Introduction to International Relations and Perspectives of Political Economy. In the second year students choose either both Macroeconomics and Microeconomics or the combined Economic Theory module, and must also choose between Econometrics and a Research Project. Year-two optional modules have included Behavioural and Experimental Economics, Intermediate Economics Methods, Microeconomic Applications and Policy, Macroeconomic Applications and Policy, Politics and International Relations of East Asia, Foundations of Western Political Thought, Sovereignty, State and Empire, Global Political Economy, Debates in Political Theory, and Class and Nation in British Politics. The final year centres on a compulsory Dissertation in either Economics or Politics, examining a chosen area in detail and developing independent research planning and management. Final-year economics options have included Applied Econometrics, History of Economic Thought, International Economics, Labour Economics, Monetary Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Development Economics, Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory, and Game Theory and Applications, while politics and international relations options have included Elections and British Politics, Democracy and Discontent in the European Union, Social Justice and Marginalised Groups, The Politics of Inequality, Poverty or Prosperity?, The Political Economy of Development, Climate, Nature and the Global Economy, Decolonising International Society, Crises, Governance, and Struggle: Finance and the World Economy, Intelligence, The State and International Security, Environmental Politics, and Democracy and its Critics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including Mathematics and a social sciences or humanities subject. IB: 37 with 766 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics and a social science or humanities subject. If you are not taking Mathematics at higher level, we can accept standard level Mathematics at grade 7. We do not accept 'Mathematical Studies' at standard level to meet this requirement.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 33%: 30 offers from 90 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 110 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 35%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 62%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System.
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Principles of Economics
- Economic Methods
- Global Economic History
- Example optional modules
- You can choose EITHER:
- BOTH Macroeconomics
- AND Microeconomics
- OR Economic Theory
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Econometrics (20 credits):
- OR Research Project (20 credits):
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Economics and Politics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £34,000 after 3 years, £48,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £36,000 and £63,000. The £48,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Economics.
What do graduates of BA Economics and Politics at Durham University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Economics and Politics at Durham University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Economics and Politics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 183 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Economics and Politics at Durham University?
33% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 30 offers from 90 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BA Economics and Politics at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the EFMD Quality Improvement System. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Does BA Economics and Politics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Economics and Politics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.