A level Typical offer
AAA or A*ABAAA or A*AB in three A levels.
Explore contemporary global challenges through the lens of politics and economics. These include climate change, inequality and international conflict.
By combining the study of politics and economics, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how and why some of the biggest global decisions are made.
You’ll gain fundamental knowledge of economic and political theory, and apply this to key challenges facing national and international society. This will allow you to critically analyse major issues, such as terrorism and climate change, and how we can respond to them.
In Year 1, you’ll focus on the core concepts of politics, international relations and economics. You'll study micro and macroeconomic theory and methodology, and explore contemporary political and economic systems.
In Year 2, you'll improve your knowledge of comparative politics, international security, and the economics of money and finance, while developing your skills in research design and methods. Through a broad range of optional units, you'll be able to start specialising your knowledge.
In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation and study the history of economic thought. You’ll also choose from a range of optional units, giving you the freedom to explore topics that interest you and prepare you for your potential future career. Optional units may cover areas like radical politics, US security policy or international political economy.
You’ll learn from teaching staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise in different areas of politics and economics. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. These include:
Many of our politics graduates have gone on to careers in both the private and public sectors, working in the banking and finance industries, media, public administration, and European and international political institutions.
They have worked for organisations such as:
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2024 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 23 September 2024.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. 60 credits are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
20 credits
5 credits
15 credits
15 credits
5 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
10 credits
20 credits
10 credits
30 credits
We also offer this course with a professional placement or study abroad option in Year 3. This allows you to take advantage of our links with a range of organisations in different sectors, experience a new culture, or even combine the two.
A professional placement is a great way to get insights into the career path you want; contribute to projects and services; have fun, make friends and build your professional network; and even earn a salary.
If you decide to study abroad, you will spend time at one of our partner institutions across the globe. During this time, you will study a course that complements your existing learning while experiencing a new culture.
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 15 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. A small proportion of these contact hours may be delivered online, with the significant majority taught on campus. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 20 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
You will be assessed in a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge.
55 - 75% of your course will be assessed through coursework. The balance of the assessment by examinations and assessment by coursework may depend on the optional units you choose.
The final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 32% and 68% respectively.
You will primarily be assessed individually, but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
The United Kingdom currently subscribes to The Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) Directive. The MRPQ Directive provides a reciprocal framework of rules which enables European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals to have their professional qualifications recognised in a state other than the one in which the qualification was obtained. In the event of a no deal Brexit, from 1 January 2021, the MRPQ Directive will no longer apply to the UK. However, it is anticipated that there will be a new system for recognising professional qualifications between the UK, EEA, and Switzerland.
‘This degree is really preparing me quite well for my future because it's giving me the choice to either work straight away or go into graduate study.’
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for politics or international relations. This might include relevant reading, involvement in political or debating societies, voluntary work for charities, or activism for a political party or an NGO.
You do not need to have studied Politics or Economics before to be suitable for this course, and your relevant experiences and interests are more important than which subjects you have previously studied.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
AAA or A*AB in three A levels.
AAB in three A levels.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAB in three A levels plus one of:
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. If Bath is your firm choice, you only need to meet one of these offers to guarantee your place.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) in a relevant subject area.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines. If we make you an offer, we may specify particular units in which you will need to achieve Distinctions.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
AA in two Advanced Highers.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 36 credits achieved from units achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or above.
Although we do not specify any particular subjects or units, we expect at least one of your subjects to include academic essay writing.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Pass units worth 120 credits including a minimum of a Pass 2 with 75% in a relevant Level 2 unit.
Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits, including 30 credits at Level 2. We would generally be looking for you to have taken relevant units in essay-based subjects. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
We may also be able to consider you with a GCSE grade 6 or B in Mathematics if you study a numerical subject such as Economics, Psychology or a science at A level (or equivalent).
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass with A in 200 credits in Mathematics including Mathematics 2a, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4 or 5 plus A in a further 800 credits and B in a further 1000 credits.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A weighted average mark of 10 with 7 in Mathematics.
If you sit written and oral examinations in a subject, you must achieve the required grades in both.
We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
18.5 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels.
If Maths is not taken at A Level you will need to achieve either grade A in GCSE Mathematics or 15 in the Apolytirion.
If you are studying any of the four subjects at an Advanced Level (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology), we may be able to consider you without the further GCE/PIA/CIE A level requirements. Please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
CGPA of 80% with 85% in an essay based subject from the final year and 75% in Mathematics from any year.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
19 in the Apolytirion plus AA in two A levels. If Maths is not taken at A Level you will need to achieve either grade A in GCSE Mathematics or 15 in the Apolytirion.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H1, H1, H2, H2, H3, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate.
You will also need grade O2 in Mathematics if you are not studying it at Higher Level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three H2 level subjects.
You will also need a grade A in Singapore O Level Mathematics if not being studied at H2 level.
3.4 overall.
We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A score of 9 overall with 7 in Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5 in all subjects with 80% in two Higher subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5 in two elective subjects plus 5 in either English or core Mathematics. You must achieve a minimum of 4 in Core Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
1.4 overall with 12 in Mathematics in your final examinations.
If you do not take Mathematics in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 9.0, 9.0, 9.0 in three subjects. You must also achieve 8.0 in Mathematics in year 10 if not studied as one of these subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall grade of 5 with 5 in three subjects including Mathematics with one at Advanced Level subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85% average across 5 or 6 academic grade 12 subjects.
