University of Reading United Kingdom

BA Politics and Economics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Politics and Economics at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree for students keen to understand the intricate interplay between political systems and economic forces shaping our world. You will delve into critical areas such as the politics of climate change, contemporary democracy, and political ideas, while simultaneously exploring core economic principles including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods. This course is ideal for those who wish to develop a nuanced understanding of societal challenges and gain analytical tools applicable to complex policy-making and business environments.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured over three years, providing a progressive learning journey. You will engage with a blend of compulsory and optional modules, allowing for specialization in areas like comparative government, global order, or environmental economics. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, with opportunities to develop research skills through a significant dissertation in your final year. Graduates will possess a robust analytical toolkit, preparing them for diverse career paths in government, international organisations, finance, and policy analysis.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in Politics and Economics offers a comprehensive exploration of both disciplines. Students will engage with foundational concepts in political science, including contemporary democracy, political ideas, and the politics of climate change, alongside core economic principles. The curriculum progresses to intermediate micro and macroeconomics, with a wide array of optional modules in both politics and economics allowing for specialization in areas such as comparative government, international political economy, or behavioral economics. The program culminates in a compulsory dissertation, providing an opportunity for in-depth research.

1 YEAR 1 Compulsory Modules

Politics of Climate Change Compulsory
Introduction to Contemporary Democracy Compulsory
Introduction to Political Ideas Compulsory
Principles of Economics 1 Compulsory
Principles of Economics 2 Compulsory
Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis Compulsory

2 YEAR 2 Compulsory Modules

The Study of Politics Compulsory
Intermediate Microeconomics Compulsory
Intermediate Macroeconomics Compulsory

3 YEAR 2 Optional Modules

Comparative Government and Politics
Global Order
American Government and Politics
Political Thinking
Model United Nations
War and Peace since 1800
Work Placement and Project
Political Classics
Contemporary Strategy
Global Politics and History
The Media and Politics
British Government and Politics
Business Economics
Games and Economic Behaviour
Economics of Social Policy
Economic History

4 YEAR 3 Compulsory Module

Dissertation Compulsory

5 YEAR 3 Optional Modules

Karl Marx
Risk
International Terrorism
US Foreign Policy
War, Peace and International Ethics
Feminism and Political Theory
Democracy, Division and Disagreement
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons
Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
Global Justice
International Political Economy
Public Economics
Environmental Economics
Behavioural Economics
Industrial Organisation
Financial Economics
International Economics
Development Economics
Money and Banking

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 624.00 - USD 867.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 7,249.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 4,833.00
Estimated Total USD 9,667.00 - USD 15,304.00

Living cost estimates are based on Henley Business School Greenlands Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Agricultural Marketing & SalesAgricultural Services & ExtensionAgrochemical & Seed IndustryBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesInvestment Management & Asset ManagementLivestock & Animal HusbandryRetail & GrocerySupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

FAO

Savillis

Tesco

Why Study BA Politics and Economics at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Politics and Economics at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for degree-level study.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can achieve scores like a Duolingo overall score of 125 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Other acceptable tests include TOEFL and PTE with specified minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Policy Analyst, Economic Consultant, Public Affairs Specialist, and Legislative Assistant.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree combines the study of politics, focusing on topics like comparative government and philosophy, with economics, examining issues such as macroeconomics and social policy. You'll gain skills to analyze economic and political challenges in contemporary society.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Politics and Economics program starts in September each year. Ensure you apply in advance to secure your place.
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