Economics and Politics BSc
AAB at A level, Mathematics; graduates earn a median £35,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
Mathematics · 90% of entrants came with A levels · 98% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab including mathematics
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1Mathematics
Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 10% with other higher education. 10% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 10 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher plus Level 3 units in Mathematics or in conjunction with an alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD including Mathematics or in conjunction with an acceptable alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification | Mathematics or in conjunction with an acceptable alternative Level 3 Mathematics qualification |
| IB | 35 points35 points with a minimum grade of 5 points in Higher level or 7 in Standard Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations). | — |
| Scottish Highers | BBBB | — |
| Advanced Highers | B in Mathematics plus | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
2compulsory modules in year 1, 7 optional
Compulsory modules this year: green & sustainability 38% · social & cultural skills 25% · transversal skills 25% · mathematics & statistics 13%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 2 core, 7 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Principles of Economics
What you learn (4)
- produce written analysis of economic issues
- construct numerical and graphical representations of economic models
- explain key concepts of economic theory
- evaluate real-world economic problems using economic theory
- Political Analysis
What you learn (2)
- identify core concepts and debates in political analysis history and development
- gather and interpret political data using analytic approaches to justify conclusions
7 optional modules
- Data, Evidence and Policy and Quantitative Methods or,
What you learn (17)
- explain why data matter for economic analysis
- identify different types of data used in economics
- locate existing datasets relevant to an economic question
- construct new data suitable for economic analysis
- organise and store data using appropriate management practices
- assess the quality and reliability of a dataset
- apply reliable methods to measure economic variables
- summarise data using descriptive statistics
- interpret patterns in data through exploratory analysis
- create clear graphical representations of data
- use Excel functions to manage and manipulate data
- build pivot tables and charts to summarise data in Excel
- evaluate empirical evidence critically
- apply empirical evidence to analyse policy problems
- present evidence-based findings to a non-specialist audience
- collaborate effectively within a team to complete tasks
- manage time to meet set deadlines
- Mathematics for Economists and Probability and Statistics
What you learn (2)
- identify core mathematical techniques used in economics
- apply mathematical techniques to typical economic problems
- Introduction to Political Theory: States, Liberty and Revolution
What you learn (9)
- identify key concepts in political theory
- describe major historical and contemporary debates in political theory
- construct arguments using conceptual analysis
- formulate normative judgements on political questions
- present reasoned arguments on political theory topics
- write clearly about political theories and concepts
- translate theoretical ideas into accessible written language
- evaluate arguments critically and reflectively
- recognise cultural differences in political perspectives
- Global Challenges: From Theory to Practice
What you learn (5)
- identify core concepts and debates on global challenges
- apply political theories and concepts to case studies
- propose solutions to political problems using theoretical perspectives
- communicate political arguments to non-expert audiences
- evaluate differing visions of the public good critically
- Introduction to Comparative Politics
What you learn (8)
- identify core theoretical approaches used in comparative politics
- describe key issues associated with comparative political analysis
- analyse how concepts of state and institutions explain political problems
- evaluate how collective action problems shape political outcomes
- compare how institutions emerge differently across countries
- evaluate the consequences of institutional differences for governance and stability
- construct evidence-based arguments on comparative politics topics
- present comparative politics arguments orally using academic conventions
- Introduction to Global Politics
What you learn (13)
- identify key issues shaping contemporary world politics
- describe explanations and policy responses to global political issues
- identify major theoretical debates in international relations
- explain how different theories frame responses to global issues
- analyse how power and hierarchy shape global political order
- evaluate the role of inequality in shaping world politics
- explain how framing of issues shapes research questions asked
- explain how theoretical choices influence data collection and conclusions
- reflect on the complexity of global political phenomena
- contextualise one's own position within global political processes
- discuss the basis for conceptions of the global public good
