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Economics and International Relations BA (Hons)

We are living through a time when the world’s economy hangs in the balance, with drastically and rapidly changing political landscapes and relations between nations. Become part of the next generation of experts on how global developments affect and are affected by the world economy. 

Overview

This course combines an interdisciplinary approach to the study of economics and international relations. The recent coronavirus crisis has demonstrated how the world’s economy is formed of a delicate balance of interconnected countries and their structures, theories and policies – which can have such a profound impact on millions of lives around the world.   

During your studies you will develop a strong understanding of macro and microeconomics, in order to understand the way economists approach and analyse societal problems at the national level, how markets work, and the application of elasticity in the pricing decision of firms.  

We build upon the future by learning from the past, so with us you will discover the historical evolution of international relations theory. From realist and liberal schools to the challenge of Marxist-influenced perspectives, you will explore how theories that draw on philosophies and ideologies shed new light on the discipline. 

In your final year you will then have the opportunity to undertake independent study in an area of interest within economics or international relations.   

Key features

  • Broaden your expertise by developing transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication, team working, independent research and critical analysis.
  • DMU is recognised as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, meaning that it serves as a focal point of knowledge and skills on European Union affairs.
  • Participate in real debates such as Congress to Campus, attend conferences and learn from guest speakers. Recently two former congressmen came to DMU to discuss President Trump and contemporary US politics. These visits will give you a valuable and informed first hand insight into contemporary politics.
  • Expand your horizons with international travel linked to your course through DMU Global. Previous trip destinations have included New York, Berlin, Greece, Beijing and Copenhagen. As part of the #JoinTogether campaign, students visited the United Nations headquarters in New York to pitch their ideas to improve local communities.
  • Our DMU Works team will help you gain sought-after employment skills through placement opportunities with local, national and global companies, previous examples include IBM, Vauxhall, Walt Disney, the NHS and the Government Economic Service.
  • Our graduates have progressed onto careers with leading companies such as Deutsche Bank, KPMG, PwC and Revenue Management Analyst at TNT. 

Scholarships

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

 

 

  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: L101

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with a placement.

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: L101

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with a placement.

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £15,750.

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

Entry criteria

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points. You need to study at least two subjects at A Level or equivalent (eg BTEC)
  • Five GCSEs at grades A–C including English Language and Maths

  • Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit (or equivalent)

    English (Language or Literature) and Maths GCSE required as separate qualifications at grade C

    We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points

 

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language

If English is not your first language, an IELTS core of 6.0 (including a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent is normally required.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer 

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessment

Teaching contact hours

 

Year 1

  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Applied Economic Analysis
  • Introduction to Contemporary International Relations
  • Introduction to Globalisation

Year 2

  • Intermediate Macroeconomics
  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Themes and Debates in International Relations Theory
  • Essential Quantitative Methods for Economists

Plus option modules from the following indicative list:

  • Business Research Issues and Analysis
  • European Economic Issues
  • Economics of Financial Markets
  • New Directions in Economics
  • Political Research in Action
  • Politics in Action
  • The Cold War
  • The Making of a Global World
  • The Politics of the European Union*

Year 3

  • Development in Advanced Microeconomics
  • Open Economy Macroeconomics

Plus option modules from the following indicative list:

  • Developments in Advanced Microeconomics
  • Economic Development
  • Economics Dissertation
  • Financial Markets and the Central Bank
  • International Trade
  • Open Economy Macroeconomics
  • Globalisation and Democracy
  • Government and Policy in China
  • International Security in a Globalised World
  • Politics Dissertation
  • Behavioural Economics 

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

*Please note that the module option 'The Politics of the European Union' is not currently available for the academic year 2020/21 due to issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports) and usually an exam or test.

Teaching contact hours

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. It is expected that student will spend a total of 300 hours of study for each module. You should be prepared to devote approximately 10 contact hours a week to your studies and additional independent hours of study in order to succeed. Teaching is through a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activity types is shown in each module description.

Other: In addition, each module provides a two-hour surgery each week for individual consultation with the lecturer. You will also have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor and careers and/or subject meetings scheduled throughout the year.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to use our on-line resources, participate in flipped or virtual classroom discussions on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study and revision for approximately 25 hours per week.

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Hugh Aston Building

You will be taught in our purpose-built Hugh Aston Building equipped with lecture theatres and classrooms, break-out spaces for group work, quiet study zones for individual work, and high-spec IT labs installed with professional software.

You’ll also have access to the building’s new £5.5 million extension called The Yard, which provides more than 22,000 square metres of extra space. This is designed to facilitate your learning experience with large and airy breakout spaces, a new Student Advice Centre, and a balcony on the top floor. The Yard also features more comfortable classrooms and self-study spaces, allowing you to carry out independent study as well as group work.

Students benefit from The Trading Floor, which can provide simulation of what it is like to work in the financial industry in roles such as trading, portfolio management, investment banking, corporate finance and financial or economic analysis.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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DMU Global


Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers. 

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Economics and International Relations students have recently visited Berlin to develop their knowledge of the Cold War and the city’s crucial position at the centre of this conflict. Students have also travelled to Brussels to learn about politics in the European Union, as well as further afield to the United Nations’ headquarters in New York.  

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Placements

During  this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with leading companies such as Volkswagen, the NHS, Pfizer, IBM, and the Government Economic Service.

Our careers programme DMU Works can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.  

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Graduate careers

We are now at a critical time in the current economic climate where the need for sound economic skills and competencies with international relations will be high for the foreseeable future. 

A degree in Economics and International Relations is ideal preparation for a career in business, finance and the civil service. 

Recent graduates have progressed on to roles at major companies such as PwC, IBM and TNT. 

Take your next steps

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