Politics and Economics (BSc Econ)
- Subject areas: Economics, Politics and international relations
- UCAS code: LL12
- Next intake: September 2023
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Tailored to your interests
Specialise in industrial economics, economic history, labour economics or international economics.
State of the art trading room
Prepare yourself for trading and risk management in a controlled environment equipped with Investor Simulations, TRETS and Bloomberg.
Links to political institutions
Benefit from links to Westminster parliament, Senedd Cymru, the European Union and NATO.
Experience politics in action
Choose a module taught in-conjunction with Westminster which includes teaching by clerks of the House of Commons and study visits.
Placement opportunities
Develop the skills, confidence and connections to accelerate your career.
The field of politics allows you to explore how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy, conflict, legitimacy or accountability as well as incorporating international relations.
Modules are varied, allowing you to explore how politics works in Britain and further afield as well as investigate how public policy is made. Other strands of work discuss justice, democracy, human rights and international relations; providing you with a broad understanding of politics tailored to your own particular needs.
Studying Economics at Cardiff will provide you with rigorous training that will be a useful grounding for your future career.
Is austerity economics the way to more sustained economic growth in the future? Should Europe retain the single currency? How can the NHS be reformed to increase efficiency and equity? These are just some of the many issues and debates which may lead you to study Economics with Politics.
Politics graduates find careers in a wide range of fields. A further option is to go on to postgraduate study.
Subject area: Economics
Subject area: Politics and international relations
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. If you are applying to study this course via Clearing, entry grade requirements may be higher than those advertised. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-ABB
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- GCSE Maths grade B/6 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other subskills.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 22 for writing and 20 in all other subskills.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 69 in writing and a minimum of 62 in all other communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: a Distinction in Writing and at least one Distinction and two Merits in other components.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDD-DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,000 | None |
| Year two | £9,000 | None |
| Year three | £9,000 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2023/24 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £20,450 | None |
| Year two | £20,450 | None |
| Year three | £20,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
Any equipment required will be supplied by the School.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a three year, full time course consisting of 120 credits per year. You will take an equal number of credits in Politics and Economics modules in each year, allowing you to tailor your degree to reflect your specific interests.
The first year is an introductory year with results from Years 2 and 3 determining your degree classification. A particular feature is the option of writing a dissertation in your final year. This is highly regarded by employers because it indicates that you can undertake original research.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.
Year one
Year one provides you with a graduated transition to studying economics and politics at degree level, and offers instruction in the skills, techniques and arguments that you will use.
You will study 60 credits in Politics modules and 60 credits in Economics modules during your first year.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Stats and Maths in Econ and Business | BS1501 | 20 credits |
| Microeconomics | BS1551 | 20 credits |
| Macroeconomics | BS1652 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol: The Good, the Bad and the Political | PL9193 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Science | PL9194 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to International Relations | PL9195 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Thought | PL9196 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Globalisation | PL9197 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to European Integration | PL9198 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Government | PL9199 | 20 credits |
Year two
You will study 60 credits in Economics modules and 60 credits in Politics modules in year two.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomic Theory | BS2549 | 20 credits |
| Microeconomic Theory | BS2550 | 20 credits |
Year three
You will study 60 credits in Economics modules and 60 credits in Politics modules in year three.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
We offer a supportive learning environment, where you are enabled to acquire a range of skills and a wealth of specialist knowledge. Our courses foster intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory and the effective deployment of language in writing and in debate. We also help you gain experience in team working, independent research and time management.
You will be taught both by lecture and seminar. Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lectures.
Seminars usually consist of about 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations.
Politics and International Relations provides opportunities for learning and teaching through the medium of Welsh. Seminar teaching in Welsh is available in modules in each of Years 1, 2 and 3. Students may elect to write all or some of their assessed work and examinations in Welsh.
How will I be supported?
As well as having regular feedback from your personal tutor in each course, you will have a reading week each semester for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback lectures, generic written feedback and feedback on tutorial performance
Coursework will be marked by your module tutor and your tutor will give you written feedback on your work. You will also have a feedback class after each assessment. Students will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following the May/June examination period and you will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor as part of the monitored student self-assessment scheme.
How will I be assessed?
A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.
Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment purposes but also as a means of developing your capacities to gather, organise, evaluate and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Dedicated essay workshops and individual advice enable you to produce your best work, and written feedback on essays feeds forward into future work, enabling you to develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.
The optional final-year dissertation provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and to acquire detailed knowledge about a particular field of study, to use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material and present a clear, cogent argument and draw appropriate conclusions.
What skills will I practise and develop?
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. These will allow you to:
- grasp complex issues with confidence
- ask the right questions of complex texts
- have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
- identify and apply relevant data
- develop practical research skills
- propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
- work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, providing you with the skills, curiosity and confidence to make your mark in a competitive job market. Whether you have a clear idea of what you’d like to do after university, or no idea at all, we have the tools and support to guide you.
Degrees in Politics provide you with a foundation for a wide range of careers such as in non-governmental organisations, global development, international business, diplomacy and intelligence in government, journalism, and policy research, as well as a basis for more specialist subjects taught at postgraduate level.
Economics is an intellectually stimulating discipline and the skills of Economics graduates are often in demand by employers in both the public and private sector. Some Economics graduates take a period of additional training after completing their degree, a postgraduate course perhaps or a further training course which will allow them to convert to another profession such as accountancy or law. Whatever career you pursue, the skills acquired during your Economics degree (problem solving ability, quantitative techniques, analytical skills etc), will undoubtedly be welcomed by employers.
You’ll benefit from dedicated careers support both in Cardiff Business School and the School of Law and Politics. Within the Business School we have a dedicated Careers Centre which offers bespoke business-specific support, including industry placements, internships, work experience and insights.
Our careers advisor in the School of Law and Politics can assist you with career consultations, interview and CV writing workshops, industry-specific events and broad skills training.
Graduate careers
- Journalist
- Government officer
- Manager
- Publisher
- Lawyer
- Banker
- Accountant
- Policy researcher
- Civil servant
Placements
Cardiff Business School has a dedicated Placements Manager offers advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons.
Next steps
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Get in touch
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How to apply
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
