Develop the skills and knowledge to become a thoughtful political economist. You'll explore the relationship between economics and political decision-making.
During this course, you’ll learn about the connections between society, the government, and the economy. You’ll examine the challenges facing individuals, countries and the international community using theories and methods from economics, complemented by key concepts from political science, like power, justice, conflict, and sovereignty.
You’ll learn to apply economic methods to policy issues while increasing your knowledge of UK and global institutions. This will help you understand how policies are formed and evaluated.
Year 1 will focus on building your economic intuition and core skills in mathematics, statistics, data analysis, and coding. You’ll also explore the exercise and evolution of power in societies and the role of politics in conflict resolution and consensus-building.
In Year 2, you’ll strengthen your command of economic theory and the econometric techniques and software tools used to estimate and forecast economic relationships. You’ll deepen your understanding of political theory and issues of conflict and security.
In your final year, you’ll choose from a range of optional units. This will give you the freedom to focus on your interests and career ambitions.
By the end of the course, you will have a deeper and more refined knowledge of the complex links between economics and political science.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
Main Site
Study options
BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years
Start dates
28/09/2026
Apply by 14 January
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:
D111
Institution code:
B16
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Bath has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
EU has vacancies
Wales does not have vacancies
England does not have vacancies
International has vacancies
Scotland does not have vacancies
Northern Ireland does not have vacancies
Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies
Apply by 14 January
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:
D111
Institution code:
B16
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Typical offer:
A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics.
Contextual offer:
AAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics.
Alternative offers with additional study:
AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics plus additional study - please see course pages on our website
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus A in A Level Mathematics.
We prefer the above qualifications in Business and you must also be studying A level Mathematics. We can also consider BTEC qualifications in Engineering or Science, but we would expect you to demonstrate evidence of strong essay-based skills, such as strong GCSE performance in English and humanities subjects.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction including 12 credits from Mathematics units at Distinction.
We are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics as part of your Access course (at least 12 graded credits of Level 3 Mathematics) to be able to succeed on our course.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Scottish Advanced Higher - AA
AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points
36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including either HL Mathematics.
We have a strong preference for applicants who are studying Higher Level Mathematics. If you are studying Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects plus 6 in the Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
We do not accept Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.
Contextual offer
6, 6, 5
International Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in either HL Mathematics.
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh) - Not accepted
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh) - Not accepted
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - Not accepted
GSCE requirements
GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
Data from:
This course and 15 other economics courses
Date range:
2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
For University of Bath, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these
calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data.
Learn more here
.
A*AA
Most common
A*AA Most common
A*A*A*
Highest grades
AAA
Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
71%
71% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
N/A
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
80%
80 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
80 Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Home (UK) fees for 2026/27 have not yet been confirmed and are subject to parliamentary approval.
For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
For information about our scholarships and bursaries visit: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/undergraduate-scholarships-bursaries-and-other-funding/