Study location	United Kingdom, Birmingham
Type	Bachelor courses, full-time
Nominal duration	4 years
Study language	English
Awards	BA
Course code	LL2B

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher) GCSE Mathematics grade 7/A The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English IELTS: 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill) CAE: 176 (with a minimum of 169 in each skill)

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. birmingham.ac.uk/..nomics-year-abroad.aspx

Overview

You do not have to look too far to find examples of how international relations impact our everyday lives. From international conventions on human rights; how environmental issues shape domestic legislation; or why the prospect of local military interventions can have an adverse impact on a global economy.

The International Relations with Economics degree at Birmingham combines an interdisciplinary approach to the study of international affairs with a specialised knowledge of economics (with a particular emphasis on international economics). You will also study international and comparative politics; the theory and practice of international relations; and diplomatic history.

On our four-year Year Abroad programmes, you will undertake a year abroad between your second and fourth years at a partner HE institution. This will give you the opportunity to experience a different academic environment and way of teaching (and even different approaches to the subject).

The year abroad will also enhance your employability prospects through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting, and will provide an additional opportunity to develop relevant, marketable skills in terms of organisation, communication, and intercultural awareness.

Unlike a distinct academic discipline, this course will enable you to gain an appreciation of how politics, history, geography, economics and law all require international co-operation if we are to resolve and effectively manage a wide range of problems on a global scale. It’s no wonder our graduates go on to such diverse and successful careers.

Programme structure

Modules in the first year
Required modules

Introduction to International Relations
Principles of Economics
Research Skills
One of the following dependent on whether you have A Level Mathematics:

Introduction to Mathematics for Economics
Mathematics for Economics
In addition to these modules you will also have the opportunity to take two optional modules of your choice from within POLSIS.

Modules in the second year
Required modules

International Political Economy
International Relations Theory
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Your second year of study will also provide you with the opportunity to undertake more specialised study in areas of the subject that interest you. You will be able to choose two optional modules from the extensive list of modules that we offer. These modules will build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired thus far on your degree and allow you to tailor your studies in a way that best fits with your interests and future plans.

Year Abroad
In your third year you will register for the equivalent of 120 credits at the host institution. You will have to undertake and pass the assessment for 60 credits of the modules for which you are registered at the host institution. A Pass is required for progression to the 4th year of the programme. These credits will not contribute to the overall degree classification.

60 credits – POLSIS year abroad
60 credits – Year Abroad Assessment Module
Modules in the final year
In the final year of your degree you will undertake an independent study project and up to five optional modules. Modules in the final year are advanced, research led modules taught by experts in the subject area.

There are two distinct independent study pathways of independent study in the final year:

Pathway one
Required modules

Problems in World Politics (Independent Study)
You will also be able to take five optional modules from across departments:

Pathway two
Required modules

Dissertation
In addition to this independent study module you will be able to take four optional modules from across departments

Career opportunities

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.