- construct a well-organised argument using relevant sources
- communicate political concepts and facts clearly and concisely
- York Policy Lab
What you learn (12)
- identify categories of public policy and the actors involved in shaping them
- describe influences that affect the development of public policies
- frame a real-world issue as a defined policy problem
- evaluate alternative policy options using analytical criteria
- justify the selection of a preferred policy option
- describe difficulties encountered when carrying out policy analysis research
- locate and apply relevant empirical data to a policy question
- identify tools used in applied policy analysis
- analyse how policy analysis tools have been applied to evaluate policies
- write a policy brief presenting recommendations for a professional audience
- deliver an oral presentation of policy recommendations to policy-makers
- reflect on personal development achieved through collaborative teamwork
Year 2 · 3 core, 14 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Econometric Analysis
What you learn (12)
- use OLS regression results to test economic hypotheses
- discuss the limitations of OLS regression methods
- describe panel data estimation techniques
- describe instrumental variables estimation techniques
- manage and prepare datasets using Stata
- estimate econometric models using Stata
- test statistical hypotheses using Stata
- interpret the results of an econometric analysis
- explain the methods used in applied economic papers
- evaluate the econometric approach of applied economic papers
- collaborate effectively within a team
- manage time to meet deadlines
- Microeconomic Theory
What you learn (2)
- explain core concepts used in microeconomic analysis
- apply standard analytical tools to economic problems
- Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
What you learn (15)
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse short-run economic issues
- apply macroeconomic models to analyse medium- and long-run growth issues
- explain causes of inflation and unemployment using macroeconomic theory
- evaluate the effectiveness of monetary policy measures
- evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures
- contribute actively to problem-based learning tutorials
- design a research strategy to investigate macroeconomic issues
- evaluate macroeconomic theories and policies relevant to a given issue
- adapt problem-solving techniques to tackle unfamiliar economic problems
- communicate economic arguments clearly in written form
- communicate economic arguments clearly in verbal form
- work independently to complete economic analysis tasks
- collaborate effectively within a problem-based learning group
- evaluate personal contribution to team-based learning activities
- evaluate peers' contribution to team-based learning activities
14 optional modules
- Econometric Theory
What you learn (2)
- apply statistical theory concepts to economic data
- select appropriate statistical models and tests for datasets
- British Politics
What you learn (6)
- explain key concepts used in the study of UK politics
- describe major theories relevant to UK political analysis
- apply political concepts and theories to historical developments in UK politics
- apply political concepts and theories to current developments in UK politics
- construct a coherent written argument on a UK politics topic
- present a clear oral argument on a UK politics topic
- Politics of Development
What you learn (8)
- differentiate between competing theories of development
- critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of development theories
- describe current debates and issues within development studies
- explain the theoretical basis underlying proposed development solutions
- analyse the political consequences of development policy choices
- explain the role of domestic institutions in shaping development outcomes
- explain the role of international institutions in shaping development outcomes
- apply empirical evidence to assess institutional influence on development
- The Politics of Gender
What you learn (10)
- explain major theoretical approaches to gender studies
- analyse domestic and international political issues through a gender perspective
- evaluate the political significance of gender in policy debates
- design independent research into gender and politics topics
- apply suitable research methods to gender-related political questions
- identify solutions to gendered problems in domestic and international politics
- work independently to address gender-related political challenges
- communicate gender studies concepts clearly in a political context
- describe diverse perspectives within gender studies and politics
- assess the broader social implications of differing gender perspectives
- Things Fall Apart: Political Thought in Times of Crisis
What you learn (7)
- describe key historical debates about what constitutes politics
- evaluate competing theoretical arguments on political legitimacy
- identify strengths and weaknesses in theories of legitimate political order
- construct written arguments using module concepts and theories
- plan independent study goals to address research problems
- analyse primary and secondary sources to inform argument
- reflect critically on the ethical implications of different political theories
- Justice, Equality, and Difference
What you learn (10)
- analyse competing theoretical positions on justice
