BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey
BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics at University of Surrey combines political analysis with economic theory and practice, drawing on specialisations such as core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
Our Politics and Economics degree course will provide you with a detailed understanding of core political and economic concepts, methodologies and theories. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Surrey. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Economics graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £34,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Economics, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 70% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1, Semester 1 3 modules
- INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICSCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces students to core elements of economic theory which forms the basis of the Macro and Micro modules in the Semester 2 of first year. Understanding a number of concepts, like specialisation, markets, competition, rational behaviour and the structure of the economy are key learning outcomes from this module and prepare students for further study in Economics and related subjects.
- QUANTITATIVE METHODSCompulsory
Module details
This module ensures that every student acquires the basic mathematical and statistical skills necessary for their subsequent modules, irrespective of their prior education. Students will learn to solve mathematical optimisation problems, which lie at the heart of every economic model. This module will provide students with techniques for maximising real-valued functions with one variable; functions with several variables will be covered in subsequent modules. Economic applications of the mathema
- DEBATES IN BRITISH POLITICSCompulsory
Module details
This module offers an introduction to British Politics, exploring the key institutions of the political system (monarchy, Government, Parliament, parties), recent political challenges (Europe, the role of the media, devolution) and options for reform. We will also examine the role of non-state actors in reshaping British politics; from environmental and sustainability activism to public petitions. Students will cement their knowledge of our parliamentary democracy and place this in the current p
Year 1, Semester 2 3 modules
- MATHEMATICS FOR ECONOMICSCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces students to a range of mathematical techniques and concepts required for the effective study of economics. It demonstrates the role mathematics plays in the formulation of economic theory and subsequent analysis. The module builds on the mathematics students have studied in the first term of Level 4 and gives students the mathematical tools needed for the study of economics at Level 5 and 6.
- PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICSCompulsory
Module details
This module builds on the Introductory Economics module by extending the analyses of microeconomic concepts. In particular, it looks at the firm's supply decision (involving cost and production), and the effect of market structure on the firm's demand, studies labour markets and explains the constrained optimisation model of labour supply, introduces students to how to model risk and information problems, and covers aspects of welfare economics and market failure (with an application to the envi
- PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICSCompulsory
Module details
In this module we pose the 'big' questions about the economy, study the relevant data, build models that help explain what we observe, and evaluate these models.
Year 1, Semester 1 & 2 1 modules
- INTRODUCTION TO POLITICSCompulsory
Module details
This module offers students a first introduction to the study of political science, with an overall objective to set the foundations for developing a cultural and global diversity mindset, employability skills, digital capabilities, sustainable thinking, resourcefulness and resilience in the study of politics. Students engage with a set of key concepts of political science, questions and debates at the heart of the discipline. The module is a foundational window to the functioning of political s
Year 2, Semester 1 4 modules
- INTERMEDIATE MICROECONOMICS 1Compulsory
Module details
The module builds on the first year microeconomics modules and serves as a foundation for subsequent study of microeconomic topics within the relevant degree programs such as consumer choice and game theory. The module uses some mathematical techniques (from the Level 4 Mathematics modules) and graphical analysis.
- INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS 1Compulsory
Module details
The module progresses naturally from the macroeconomic models already encountered in first year Principles of Macroeconomics (ECO1019) to build intra-temporal and inter-temporal macroeconomic models from microeconomic principles to explore various macro topics, such as credit market, social security, banking, inflation and economic growth, and examines how macroeconomic policy influences economic performance. It serves as a foundation for Intermediate Macroeconomics 2 (ECO2046).
- INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMYCompulsory
Module details
This module enables students to gain a solid understanding of key theories of International Political Economy (IPE) such as Mercantilism, Liberalism and Marxism. It strongly emphasises the political, philosophical and ethical aspects of IPE and is therefore more in-line with studies of Political Theory and Philosophy rather than Classical Economics. It therefore builds on a good understanding of International Relations, the links between history and theory and experience with empirical case stud
- STATISTICAL MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMETRICSCompulsory
Module details
Econometrics is a research tool that involves the application of statistical methods for the analysis and critical evaluation of datasets. Econometrics is used by social scientists, particularly politics, economics, sociology, in order to explore competing hypotheses and generate predictions applied to real world puzzles. This module is designed for Level 5 undergraduate students specializing in politics and economics who want to work with quantitative data, gain a substantive understanding of t
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree provides a detailed understanding of core political and economic concepts, methodologies and theories. You'll usually begin with foundations in microeconomics (consumers, firms and markets), macroeconomics (growth, inflation, employment and policy), and quantitative methods. In Year 2, a course like this normally progresses to intermediate theory, econometrics and causal inference with real datasets, and applied economics examining policy questions. In your final year, you'll choose specialist options such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, econometrics and data, public policy, or international trade, alongside advanced econometrics or economic policy and an independent research dissertation.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding how political systems and economic forces shape society. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 112–127 points. You should be prepared for a blend of theoretical study and practical application, culminating in independent research. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time over three years.
Careers & job market
Across Economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £26,500–£35,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £26,775–£37,800 after three years and £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention stands at 92% across the student body.
University & format
The University of Surrey is a public university founded in 1966. The BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics is a full-time degree taught in English over 3 years. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this degree is nationally recognised. In the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, the university received a Silver award for teaching quality.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| a Baccalaureate | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code LL12). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Surrey →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Economics graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £34,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £40,000 | £31,000 – £49,500 | 155 |
| 5 years after | £54,000 | £39,500 – £66,500 | 165 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in economics · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Economics nationally
National figures for Economics graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Economics courses at the same study level.
Compared with 594 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 41% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics worth it?
Yes, for most students BSc (Hons) Politics and Economics is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£270,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 8.1. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Economics graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Economics graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Banks & consultancies
- Bank of England
- Government Economic Service
- Think tanks
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Economics graduates.
Economics Associate / Director - ManchesterPegasus GroupEconomics Graduate AssistantSt Edward's School, OxfordEconomics ExaminersEduqasEconomics SpecialistVella RecruitmentEconomics AnalystOFWATEconomics PhD Scholarship (ESRC-Funded)Royal Holloway, University of LondonIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £34,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 87.3% · in work or study 88% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Surrey
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Surrey
1,620 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Economics right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Surrey from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,900 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Surrey’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Surrey and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Surrey
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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