Undergraduate Course
BA (Hons) International Affairs and Economics
Overview
The details
International Affairs and Economics
L2E2
October 2026
Full-time
What is the BA International Affairs and Economics?
The BA International Affairs and Economics is a one-year, final-year entry degree, designed for transfer students who want to complete their undergraduate studies at a UK university renowned for international affairs and economics.
You’ll develop strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of global systems and economic frameworks, and a degree recognised internationally - preparing you to engage with economic policy, global governance, and international institutions.
Why this course
This final-year entry route is ideal for students who have completed two years of undergraduate study elsewhere, allowing them to gain a UK degree in a single intensive year while accessing immersive teaching, specialist expertise, and internationally recognised credentials.
You’ll study international affairs through the lens of international political economy, examining how global markets, economic policy and financial institutions shape the behaviour of states, multinational organisations and non-governmental actors within the international system.
Explore real-world challenges such as climate change, global inequality, financial crises, and development, in a department whose research informs governments, global institutions, and NGOs. Through seminars, applied research, and collaborative projects, you’ll gain experience analysing and communicating complex economic and international issues.
By the end of your degree, you’ll have the analytical, quantitative and research skills that underpin international political economy - from making sense of global economic trends to understanding how markets, institutions and power shape international outcomes. These strengths also help you feel well-prepared for a variety of internationally focused careers, or further study.
Who should apply
- Final-year undergraduates aiming to complete their degree in economics and international affairs in one year at a leading UK university
- Students seeking UK academic credentials while preparing for careers with international impact across diplomacy, global business, or policy
- Aspiring diplomats, policy advisors, humanitarian or development specialists, or economic analysts looking to combine economics and global affairs
- Critical thinkers eager to apply rigorous economic and political analysis to global challenges and translate insight into practical solutions
What you’ll learn
- Economic theory and policy: Analyse how market forces, regulation, and international economic policies shape states, multinational organisations, and NGOs
- Global power relations: Examine how conflict, security, and development influence economic decision-making and international cooperation
- International dynamics: Explore how nation-states and institutions cooperate, compete, and exercise influence in global affairs
- Strategic analysis: Develop frameworks to integrate economic and international perspectives when evaluating policy and security issues
- Research and evidence-based skills: Gain practical tools in data interpretation, quantitative analysis, and research methods for studying global economic and political systems
Your learning experience
- Intensive final-year focus: Complete your degree in a concentrated, academically rigorous year, building on prior undergraduate study
- Interactive teaching: Engage in lectures, seminars, and workshops in a department recognised for their expertise in economics and global affairs
- Applied research and analysis: Participate in independent or supervised research projects, developing practical skills in economic and political analysis
- Career-focused skills: Develop career skills tailored to competitive global careers, from international finance and business to diplomacy and NGOs
- Globally minded community: Join a diverse cohort of students from around the world, enriching your cross-cultural and economic perspective
Careers and outcomes
The BA International Affairs and Economics prepares you for careers in sectors and roles such as:
- Diplomacy and government: Foreign Office, economic policy advisor, intelligence analyst
- Global business: Multinational business analyst, trade specialist, security consultant
- International organisations: United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- NGOs: Development officer, human rights advocate, humanitarian aid coordinator
- Research and academia: Think tank researcher, policy analyst, university lecturer
Employers of our graduates
Graduates from the Department of Government have held influential roles across government, international organisations, and public service, including:
- UK Civil Service (Home Office, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office)
- House of Commons
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
- World Bank
- Office for National Statistics
Meet the researchers
Why choose Essex?
- 2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- 9th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- Our alumni include Members of Parliament, a Speaker of the House of Commons, a Home Secretary, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and many more leaders shaping global affairs
Course content
Course structure
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: CORE
Portfolio: Politics
(30 CREDITS)
This module gives students an opportunity to apply politics and international relations to address key issues facing society at the local, national and global level. For example, why do mass protests fail? What is next for women's rights in Afghanistan? Why are some civil wars so difficult to resolve? What effect will Covid-19 have on European welfare states? Is increasing political polarisation inevitable in an age of social media? This module will engage with different topics and themes to better understand how normative and positive approaches to political science and international relations can be used to comprehend issues in the contemporary world. Students will choose a topic of interest to them, conduct independent research on the topic, and produce a series of projects (a blogpost, a podcast, and a policy memo) that help them explore multifaceted ways of communicating what evidence-based research can tell society about different political events and outcomes around the world.
COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY
International Current Affairs: Understanding our World
(15 CREDITS)
International Current Affairs (or Understanding Our World) aims to introduce you to cutting edge debates in international politics and media in the age of misinformation and post-truth. The module aims to prepare Essex students to be new generation of solution-focused graduates with a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of our interconnected world. Beyond the focus on the global North that usually dominate our understanding of international politics, the module will also provide insight into major events and crises in the global South, while reflecting on policies, how they are developed and their impact on the everyday life of citizens around the world.
View International Current Affairs: Understanding our World on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY
International Financial Institutions and Policy
(15 CREDITS)
Want to know more about the IMF or the Federal Reserve? Interested in the European Central Bank and the European Stability Mechanism? Examine these international financial institutions to evaluate their existence, policies and effects on the international monetary system. Understand the institutional framework within which international financial relations are organised.
View International Financial Institutions and Policy on our Module Directory
Teaching
Your teaching will be delivered using a variety of methods, including:
- Seminars and classes
- Classwork, including essays, exams and presentations
- Written comments on essays
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of methods, including:
- Written coursework
- Presentations
- Class participation
- End-of-year examinations
Entry requirements
Clearing entry requirements
We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.
We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.
English language requirements
Applicants resident in China only: IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£9,790
International fee
£22,600
If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:
Placement year
20% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Study abroad
Full year abroad
15% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Single term abroad
Standard tuition fee
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.
2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
How to apply during Clearing
Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.
If you already hold an offer from Essex
Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
Interviews
We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
Chat to us
Got a question about this course? Chat with Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the Department of Government.
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Entry requirements
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