- critique key arguments within justice theory
- construct a reasoned argument in political theory
- counter opposing arguments in political theory debates
- apply theoretical frameworks to real-world political debates
- examine political issues from multiple perspectives
- evaluate the broader social consequences of political issues
- select suitable theories and concepts for independent research
- justify research conclusions with supporting reasoning
- present arguments and ideas according to academic writing conventions
- Capitalism: Beyond States and Markets
What you learn (7)
- describe the historical development of political economy
- explain contemporary international dynamics of political economy
- apply political and international relations theories to specific cases independently
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical frameworks using critical reasoning
- test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where relevant
- analyse empirical data relevant to political economy problems
- present complex arguments clearly through suitable communication formats
- War and Peace
What you learn (7)
- describe the historical origins and development of conflict and peace processes
- explain current national and international dynamics of conflict and peace
- apply relevant theories and concepts to analyse issues of war and peace
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches using critical reasoning
- test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where appropriate
- analyse empirical data relating to conflict and peace issues
- present complex arguments clearly through appropriate communication media
- The US and Global Politics after the Cold War
What you learn (10)
- explain the importance of US power in global politics post-Cold War
- identify differing grand strategy perspectives in US foreign policy debates
- explain rival interpretations of US power within grand strategy debates
- apply these concepts to analyse US foreign policy since the Cold War
- identify forms of resistance to US global power
- explain broader critiques challenging US power
- identify key trends in US foreign policy since the Cold War
- evaluate debates on the future of US power and global order
- present findings clearly both individually and collaboratively
- communicate evaluative arguments through structured academic writing
- Global Political Economy
What you learn (7)
- explain key concepts and debates in global political economy
- apply theoretical concepts such as power and institutions to real-world cases
- use empirical evidence to support analysis of political economy issues
- collect and interpret information relevant to a political economy question
- plan personal goals to complete assigned academic tasks
- construct a coherent argument supported by detailed evidence in written form
- present ideas clearly through different communication formats
- Critical Global Security Studies
What you learn (4)
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of security theories
- describe key problems and debates in contemporary security
- apply security theories and concepts to analyse specific security problems
- assess the comparative merits of different security approaches
- The Rising Powers
What you learn (9)
- select and justify appropriate theories and concepts for a research question
- gather and interpret data relevant to a research topic
- formulate justified conclusions from research findings
- lead a team towards achieving a shared objective
- collaborate with peers on group projects and problem-based tasks
- deliver a group presentation summarising joint findings
- explain key concepts of international relations theory
- debate global issues using international relations perspectives
- apply international relations frameworks to real-world problems
- European Union Politics
What you learn (10)
- explain political and legal processes driving European integration
- describe distinctive features of the EU institutional order
- analyse major policy areas of the European Union
- evaluate how recent crises challenge the EU political system
- identify problems arising in EU policy-making processes
- propose solutions to policy issues using theoretical frameworks
- analyse official EU sources to support policy recommendations
- present arguments on the value of EU policy-making theories
- explain how official EU sources can test policy theories
- evaluate competing visions of European integration against shared values
- Elections and Voting Behaviour
What you learn (11)
- explain the historical origins and development of electoral politics
- analyse current international dimensions of voting behaviour
- apply political theories and concepts independently to voting behaviour cases
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of political methods using empirical testing
- formulate independent research questions on election topics
- select appropriate methods to collect and interpret electoral data
- justify research conclusions based on gathered evidence
- develop solutions to political problems using theoretical and empirical analysis
- present complex political arguments clearly through appropriate media
- reflect critically on personal assumptions about political values
- compare differing cultural perspectives on the public good
Year 3 · 2 core, 15 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Contemporary Economic Issues and Analysis
