BSc (Hons) Economics & Politics
Department of Economics & International Development, University of Bath

The aims of the degree programme in Economics and Politics are to: Establish a firm disciplinary base in both economics and politics. Provide an understanding of economics which is more conceptual and descriptive, within the broader perspective of the relationship between economic and political ideas and institutions; Develop a broad understanding of political ideas, institutions and relationships and a critical appreciation of debates relating to key political concepts and processes; Enable students to attain their full academic potential, within an environment which is constructively critical and where current research of staff members informs their teaching.

A-levels: Typical offer of AAB from 3 GCE A-levels (excluding General Studies). Mathematics required, Economics or Business Studies preferred. A-levels in languages, which are intended for non-native speakers are not normally acceptable when taken by native speakers of that language. GCSE: At least 5 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at grade C and above, which must include English and an A-grade in Mathematics. AVCE: 1×12 unit award in Business acceptable at grade AB plus one A-level at grade A in Mathematics OR 1×6 unit award in Business at grade B plus two A-levels at grade A, one of which must be Mathematics. International Baccalaureate: 38 points, with grades of 7, 6 and 6 in a combination of 3 subjects at the higher level, which must include Mathematics and preferably Economics/Business Studies. BTEC National: BTEC National Award in Business acceptable at distinction grade (grade D) plus two A-levels at grade A, including Mathematics and and one other subject OR BTEC National Certificate in Business at grade DD plus A-level at grade A in Mathematics OR BTEC National Diploma in Business at grade DDD. HND: HNDs in a business-related subject are acceptable provided you achieve an overall distinction grade. Only acceptable for first year entry. Foundation Programme: You will be expected to achieve a distinction grade overall and have studied Mathematics (and preferably Economics/Business Studies) to a higher level (achieving a distinction grade in each unit). E­mail ec-ugadmiss@bath.ac.uk for specific details regarding the acceptability of your foundation course qualification. Access Courses: the department welcomes applications from mature students (who are most likely to be expected to attend an interview) taking an access course but an A-level or equivalent in Mathematics at grade B is required. Irish Leaving Certificate: 3 X A2 grade (one in Mathematics and another preferably in Economics/Business Studies) plus 3 subjects at a B3 grade. Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass frome the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma including two A-levels at grade A, which must include Mathematics and preferably Economics/Business Studies. Scottish Qualifications: Offer of AAB at Advanced Higher, which must include Mathematics and preferably Economics/Business Studies. Language Qualifications: If your first language is not English, you need a IELTS overall score 7.0 with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components or TOEFL (paper-based test) 600 with a score of not less than 4 in the TWE or TOEFL (computer-based test) 250 or TOEFL (internet-based test) 100 with not less than 24 in each of the four bands. Other qualifications: European Baccalaureate: 7.7 French Baccalaureate: 14 German Abitur: 1.4 Italian Matura: 80 US qualifications: US High School Diploma GPA of 3.3, plus 1300 in SAT, plus 3 AP's at grade 4/5 (in relevant subjects). top of page Mature applicants: required to demonstrate an appropriate standard of ability and recent experience of study. Second year entry: This is only possible where you have passed the first year of an equivalent degree at a UK institution to a good standard, covering the same units as those delivered at Bath (Contact the department for specific entry requirements). Alternatively, if you have taken the University of London/LSE External Diploma you may gain access provided that you have successfully passed the first stage and taken the following units: Introduction to Economics (D02); Statistics (D04a) and Mathematics (D05a). You should achieve a minimum of 60% in each of these units and a 60% year average, with a pass in all other foundation units.

Starts Sep of each year

In all undergraduate programmes students are offered the opportunity to spend twelve months (during the third year of the programme) on placement with a government department, commercial organisation, or an overseas agency. For example, the Department has links with prestigious organisations, including the Bank of England, HM Treasury, HSBC, Shell, Xerox, Cambridge Econometrics, and many other private and public sector employers. Placements may be in this country or overseas. Some students each year take placements in Europe, and this opportunity is particularly valuable for students who continue to study European language courses within the undergraduate programmes.