Economics with Political Studies

Economics and political studies is a pairing that sits at the intersection of two of the most influential social science disciplines. Economics analyses how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions about scarce resources, how markets function, and how policies shape prosperity and inequality. Political studies asks who holds power, how political institutions are structured, and how the interaction between government, citizens, and interests determines outcomes in society.

Together they give you an unusually powerful set of tools for understanding the world, each discipline enriching the other.

At Royal Holloway, this three-year full-time programme combines a thorough grounding in economic theory and methods with a quarter of your time devoted to political studies. You will develop the quantitative and analytical techniques that modern economics requires alongside the qualitative and interpretive skills that political analysis demands. The curriculum draws on the expertise of a centre recognised as one of the UK's leading teaching and research environments in economics.

A sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities are all built into the programme, giving you substantial professional experience and an international dimension alongside your academic study.

You will develop rigorous analytical thinking, the ability to work with data and models, and a sophisticated understanding of how economic forces and political structures interact to shape outcomes in the UK and across the world.

Graduates are highly sought after across public and private sector management, finance, government, policy analysis, economic consultancy, international organisations, and journalism. The combination of economics and politics is particularly valued in roles that require both quantitative rigour and contextual political understanding, such as economic advising, policy research, and public affairs. Postgraduate study in economics, political economy, public policy, or related fields is a natural next step.