BSc Economics and Politics

Why study

Economics and Politics at Aberystwyth University? You will be taught by world-leading researchers from Aberystwyth Business School and the Department of International Politics. Aberystwyth University was the first university in the world to establish a Politics department.

It was founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to help the world understand the world. Economics is the study of how individuals firms, markets, governments and other institutions combine to produce and distribute goods and services in order to achieve desired outcomes for society, and how effective they are in doing so. The Economics element of this degree offers you the opportunity to study the application of economic theory and how it has evolved, explore contemporary issues such as the causes and impact that pandemics such as COVID-19 have on society at domestic and international levels, the subsequent financial crisis, and the proposed solutions to ameliorate the impacts upon trade, globalisation, corruption and ultimately climate change.

Politics explores how society tackles challenges. Politics stands at a fascinating but difficult historical juncture - one that, as political beings, we all need to understand, explain and, in part, shape. The politics element of this degree offers you the opportunity to study the concepts, practices, policies, histories and regions that make up politics as a discipline and to explore the ways in which all these factors influence economics.

On this degree, you will develop valuable analytical, numerical, data analysis and problem-solving skills, which will allow you to understand how people, businesses, institutions and governments make decisions, and the implications of such decisions on individuals and society. Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE. Students at the Aberystwyth Business School are taught by lecturers and other teaching staff who are active researchers and expert practitioners in their chosen subject area.

Over 75% of full time members of teaching staff are qualified to PhD level. Most are currently research active, meaning that students benefit from being taught ‘new’ knowledge in their chosen field of study as well as recognized literature. The School also employs part-time and full time staff devoted purely to teaching.

Many part-time staff combine teaching duties with consultancy and business activities, ensuring that students have access not only to up to date research but the latest applied knowledge.