Political Economy

Political economy is the study of the relationship between political institutions and economic processes: how political decisions shape markets and economic outcomes, how economic interests influence political behaviour and public policy, and how the institutional arrangements of different societies produce different patterns of distribution, growth and stability. It is a discipline that refuses to treat politics and economics as separate, self-contained fields, recognising instead that each is deeply implicated in the other. At a time of significant disruption to both political orders and economic systems, it offers one of the sharpest analytical frameworks available for understanding the world.

At King's College London this interdisciplinary BA draws on political science, economics, history and philosophy to equip you with the skills and knowledge to understand, analyse and contribute to the political and economic institutions of the twenty-first century, in the UK and globally. You will engage with economic theory and quantitative methods alongside the study of political institutions, comparative government, international political economy and the historical development of modern capitalism. The programme includes a year abroad, running over four years full time, which gives you the opportunity to study in a different national and institutional context and to examine political economy from an international perspective.

You will develop skills in economic analysis, political theory, comparative research, quantitative and qualitative methods, and extended academic writing. The combination of rigour across two major disciplines is a genuine differentiator in the graduate market.

Graduates from political economy programmes pursue careers in international finance, economic consultancy, central banking, international development, policy analysis, the civil service, think tanks, journalism and international organisations. Postgraduate study in economics, political science, international relations or public policy is also a well-established route for those seeking specialist expertise or research careers.