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Politics and Economics

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Politics and economics shape the world we live in. From government policy to global markets, the decisions made in these fields affect societies, businesses and individuals every day. On this degree, you will explore how these two disciplines connect and influence one another.

You will build a strong understanding of economic theory alongside key political ideas, learning how systems operate and how decisions are made at national and international levels. Your teaching is shaped by research from our Russell Group community, giving you insight into current debates and real-world challenges.

Alongside theory, you will gain practical experience using Bloomberg terminals in our Financial Laboratory (FinLab), developing skills in financial data analysis that are valued by employers. Ranked 11th in the UK for graduate prospects, this course is designed to help you build the knowledge and experience to stand out.

Key features of the course

Develop specialist knowledge in microeconomics and macroeconomics alongside political concepts such as democracy and international relations

Shape your degree with optional modules that reflect your interests, including topics such as Chinese politics, ethics, criminology and industrial economics

Gain hands-on experience analysing financial data using Bloomberg terminals in our FinLab

Expand your perspective with the opportunity to study abroad for a semester

Build analytical, critical thinking and independent research skills that are valued across a wide range of careers

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and access to pastoral services if needed.

You will also benefit from direct access to your lecturers through regular office hours, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and deepen your understanding.

Further information

The department is based at Highfield Campus, our oldest and largest campus, close to Southampton Common. It is a lively and welcoming environment, bringing together teaching, research and student life, with social spaces, sports facilities and the Students’ Union all nearby.

Modules

Course Modules

We teach a range of core modules in politics and economics in Year 1, as well as further compulsory modules in Year 2 and 3 which build on this knowledge foundation. Four modules are studied per semester. There are optional module choices in all three years. The dissertation is compulsory in Year 3, and you decide whether to pursue it in politics or economics, depending on your own interests.

Research methods and statistics modules are taught in Year 1 and Year 2, to deliver the key skills required on this type of programme, to support your research and study in your other modules, and to prepare you for the dissertation in Year 3.

Students pick optional modules from a range (please see our website for details). In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future.
Students pick optional modules from a range (please see our website for details). In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future.

Assessment method

Modules are examined at the end of the semester in which they are taught, and in some cases a coursework mark will contribute to the overall grade for the module. Final degree classes are based upon marks from the second and third years.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
LL12
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LL12
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

Standard offer: ABB including Maths

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: BBB including Maths and grade A in EPQ

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A-level Maths.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

Standard offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. Additional Mathematics requirement needed at Level 3 - Maths A Level grade B.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C).

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Maths.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-level Maths.

Extended Project
A

The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A levels, may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. For more information on the University of Southampton’s EPQ Admissions Policy, please see our EPQ Admissions Policy webpage.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

Standard offer: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level and grade 5 at Higher Level in 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation'.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

ABB from three A levels including Maths or AB from two A levels including Maths and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H3H3H3H3H3

H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Mathematics at H3

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels including Maths.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3M2M2

Standard offer: D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at M2

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@soton.ac.uk https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/politics-and-economics-degree-bsc

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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