Economics and Politics

Economics and politics is a pairing that makes intellectual sense: the two disciplines share an interest in how power is exercised, how resources are distributed and how collective decisions are made, but they approach these questions with different methods and different assumptions. Economics brings quantitative precision and formal modelling; political science brings institutional analysis, normative theory and attention to how interests are organised and contested. Studying them together sharpens both: economic arguments become more politically realistic and political analysis becomes more economically literate.

At the University of Edinburgh, you will discover many potentially creative tensions between the two disciplines, which reflect the different modes of analysis traditionally used in economics and political science. The programme runs for four years full time, which in the Scottish tradition gives you time to develop breadth in your early years before specialising more deeply. It includes a year abroad, allowing you to engage with political and economic institutions in another country and to study in a different academic environment.

The typical entry tariff of 232 points reflects the high level of quantitative and analytical skill the degree requires.

You will develop fluency in economic reasoning, including the use of data, models and empirical methods, alongside the skills of political analysis: reading primary texts, understanding institutional design, and engaging with normative debates about justice, legitimacy and the proper scope of state power. Edinburgh's strong research culture in both departments ensures you are taught by academics who are actively contributing to both fields.

Graduates from economics and politics programmes are exceptionally well placed for careers in the civil service, international organisations, economic consultancy, think tanks, policy analysis, finance, journalism and political campaigning. The combination of quantitative and analytical skills is valued across public and private sectors. Postgraduate study in economics, political science, public policy or international relations is a natural next step for many graduates.