Economics and Politics

Economics and politics are disciplines that have always been in conversation with each other, because the decisions governments make are shaped by economic realities, and the policies that emerge from political processes shape how economies function. Studying them together gives you a more complete picture of how power, resources and institutions interact to produce the world we live in, from the role of central banks and trade agreements to the political economy of inequality and the dynamics of international relations.

At Essex, you will develop both analytical frameworks in depth. The economics strand will build your quantitative skills and theoretical understanding, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, data analysis and applied economic reasoning. The politics strand will introduce you to political theory, comparative government, international relations and policy analysis.

Together these equip you to understand not just what governments and markets do, but why, and with what consequences. You will develop the ability to work with data, construct evidence-based arguments and engage seriously with complex policy questions that do not have simple answers.

Graduates of economics and politics programmes are highly regarded by employers who value the combination of analytical rigour and political understanding. The civil service and government policy roles are natural destinations, as are careers in international organisations, financial services, economic consultancy, journalism, public affairs and non-governmental organisations. The quantitative skills developed through the economics component also open doors in data analysis, financial analysis and research.

Postgraduate study in economics, public policy, international relations or political science is a common next step for those who want to deepen their expertise.