Our BSc Economics and Political Science degree will prepare you to tackle a wide range of issues, such as the impact of climate change on the economy, financial crises, trade agreements or income tax.

    

The Economics and Political Science BSc programme

In your first year you are introduced to the main facets of the discipline: statistics, microeconomics and macroeconomics. You learn about computer-based methods for analysing economic data, and explore topics in applied economics. There are modules on Economic History, along with a Quantitative Methods course for students looking for a higher level of technical skill.

In the second year you consolidate the main areas of the subject and begin to explore the many optional modules on offer. You might opt for theoretical or mathematical economics or study more applied topics.

The emphasis in your final year shifts towards the application of economic theory and how this impacts on policy-making.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a ‘Professional Development’ module as part of your optional module choices.

    

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

BSc Economics and Political Science

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U457

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

First year


Core modules

  • Principles of Economics
  • Introduction to Political Theory
  • Professional and Academic Skills Development for Economists A and B
  • Politics as a Vocation 1 and 2
  • Introduction to Political Economy

You must also take one of the following: (dependent on whether you have A level Mathematics)

  • Introduction to Mathematics for Economics
  • Mathematics for Economics

 

Second year


Core modules

  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Analysing Political Worlds

Optional modules

One module from the following list:

  • Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Development Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • China and the World Economy
  • Contemporary Issues in the UK Economy
  • Mathematical Methods for Economics

Final year


Core modules

You must take one of the following:

  • Politics Dissertation (40 credits)
  • Economics Extended Essay (20 credits)

You will also take at least one of either Advanced Macroeconomics and/or Advanced Microeconomics 

 

Optional modules

From Economics:

  • Advanced Behavioural and Experimental Economics
  • Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Industrial Organisation
  • History of Economic Thought
  • International Trade Theory and Policy
  • Monetary Policy and Dynamic Macroeconomics
  • Decision Theory and Games
  • Public Economics
  • Health Economics
  • Economics of the European Union
  • The Political Economy of Russia
  • Professional Development

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Newcastle degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects. 

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a ‘Professional Development’ module as part of your optional module choices.

Your Newcastle degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Newcastle students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.