Economics and International Relations

Why study Economics and International Relations at Aberystwyth University?

You will be taught by world-leading researchers from the Department of International Politics and Aberystwyth Business School.

Aberystwyth University was the first university in the world to establish a Politics department in 1901. Its establishment, post World War I is 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 application of economic theory has also evolved to explore contemporary issues such as the causes and impact of the financial crisis and the proposed solutions, the effects of trade, globalisation, corruption and climate change on economic development.

International Relations is about how we tackle global challenges. International Relations stands at a fascinating but difficult historical juncture, one that as political beings, we all need to understand, explain and, in part shape. With the relative decline of the ‘West’, the emergence of new powers and actors, and the increasingly complex and intertwined nature of local, national, regional, international and global problems, politics is entering a new era.

The International Relations 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 are undergoing radical transformation in the twenty-first century.

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

Both Aberystwyth Business School and the Department of International Politics offers students many opportunities to engage with employers and the undertake relevant paid or unpaid work experience during the duration of the course.

The Department of International Politics also run the following initiatives for all students:

1. Parliamentary Placement Scheme enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.
2. Interstate: the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.

Upon completion of the Economics and Politics degree, you will equip the following skills:

• Understanding of organisational behaviour and structure
• Improved numeracy skills and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
• Deep understanding of the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
• The ability to communicate clearly in a written and spoken form
• Effective problem solving
• Analytical and creative thinking skills
• Decision-making
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time-Management and organisational skills
• Self-motivation and self-reliance.