If you are fascinated by how the world works, how governments make decisions, how economies grow or stall, and how both forces shape everyday life, our BA Politics and Economics degree gives you the tools to understand it all with depth and confidence. This course brings together two powerful disciplines. You will explore global and comparative politics, examining how political systems operate, compete and evolve. Alongside this, you will study the micro and macroeconomic principles that underpin modern societies, from individual decision making to the behaviour of national and international markets. By connecting these perspectives, you will learn to analyse the forces that drive policy, influence elections and determine economic outcomes across the world. With a wide range of optional modules, you can tailor your degree to match your career ambitions. Whether you’re interested in international trade, global security, public policy or financial systems, you’ll be able to specialise and follow your interests. Our tutors have won awards for their teaching and are regularly featured in the media. You will be part of a vibrant student community. Join societies such as the Politics Society, Debate Society and United Nations Society to make friends, attend trips and build impressive skills for your CV. You’ll also have automatic membership to the student-led Nottingham Economics and Finance Society (NEFS). They offer networking opportunities, CV advice and additional training through their divisions. You will also have opportunities to hear directly from influential external speakers, giving you rare insights into global security, diplomacy and policy making. Previous guests have included Sir John Sawers, former Chief of MI6, and Major General Tim Cross. Our graduates have built successful careers across the private, public and charitable sectors, working as parliamentary assistants, councillors, civil servants, researchers, analysts and consultants. Many now work at major organisations including AON, the BBC, Citibank, the Civil Service, the House of Commons and UNISON. **Course Highlights:** * Our placements and internship opportunities provide valuable real-world experience that looks great on your CV (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/politics/study/careers/placements/index.aspx). * Join our student societies relating to both politics and economics, providing access to training, networking opportunities, guest speakers and trips. * Study abroad opportunities in locations such as China, Europe and the USA. **Proven Results:** * We're ranked in the top 20 in the UK for politics (Complete University Guide 2026). * The average starting salary for BA Politics and Economics undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £35,423 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).
A Level: AAA | Scottish Higher: AAABB | Scottish Advanced Highers at AA are also required | Access to HE Diploma: 36 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 9 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | GCSE requirements – English grade C (numeric grade 4) and Mathematics grade A (numeric grade 7). | GCSE/National 4/National 5 GCSE English grade 4/C and GCSE Mathematics grade 7/A. | Scottish Advanced Higher: AA | Scottish Highers at AAABB are also required | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D*D | Considered along with an A level at grade A | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 34 UCAS points | or 6,6,6 in three Higher Level Certificates | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: A | Considered along with two A levels at grades AA | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D*DD | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | Considered along with two A levels at grades AA
(no less than 6.0 in any element). As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language/english-language-requirements.aspx For pre-sessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/pre-sessional/index.aspx). Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your pre-sessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Politics-and-Economics-BA-Jt-Hons.html
View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx — Faculty of Social Sciences (PIR, SSP, L509, NUBS excl. N410)
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