Politics with Economics with Foundation Year

Politics and economics is a pairing that addresses one of the most fundamental dynamics of modern society: the relationship between political power and economic organisation. How governments shape markets, how economic interests drive political decisions, and how policy choices between different economic models produce different social outcomes are questions that neither discipline can answer alone. Together they provide a framework for understanding how the world is organised and how it might be changed.

At Keele University, this four-year full-time degree with a foundation year explores contemporary developments in both the political sphere and the economy, asking fundamental questions about how politics shapes economic life and how economic structures in turn constrain and enable political action. The foundation year provides a supported entry for students who need additional preparation before engaging with the main degree. You will develop knowledge of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and political economy, building an integrated understanding of the two fields.

The programme includes placement opportunities that give you professional experience in government, business, and finance settings.

Graduates from politics with economics programmes are well placed for careers across the public and private sectors. The civil service, economic and political consultancy, think tanks, international organisations, journalism, financial services, and management roles in both the public and private sectors are all common destinations. The analytical and communication skills developed through the combination are valued in any role that requires understanding complex systems and making arguments that bridge the political and the economic.

Postgraduate study in economics, political science, international relations, or public policy is a natural next step for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.