BA (Hons) Politics & Economics

A Foundation Year is available on this course. See page 64 for more information

Key Information

Duration and delivery: 3 years full-time with a 4-week placement, or 4 years full-time with a 30-week placement

Entry requirements: 104 - 120 tariff points

Required subjects:

None

If English is not your first language: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component or equivalent

See website for latest details of:

Entry requirements, contact hours and course costs

Explore the biggest challenges facing the world today - from the rise of international tensions and conflict in places like the Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen, to worldwide emergencies of health and climate change, to unemployment, inequality and poverty. Come to study and debate these issues with us in a collaborative and engaging environment.

Interdisciplinarity and the media

This unique and interdisciplinary course combines political science, economics, sociology, psychology, media and communication to provide rich insights into current global debates. We cover a range of issues including governance, leadership, campaigning, political identity, industry, globalisation, and the environment. You can choose units tailored to your passions and career aspirations.

Extra-curricular activities

See yourself as a future political pundit, academic expert or factchecker? You can be part of our election broadcasts analysing results in real time. Want to be a political journalist? Collaborate with local media such as Dorset Eye or produce your own podcasts and blogs as part of online departmental projects. Fancy a research career? Work with our academics on their work and be published in academic journals. Alongside these opportunities, and those provided by SUBU, you can attend a wide range of guest talks, screenings, field trips to locations such as Westminster, and work with local government and charities. You’ll also have global opportunities through our study abroad programme. What’s more, you’ll complete a work placement during your course which will help you build your first professional networks and enhance your employability after graduation.

Politics community

Study Politics & Economics at BU and you will understand the key areas of political and economic life, from the global level to the grassroots. You will gain skills that will allow you to be reflective, critical and strategic, ready to take on the challenges of careers in frontline politics, in research or advisory roles for charities, parties or activist groups, in global political or economic affairs within governments, global organisations or for any organisation seeking politically literate and media-savvy employees.

Placement experience

Students have undertaken placements working in political and communications roles, such as in our local Dorset MP's offices, for an environmental educational charity in Sweden, and for a global business software corporation in London.