Gain the modern tools economists use to analyse real economic problems, and the tools used in politics to understand how ideas and political systems shape what citizens, businesses, and governments do. This degree gives you analytical, data, and communication skills, and a unique perspective on the way the world works.
This unique - and informed - perspective on the world is valuable not only to you, but to employers. The understanding of the context our world operates in gives you a head start in any career you are looking to jump into. More specifically, we give you the ideal skillset, knowledge and confidence to go into careers where you can make a real difference. Your future could be in banking, NGO's, government or the UN, but whatever you do, you'll be able to effect change in the places you want to see it.
This programme is also available with a Year in Industry, so you can get a taste of whatever industry you want to go into and boost your career prospects as part of your degree.
Study in a supportive learning community, ranked 22nd for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2023.
Join our student-led societies: you could expand your network with Kent Invest or get a taste for geo-politics with Kent's Model UN.
This course is designed in partnership with alumni and employers to prepare you for the world of work.
Learn from inspiring lecturers who advise governments, businesses, and international organisations.
Politics and economics are deeply ingrained within our society. An understanding of them means you can go out into the world, make your mark and effect change.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
BBB
The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and National Extended Diploma qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis.
120 Tariff points from your IB Diploma, Typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent
Mathematics grade B / 6. However, those who hold GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Pass the University of Kent International Foundation Programme.
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates, who will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This module listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
The year in industry is taken between the second (Stage 2) and third years (Stage 3) of the degree and contributes towards your final degree classification. The placement must be with a suitable employer, but the reference to 'in industry' is intended to cover employers in any service sector as well as in manufacturing.
Students are responsible for finding their placements, but the School offers structured support for the application process in the form of a non-contributory module, 'Preparing for a Placement'.
Students must have passed Stage 2 of their degree before they can embark on the year in industry.
All of our modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group sessions, which include seminars, computing practicals, problem sets, debates and role-play games.
The School of Economics is committed to making sure that you leave Kent with much more than just a degree in Economics. We put great emphasis on the development of transferable skills, including numeracy, analytical problem solving, data analysis, and written and oral communication, as well as subject-specific skills for further study at postgraduate level.
The modules are assessed by continuous assessment of coursework throughout the year and an end-of-year exam in the final term. A number of modules at each stage are assessed solely through coursework.
Our main teaching methods are lectures, seminars, working groups, PC laboratory sessions and individual discussions with your personal tutor or module teachers. Assessment is through continuous feedback, written examinations, assessed essays and oral presentations.
Politics Open Forum
We hold a weekly extra-curricular Open Forum organised by our School research groups, where students and staff have the opportunity to discuss and debate key issues of the day that affect higher education and politics in the world today.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For programme aims and learning outcomes, please see the programme specification for each subject below. Please note that outcomes depend on your specific module selection:
The skills have prepared me to support countries undergoing International Conflict.
Our Economics and Politics graduates have excellent prospects, and we are committed to helping you achieve success. Your combination of skills sets you up for a range of roles in areas such as: accountancy, banking and finance, journalism and government. Some of the top employers for our graduates include:
If you meet someone in the industry who is also a Kent alumni, they are happy to network with you.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,850.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,385.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
Student life
Kent ranked top 50 in the The Complete University Guide 2023 and The Times Good University Guide 2023.
Free membership for undergraduates living on campus in 2024.
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
An unmissable part of your student experience.