What you learn (8)
- justify why a given economic outcome constitutes a policy problem
- evaluate the social and economic consequences of low social mobility
- identify economic theories relevant to analysing a defined policy problem
- compare alternative theoretical predictions and explanations of an economic outcome
- assess the reliability of different types of empirical evidence used in policy design
- critique flawed analytical approaches unsuitable for informing policy decisions
- propose feasible policy measures to address an identified economic problem
- evaluate the practical limits and trade-offs of proposed economic policies
- Critical Challenges in Political Economy
What you learn (9)
- identify societal issues analysable through economic and political concepts
- apply economic and political theories to real-world situations
- distinguish distinct themes within academic and professional research literature
- synthesise ideas from economics and politics across disciplinary boundaries
- apply interdisciplinary thinking to contemporary socio-economic issues
- organise own study time and tasks effectively
- incorporate feedback to improve individual and group performance
- communicate complex ideas clearly in written form
- present complex ideas clearly using verbal and technical formats
15 optional modules
- Bubbles, Panics and Crashes: A long period analysis of the causes and consequences of financial crises
What you learn (7)
- describe the recurring patterns across historical financial crises
- explain the causes and development of speculative asset booms
- evaluate the significance of the lender of last resort function
- analyse how regulation, liquidity and credit constraints influence financial instability
- assess the extent to which monetary expansion drives financial crises
- estimate the economic costs resulting from financial crises
- evaluate the appropriateness of policy responses to historical crises
- Game Theory
What you learn (6)
- define core game-theoretic concepts including strategy, best-response and equilibrium
- explain the purpose and relevance of game-theoretic concepts
- evaluate a strategic game using game-theoretic methods
- predict the likely outcome of a strategic game
- apply game-theoretic methods to analyse real-world economic problems
- evaluate economic policy using game-theoretic analysis
- International Economics
What you learn (17)
- explain why countries engage in international trade
- assess the economic effects of international trade on nations
- describe patterns of trade flows between countries
- analyse how market structure influences trade outcomes between nations
- identify different policy tools used to regulate trade
- evaluate the effects of trade policy instruments on markets
- explain political factors shaping trade policy decisions
- explain short-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- explain long-run determinants of exchange rate movements
- analyse how international transactions influence domestic economic conditions
- evaluate how international transactions affect national policy choices
- evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative exchange rate regimes
- assess implications of exchange rate regime choice for an economy
- identify common characteristics of financial and currency crises
- evaluate policy measures designed to prevent financial crises
- compare economic theories of trade with empirical evidence
- compare international macroeconomic theory with empirical evidence
- Monetary Economics
What you learn (3)
- explain conditions under which money has an economic role
- analyse monetary policy implications for the optimum quantity of money
- describe factors influencing liquidity in financial markets
- International Economic Growth and Development
What you learn (4)
- explain how individual studies contribute to broader development debates
- select a suitable topic for an independent research project
- develop a research idea into an oral presentation
- produce a written research paper from an initial project idea
- Health Economics
What you learn (7)
- explain why health economics emerged as a specialised branch of economics
- describe major theories used in health economics
- evaluate empirical studies within health economics
- interpret findings from health economics research
- apply economic frameworks to health and health care problems
- explain how economic models inform health policy debates
- evaluate current health policies using economic analysis
- Ethics and Economics
What you learn (7)
- approach problems using multiple disciplinary perspectives
- analyse issues using concepts from ethics and economics
- describe key concepts of decision and social choice theory
- explain the structure of different ethical theories
- identify philosophical assumptions underlying economic theory
- apply economic theory to ethical analysis of current issues
- engage with professional research literature in ethics and economics
- Philosophy and Public Policy
What you learn (5)
- identify key areas of shared concern between philosophy and politics
- compare analytical methods and assumptions used in philosophy and political science
- critique philosophical texts through structured argument
- construct reasoned arguments during seminar discussion
- apply philosophical reasoning to analyse political questions
- Global Governance: Purpose, Power and Performance
What you learn (5)
