Economics and PoliticsBSc

Every economic decision impacts society, including taxation, interest rates, and government spending. Studying economics and politics equips you to understand population behaviour and apply this knowledge to drive positive change in areas like environment, energy, and public policy.

• BSc Economics and Politics students can apply for a placement year in their second year, transitioning to the four-year Economics and Politics with Placement degree upon securing a placement. With opportunities at global corporations, SMEs, and exclusive BBS Careers placements, you’ll gain expertise, grow your network, and stand out.
• Embark on a life-changing year abroad. You'll have an option to study at a prestigious global partner institution, learn or enhance a language, and gain invaluable international experience. Flexible destinations and dedicated support ensure an unforgettable journey beyond your comfort zone.
• Boost your career with the award-winning Professional Development Module (PDM), a 20-credit option for final-year students not taking a year long placement. Complete 40+ hours of work experience during summer or term time.
• Stand out with a unique consultancy training experience, delivered exclusively by global consultancy firm Capgemini — only at Birmingham Business School. This unparalleled, week-long programme takes place at Capgemini’s world-renowned facilities and offers the chance to apply your skills to impactful projects for charitable organisations. It’s an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your expertise, and make a real difference.
• Our employer-endorsed Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to key areas of economics, including statistics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. You’ll develop skills in analysing economic data and explore applied economics, alongside modules in Economic History and Quantitative Methods for advanced technical skills.

In your second year, you’ll build on these foundations and choose from a variety of optional modules, while your final year focuses on applying economic theory to inform policy-making.

As well as learning the detail of your subject, you will develop the all-round skills needed for a modern working world - critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity.

Your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. Satisfactory performance is necessary to advance, with your final degree based on accumulated marks and credits from all years, focusing on your second and final-year achievements. 

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

A level subjects excluded for entry: General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Use of Maths.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking,
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with 176 in Writing and Speaking
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

With a wealth of opportunities in Birmingham, you’ll find impressive companies like ONS, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Bank of England, KPMG, and Ernst and Young ready to welcome you.

Economics and politics provides valuable transferable skills that are highly sought after in any career path. From strategic and logical thinking to clear, effective communication, you’ll develop essential abilities that will set you apart in any field.

BBS Careers

BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.