Economics and Politics

Economics and Politics at Durham University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to develop students’ understanding of contemporary economic and political issues on both national and global scales. The programme combines rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods with in-depth analysis of political systems, institutions, and ideologies. Students will explore key themes such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade, public policy, government, democracy, and political theory. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world application, preparing graduates for careers in the public sector, policy analysis, economics, journalism, international organizations, or further academic study.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse range of modules that foster an understanding of how economic and political forces interact to shape society. They will learn to interpret economic data, evaluate policy impacts, and understand political processes in different contexts. The curriculum benefits from Durham’s distinguished academic staff, who are experts in their field, providing both foundational knowledge and current research insights. The programme also offers opportunities for practical experience through internships, seminars, and study abroad options, enhancing students’ employability and global outlook.

The programme is structured to support both depth and breadth of learning, allowing students to specialise in areas such as welfare economics, development economics, political philosophy, or international relations. Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and research projects, encouraging diverse skills development. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates leave with a well-rounded understanding of the interconnected nature of economics and politics, prepared to address complex societal challenges.

Durham’s vibrant academic community, extensive library resources, and engaging extracurricular activities complement the academic experience, fostering critical debate and networking opportunities. This programme attracts motivated students interested in understanding the mechanisms driving economic and political change and preparing for impactful careers in a dynamic global environment. By the end of their studies, graduates will possess a strong analytical toolkit, a nuanced understanding of policy issues, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to public and private sector initiatives worldwide.

Content

Year 1

In the first year, in addition to the three economics compulsory modules, you take a further two compulsory modules entitled Ideas and Ideologies, and Democratic Political Systems and choose one further optional module from a selection covering International Security and International Organisation, Global Regions in International Relations, and Theory and History in International Relations.

Year 2

In the second year, you study two compulsory modules in Macroeconomics and Microeconomics plus one module chosen from a selection that includes:

• Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• Business Competition
• Corporate Finance
• Economic Data Analysis
• Economics of Social Policy
• European Economics
• Intermediate Methods for Economics and Finance.

In addition three modules must be chosen from the range of second-year Politics modules, which includes:

• Democracy and Democratic Theory
• Foundations of Western Political Thought
• The Politics of Pacific Asia
• Middle East in the International System
• International Relations Theory
• International Organisations
• Global Political Economy.
• Islam, State and Government
• Class, Nation and British Politics

Year 3

In the third year, you study a compulsory double Dissertation module that can be in either economics or politics. In addition you choose four optional modules from a selection that includes:

• Advanced Microeconomics
• Advanced Macroeconomics
• Applied Econometrics
• Development Economics
• Environmental Economics and Policy
• Financial Theory and Corporate Policy
• History of Economic Thought
• Industrial Organisation
• International Economics
• Labour Economics
• Monetary Economics 
• Public Economics
• Security Investment Analysis
• Chinain Global Political Economy
• The American Presidency
• The Politics of the Middle East’s Oil Monarchies 
• British Political Thought since 1850
• The Ethics of Violence in International Relations
• Islam and Politics in the Modern World
• Theories of Liberty
• The Political Economy of the European Union
• Elections and British Politics
• Israel: Politics and Society
• Power and Political Space in Jewish Politics

Note that in the second and third years it is possible for you to take a minimum of five and a maximum of seven modules in each subject.

