Economics and Politics

Why study Economics and Politics at Aberystwyth University?

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 application of economic theory has also evolved to explore contemporary issues such as the causes and impact that pandemics such as COVID-19 has 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 their economics. 

Our Staff

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.

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Your Economics and politics degree will provide an excellent foundation for a professional career within business, financial or political settings. Aberystwyth Business School offers a dedicated consultancy employability module where students apply as consultants within industry. During the semester where students consult for industry giving them practical exposure to the iterative nature of opportunity development, economists in training are actively sought by industry because of their inherent ability with data.

The Department of International Politics also offers its students the opportunity to shadow a Member of Parliament or an elected representative of Senedd Cymru (Wales' Parliament). 

Studying Economics and Politics will enable you to develop the following key skills:

• The ability to apply analytical and creative thinking skills for high level decision-making and problem solving
• Improved numeracy skills and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
• The ability to communicate clearly in a written and spoken form to facilitate successful team collaboration and independent work.