Politics and Economics Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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).