Politics with Economics

Politics with economics is a degree built on an insight that holds across virtually every significant public question: political decisions shape economic conditions, and economic forces constrain and drive political choices. Understanding either discipline in isolation leaves you poorly equipped to analyse the world as it actually works. This combination develops the conceptual tools of political science, including analysis of institutions, power, political theory, and governance, alongside the economic frameworks for understanding markets, incentives, and resource allocation, giving you a more complete picture of how societies organise themselves and how that organisation can be changed.

At Keele University, this full-time, three-year BA encourages you to explore contemporary developments in both the political sphere and the economy, asking fundamental questions about how politics shapes economic outcomes and how economic pressures shape political behaviour and institutions. You will study political theory alongside microeconomics and macroeconomics, developing both the qualitative analytical skills of political science and the quantitative tools of economic analysis. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, meaning you will gain substantial professional and international experience alongside your academic study.

These placements have helped graduates into careers in government, business, and finance. The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates from politics with economics programmes are well placed for careers in the civil service, political organisations, business analysis, financial services, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, think tanks, and public policy roles. The combination is particularly valuable for understanding the interface between government and the economy, which is relevant to roles in economic advisory bodies, regulatory authorities, and policy teams across the public and private sectors. Postgraduate study in politics, economics, public policy, or international relations provides a natural continuation for those who wish to specialise further.