Newcastle University

Politics and Economics BA Honours
UCAS Code: LL21 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Politics at Newcastle takes you behind and beyond the headlines to explore how the world is, how it should be and how political change actually takes place.

Politics is one of the most dynamic and diverse academic subjects available and you will study everything from pressing issues of international crisis to the latest domestic political developments. 

This flexible degree is delivered jointly by Politics and Newcastle University Business School. It offers the exciting intellectual challenge of exploring two contrasting disciplines of central importance to the contemporary world.

• In Politics, you study international politics, political thought and political systems from around the world.
• In Economics you study mathematically focused modules in topics such as economic analysis, political economy, and analysing economic data.

The skills and knowledge you develop will equip you for a range of careers, and you will have the opportunity to specialise in either discipline as the degree progresses, if you choose to.

Teaching and assessment

Research provides the foundation for teaching at all levels in Newcastle University Business School. This ensures that your study material reflects current economic theory. Our research expertise is reflected in your choice of modules, particularly in the later Stages of your degree.

Our teaching programme takes many formats including lectures, lively seminars, teamwork exercises, research projects, simulations and more. You share your seminars not just with other politics students, but with historians, sociologists, modern linguists and economists. This broad mix adds to the range of viewpoints and liveliness of debates. 

We use a variety of assessment methods, although on average you will be expected to complete the equivalent of at least three presentations, three essays and three examinations each semester. In Stage 3 you have the opportunity to write a dissertation, supervised by a member of staff, on a topic of special interest to you. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Opportunities abroad

UK and EU students have the chance to broaden their academic experience by taking part in an Erasmus exchange during Stage 3. This gives you the chance to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities.

Studying at Newcastle

As a joint honours student at Newcastle, you will divide your time between Politics in the Politics Building and Economics, delivered by Newcastle University Business School.

In Politics, you'll find a diverse and friendly community of students and academics. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a range of social and other activities outside your study programme, many of which are organised by the student-run Politics Society.

To make sure you feel at home, we have an active system of student support, including a personal tutor and peer mentor to offer guidance and support throughout your degree.

In Newcastle University Business School you will be part of a global community, with staff and students representing 69 different countries.

You will have access to teaching, learning and computing facilities in our state-of-the-art building within Newcastle's emerging business district. Take a virtual tour of our new Business School building on the School's website.

As in Politics, you'll also find a very active student social scene, helped by the activities of the student-run Economics Society.