Study Abroad

Students can apply for a one-year study placement in one of the following institutions: the University of California and Boston College in the USA, British Columbia in Canada, the University of Hong Kong, and the National University of Singapore. In some cases courses are offered in English, while in others teaching is in the local language. We have an ERASMUS/Year Abroad Co-ordinator who will help you prepare for your year abroad, and who will maintain contact with you while you are away.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• For all Single and Joint Honours degrees involving Economics, including Philosophy, Politics and Economics, we require you to obtain a Grade A at A-level Mathematics or its equivalent. For applicants studying the International Baccalaureate, the requirement is 38 points to include 666 in the Higher Level subjects. We require either grade 6 in Higher Level mathematics, or grade 7 in Standard Level mathematics (excluding Maths Studies).
• If an applicant is taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics, a further two subjects must be taken at A2-level. Applicants are encouraged to avoid studying both Economics and Business Studies A2-levels
• We do not accept Advanced Higher Statistics as a substitute for AH Mathematics. If you are taking both of these subjects at this level then a further two Advanced Highers are necessary.
• If you are studying for the IB Diploma please note that we do not accept Mathematical Studies at standard level instead of standard level Mathematics.
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
• Grade A in at least one social science or humanities subject is required at both A-level and GCSE
• You are not required to have A-Level Economics, however for anyone taking this subject this will form part of the offer made to you
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer
• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes
• We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well-structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Tuition Fees and Financial Support for Economics and Politics at Durham University

At Durham University, Tuition fees for the Economics and Politics undergraduate program are subject to change annually and differ for UK, EU, and international students. For the academic year 2023/24, the tuition fee for UK students is approximately £9,250 per year, while international students pay approximately £23,650 annually. These fees cover access to lectures, seminars, tutorials, and complimentary use of university facilities, including libraries and study spaces. Additional costs may include textbooks, stationery, accommodation, and living expenses, which vary depending on student choices and lifestyle.

Durham University offers a broad range of financial support options for prospective and current students. For UK students, the government-supported Student Loans and Maintenance Grants are available, providing assistance to cover tuition fees and living costs. The university also offers its own Scholarships, Bursaries, and Hardship Funds designed to support students from diverse backgrounds. Notable among these are the Durham University Undergraduate Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit or financial need and can amount to up to full tuition coverage.

International students are encouraged to explore University-specific scholarships, such as the International Student Excellence Scholarship, which awards financial aid based on academic achievements. Additionally, some external funding bodies and governments offer scholarships or grants for students from particular regions or with specific eligibility criteria.

Work opportunities are available on-campus, including part-time jobs and internships, which can help students manage expenses and gain practical experience. The university also provides advice and guidance on applying for external funding and managing finances throughout the course duration.

Overall, Durham University is committed to making Economics and Politics accessible through its comprehensive financial aid programs. Students are advised to consult the university’s official website for the most current fee information, scholarship opportunities, and application procedures. Securing financial support can significantly ease the burden of study costs, allowing students to focus on their academic and extracurricular pursuits during their time at Durham.

The Economics and Politics programme at Durham University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to provide them with an in-depth understanding of the key concepts, theories, and practical applications within both fields. This integrated degree equips students with critical analytical skills, economic literacy, and a nuanced understanding of political systems, institutions, and ideologies. The course is structured to foster a strong foundation in core economic principles such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics, alongside a thorough exploration of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy analysis.

Students benefit from Durham’s distinctive approach that encourages the development of quantitative and qualitative research skills, enabling them to critically evaluate policy issues and economic data in a global context. The programme emphasizes the interconnectedness of economics and politics, examining how economic policies influence political decision-making and vice versa. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and case studies, students engage with current global challenges such as inequality, environmental sustainability, globalization, and governance.

Durham University’s Department of Economics and the Department of Politics ensure that students receive expert teaching from academics who are at the forefront of their fields. The programme also offers opportunities for internships, placements, and study abroad exchanges, enriching students' practical experience and employability. Graduates of the programme pursue diverse careers in government, international organizations, finance, consultancy, research, and academia. The interdisciplinary nature of the course encourages critical thinking, debate, and an understanding of complex global issues, preparing students for active participation in the political and economic spheres of the modern world.

The programme typically spans three years for full-time study, with options for part-time learning or combined honours for interested students. Entry requirements generally include strong academic qualifications, with a preference for high performance in relevant subjects such as mathematics, social sciences, or essay-based subjects. Durham University’s vibrant campus life, combined with its strong academic reputation and diverse student body, provides an enriching environment for studying Economics and Politics. Overall, this degree aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of analyzing and addressing real-world problems from multiple perspectives, facilitating careers that can influence or shape policy and economic strategies on a national and international level.