Course summary

Explore contemporary global challenges through the lens of politics and economics. These include climate change, inequality and international conflict. By combining the study of politics and economics, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how and why some of the biggest global decisions are made. You’ll gain fundamental knowledge of economic and political theory, and apply this to key challenges facing national and international society. This will allow you to critically analyse major issues, such as terrorism and climate change, and how we can respond to them. In Year 1, you’ll focus on the core concepts of politics, international relations and economics. You'll study micro and macroeconomic theory and methodology, and explore contemporary political and economic systems. In Year 2, you'll improve your knowledge of comparative politics, international security, and the economics of money and finance, while developing your skills in research design and methods. Through a broad range of optional units, you'll be able to start specialising your knowledge. In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation and study the history of economic thought. You’ll also choose from a range of optional units, giving you the freedom to explore topics that interest you and prepare you for your potential future career. Optional units may cover areas like radical politics, US security policy or international political economy.