Politics and economics are at the heart of society and affect everyone. You'll gain an in-depth understanding and interest in both fields. You'll graduate with transferable skills in analysis, critical thinking and independent research. This will put you in a position to pursue a career in government, finance and business or advocacy organisations. As a member of the Russell Group, cutting edge research conducted by academics in the department feed into your modules. Our FinLab provides experience and training in the analysis of financial data. It includes a suite of Bloomberg terminals, used by traders. Ranked 11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide, 2026), the Politics and International Relations Department provide a suite of employability initiatives, in addition to those provided by the university, to help you gain the experience and skills to stand out. **Key Features of This Course** - Gain specialist knowledge of microeconomics (the behaviour of individuals and businesses), macroeconomics (the behaviour of the economy as a whole), and political concepts such as democracy and international relations - You'll also have the freedom to shape your studies by choosing optional modules to suit your interests or career plans. Examples include Chinese politics, ethics, criminology and industrial economics. - As part of this course, you can also spend a semester abroad **Student Support** Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will be there to help guide you throughout your time at Southampton, offering career advice and guidance, as well as signposting to pastoral services if needed. Every lecturer you have will also have ‘office hours’, where you can come and ask any questions you need. With connections and experience across international organisations across the World, UK-based think tanks, councils and government, our academics have real-world knowledge to help guide your career choices. **Further information** The department is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, located close to Southampton Common. It's the academic heart of our University and home to social events, sports facilities, and our Students' Union.
A Level: ABB | Standard offer: ABB including Maths If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: BBB including Maths and grade A in EPQ | Scottish Higher | We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" | Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF): DD | DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A-level Maths. | Access to HE Diploma: 30 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | Standard offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. Additional Mathematics requirement needed at Level 3 - Maths A Level grade B. | GCSE/National 4/National 5 Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C). | Scottish Advanced Higher | Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 | Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF): D | D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Maths. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-level Maths. | Extended Project: A | The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 32 UCAS points | Standard offer: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level and grade 5 at Higher Level in 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation'. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: B | ABB from three A levels including Maths or AB from two A levels including Maths and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H1H2H2H2H3H3 | H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including Mathematics at H2 | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels including Maths. | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3M2M2 | Standard offer: D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at M2 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
with no component below 6.0
We teach a range of core modules in politics and economics in Year 1, as well as further compulsory modules in Year 2 and 3 which build on this knowledge foundation. Four modules are studied per semester. There are optional module choices in all three years. The dissertation is compulsory in Year 3, and you decide whether to pursue it in politics or economics, depending on your own interests. Research methods and statistics modules are taught in Year 1 and Year 2, to deliver the key skills required on this type of programme, to support your research and study in your other modules, and to prepare you for the dissertation in Year 3. Students pick optional modules from a range (please see our website for details). In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Students pick optional modules from a range (please see our website for details). In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future.
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
Comparing courses? Match them against your grades.
Open the course explorer