Economics and Politics (Including Placement Year) BSc (Hons)

University of Essex

How and why do governments try to regulate markets? Why are Central Banks independent? What explains the fluctuations of stock markets and exchange rates? How important is the economy for the outcome of elections? What is globalisation and how does it impact our daily lives?

Economic and political events dominate domestic and international news, and impact on our day-to-day lives, as well as shaping the future. This course should interest you if you want to gain an understanding of politics and economics, but also want to understand the interaction between the two disciplines. You study economic methods while exploring the very nature of democracy and the ways in which governments use the economy for their advantage.

Placement year

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you by providing the option of an additional year at no extra cost.

The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend your third year employed on a placement with an external organisation, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course. This provides you with the opportunity to learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

Your future

All Essex, politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Our students are in demand from a host of employers, in politics, the civil service fast stream, management, journalism, police, armed forces, commerce, business, finance, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), teaching and graduate research.

Our notable alumni includes the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow, and our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:

• The World Bank
• NATO
• Houses of Parliament Research Unit
• United Nations Development Program
• ICM research
• IMG Media