- explain key debates surrounding the character of global economic governance
- summarise academic literature on specific global economic governance institutions
- critique established theoretical concepts in global economic governance scholarship
- formulate independent arguments in response to claims in the literature
- construct written arguments using sophisticated political science concepts
- Green Politics
What you learn (7)
- explain ethical perspectives on how humans should relate to nature
- distinguish green political thought from other political ideologies
- describe the distinctive features of ecological political ideas
- apply an ecological framework to analyse debates on political change versus continuity
- evaluate strategies used by green parties to promote sustainability
- assess how mainstream political parties address environmental sustainability
- evaluate the role of environmental movements in collective action for sustainability
- Africa and International Politics
What you learn (8)
- describe key dynamics shaping Africa's role in international politics
- analyse case studies illustrating African international relations themes
- identify strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches to African politics
- evaluate the explanatory power of competing political theories
- propose solutions to contemporary issues facing African states independently
- apply theoretical and empirical knowledge creatively to political problems
- communicate advanced political concepts clearly in written form
- present advanced political ideas effectively in oral form
- India and its Neighbourhood
What you learn (10)
- describe major political events shaping South Asian politics
- interpret the significance of key political events in the region
- analyse how theoretical approaches explain South Asian political phenomena
- evaluate the application of key political concepts to regional cases
- justify the use of specific concepts such as clientelism and neoliberalism
- summarise current scholarly debates on South Asian politics
- construct a reasoned argument in spoken discussion
- produce a coherent written argument supported by evidence
- interpret scholarly texts to identify central arguments
- critically appraise theoretical concepts used in political analysis
- Global Sustainability and Energy Policy
What you learn (11)
- describe energy policy developments across european countries
- explain causes and consequences of changes in european energy policy
- compare competing frameworks linking energy, economic and environmental policy
- critique frameworks explaining relationships between energy and social policy
- evaluate alternative explanations for energy policy change and integration
- generate original analytical perspectives on course themes
- research and synthesise data from diverse sources
- present arguments and concepts clearly in spoken form
- write concepts and arguments clearly and fluently
- manage own workload independently with initiative
- construct a reasoned argument supported by critical judgement
- The Politics of (Post-)Colonialism
What you learn (7)
- explain how colonial history shapes today's global political structures
- apply advanced theoretical frameworks to analyse colonial politics
- critically evaluate theories explaining postcolonial continuities
- construct arguments grounded in postcolonial political theory
- reflect critically on how knowledge about colonialism is produced
- describe alternative epistemologies originating from the Global South
- identify links between colonial power structures and knowledge creation
- Social and Economic Order Without Law
What you learn (1)
- apply game theoretic models to analyse real-world social institutions
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£35,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£28k
Median£36k
Upper quarter£43k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 265 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 14, 23
Half of graduates earned between £27,500 and £43,000. Five years on, the median is £51,000. 87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 73% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 12% left | 98% | 215 |
| In work or study, 15 months on9% studying | 87% | 90 |
| Professional or managerial job | 73% | 65 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £30,000 | 50 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £35,500 | 265 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £51,000 | 280 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £28,200 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
90%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 68% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 210 students answered
Highest: 96% agreed on question 15; lowest: 59% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 90% |
| Question 2 | 72% |
| Question 3 | 91% |
| Question 4 | 80% |
| Question 5 | 88% |
| Question 6 | 91% |
| Question 7 | 79% |
| Question 8 | 82% |
| Question 9 | 78% |
| Question 10 | 73% |
| Question 11 | 82% |
| Question 12 | 80% |
| Question 13 | 77% |
| Question 14 | 59% |
| Question 15 | 96% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 88% |
| Question 18 | 89% |
| Question 19 | 91% |
| Question 20 | 92% |
| Question 21 | 94% |
| Question 22 | 87% |
| Question 23 | 89% |
| Question 24 | 68% |
| Question 25 | 62% |
| Question 26 | 90% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.