Politics and Economics - BA (Hons)

Have you considered why the weekly shop in so many countries is more expensive than a year ago? Why governments care so much about energy and petrol prices? And whether policy decisions on tax, benefits and pensions really affect us all? Our Politics and Economics BA explores contemporary developments in both the political sphere and the economy, asking fundamental questions about how politics shapes the economy and vice versa. Enhance your subject knowledge through the investigation of political systems and critically review how society allocates resources, policy and power both locally and internationally. Build a foundation of knowledge, developing skills in effective communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, applicable to various advanced careers.

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

UCAS code

  • LL14

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international, placement or entrepreneurship year

Why study Politics and Economics at Keele University?

No. 1 in the UK. Britain's best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)
Study alongside innovative companies based in Keele Business School
Join a close-knit and supportive academic community that encourages you to discuss, argue and debate political issues with your lecturers and peers, and better appreciate the views of others
Enhance your employability prospects with study abroad, entrepreneurship and work placement opportunities
Access to industry-leading software such as Bloomberg and STATA
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Studying Politics and International Relations at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of studying and teaching at Keele.

View video transcript

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Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Distinction and Merit in BTEC Diploma and B in one A Level.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AB in two A Levels.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels, or 30 points.

Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels or 28 points.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 4 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers.

B in National 5 Maths, or C in Higher Maths (including as one of the Highers taken as part of your offer), or 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: O3 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: 65% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 7 or C1 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: 11 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: 3 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: 6 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6.5 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: 6 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: 15 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: 11 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: 60% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: B in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: B in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: B in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: B in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

72% overall.

You will also need: 6.5 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and a C in EAP English Language module.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: 4 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"My time at Keele was crucial in supporting me getting to where I am today. The economics elements were crucial to gaining a good understanding of economic theory (quite handy as an economist), and studying Politics was really important in developing the skills I needed to be a leader in the civil service. Beyond the practical knowledge like understanding how Parliament works, the soft skills I gained from Keele were incredibly helpful. In my job, I'm often asked to produce advice for ministers who are keen to understand a particular issue in only a couple of pages - I remember writing a mock research report for The House of Commons library in one of my modules, which was excellent practice!"

Matt, Politics and Economics

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Keele Business School

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of studying and teaching at Keele.

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"My favourite aspect of Keele was the feel of community. Having passionate course mates and lecturers who were willing to sit and talk about a subject until I understood it motivated me greatly. The opportunities that Keele offered me were exceptional. I studied abroad for a semester in Tennessee, travelled across the country playing for the University's lacrosse team and explored my passion for politics in depth. All of these experiences contributed to me becoming more confident and self-assured, which has benefitted me in the world of work. "

Will, Graduate Analyst at GlobalData, Politics Graduate

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Meghan on placement

"On my work placement, everyone is so friendly, well that is until it comes to Mario Kart at lunch and then it’s war. It’s safe to say no two days are the same at Nintendo, one day I will be comprising my own sales reports to present and the next I’ll be standing on a field getting blown away by helicopters volunteering with Starlight. It’s hectic and ever changing but I have already grown so much and I am ready for the year ahead, bring it on! "

Meghan, Economics and Maths

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

  • Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Politics and Economics degree. For example, the Foundations of Social Sciences 1 module introduces you to the ‘backbone’ of social sciences, the concept of social inclusion, the factors that lead to exclusion and the impact this may have on individuals, families and communities. Meanwhile, the Foundations of Social Sciences 2 module considers the topic of migration and mobility by exploring how migrants are framed in terms of law, economy, data and the media over time and how ideas regarding migration are often shaped by socio-political discourses of ‘race’ and the ‘other’, creating an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ narrative. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247

Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing

15 credits

FYO-00251

Foundations of Business 2

15 credits

FYO-00263

Foundations of Social Science 1

15 credits

FYO-00265

Foundations in Social Sciences 2

15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00271

University Research Portfolio

30 credits

FYO-00269

Advancing Social Sciences

30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

  • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A level, BTEC, Access Course, or T level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Politics and Economics with Foundation Year (UCAS code: LL15) through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Discover the Keele difference

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Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.