The number of grade 12 subjects we require will depend on your province/territory.
You must also achieve 80% in a Year 11 or 12 Mathematics /Calculus subject.
We also accept the Quebec diplôme d'études collégiales. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to discuss our entry requirements.
We also accept the Canadian International Matriculation Programme. Our requirements are the same as for the Secondary School Diploma.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
77766 in five subjects including Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 5 in three Advanced Placement Tests.
We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these three subjects.
You must also obtain Grade 3 in AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics or Precalculus OR 700 in SAT Mathematics OR 28 in ACT Mathematics. If you are unable to take one of these qualifications, we may also be able to accept suitable performance in Mathematics subjects (for example Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Algebra) within your High School Diploma.
We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.
If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5.6 overall with 5.8 in a state matriculation exam (excluding Bulgarian) and 5.0 in Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 80% across four subjects with 85% in one subject.
You will also need grade 8 in Mathematics in the 10th Standard if you are not studying it in the 12th Standard. For those taking the CBSE board, you will be required to take the standard maths exam. Please ensure this is detailed on your UCAS application.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects. Other subjects with a less academic focus may also be excluded. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your subject choices.
These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass the relevant certificate with an ATAR or TER of 95.
We can accept any of the following school leaver qualifications meeting these requirements:
-Australian Capital Territory Year 12 Certificate -New South Wales Higher School Certificate -Northern Territory Certificate of Education -South Australian Certificate of Education -Tasmanian Certificate of Education -Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning -Victorian Certificate of Education -Western Australian Certificate of Education
Our requirements for the Queensland Senior Certificate of Education are:
Overall Band Position of 2.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Level 3 Diploma achieved with Merit including three Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E).You must also achieve 10 credits of Excellence (E) in Level 2 Numeracy.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
86% overall with 9.0 in one subject and 7.5 in Mathematics.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 14 with 15 in two specialities in your final year.
If you do not study Mathematics as a specialty in your final year, you will need either 70/100 (13/20) in Mathematics from the Brevet or 12 in Mathematics as a speciality in your penultimate year.
Our requirements for the French Baccalaureate are the same for students who studied the International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) awarded prior to 2024 for this course.
Our requirements for the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) are currently under review and will be published here later this year.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85, 85, 85 in three extended subjects. You must also achieve 80 in Mathematics from any year of your Matura.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 90% in the classical, languages or scientific pathway with 9, 9, 9 in three subjects from your final report card.
You must also achieve 6 in Mathematics if not included in these three subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 90, 90, 90 in three state exams plus 80 in Mathematics if not taken as a state exam.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice. If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you. Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 4.2 in the common core subjects and an average of 4.8 across six optional programme courses including 4 in any mathematics course.
These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme
We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three subjects. If Maths is not taken in the STPM you will need to have achieved a grade A in the SPM
We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A. You must also achieve A in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Mathematics if not being studied at A level.
CGPA of 3.4.
Diplomas are accepted case-by-case depending on your profile. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
The one-year University of Bath International Foundation Year International Foundation Year programme is licensed to and delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath. This course is accredited by the University of Bath and provides you with guaranteed progression to a University of Bath degree (subject to you achieving the required grades at the end of the programme).
We also accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall average of 18 with 18, 18, 18 in three subjects. You must also achieve a minimum of 16 in Mathematics.
Your subjects grades will be taken as an average of your school results and external exams where relevant.
Should you be studying the Social and Humanity Science Pathway, you will need to take maths as an optional subject.
## A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Politics with Economics BSc (Hons)
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusFee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a BTEC Extended Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experienceGain an overview of economics, including economic models, problems of scarcity, choice, and externalities for the main economic actors; market analysis; aggregate output, inflation and unemployment; economic fluctuations and macroeconomic policies.
In semester 2, you'll focus on historical data and contemporary issues, including: financial crises; open economy and globalised markets; economic inequality; economics of the environment; the networked economy; economics, politics and public policy.
Explore the essential skills required for the study of political phenomena. Starting from the question of what it is we do when we study politics, you will learn practical skills such as how to read academic articles, how to research around political topics, and how to produce an academic essay on political questions. You’ll study this unit in tandem with the two introductory units of Politics and International Relations.
Explore the history, theories and issues that define the agenda in world politics. Examine world events from new angles and apply what you have learned.
You will be introduced to core theoretical frameworks and apply this analytical toolkit to issues such as war, peace, trade, international cooperation, and diplomacy as well as to contemporary case studies that are regularly updated in line with the latest developments in international politics.
Explore essential concepts and analytical approaches that shape politics and political analysis and develop a sophisticated understanding of the building blocks of political life. You’ll cover a range of political concepts and study different analytical perspectives, from power and liberty to climate and race.
How do we construct good questions to ask about politics? And how do we provide good answers to those questions?
With a focus on how to integrate theory and empirics when solving these puzzles, we will use real-world examples to understand the basic elements of research design in the study of politics. You’ll do so by exploring theory and assumptions, measurement, identification, and how to build an argument about something that is happening in the political world.
Explore the field of comparative politics, defined as the study of political institutions, processes, and outcomes across and within countries. Comparative politics is a broad field, but study in this area is united by a commitment to testing theories using comparisons and answering questions, for example: Why do transitions to democracy succeed in some countries but not others? Does the representation of women and minority groups in politics matter to policy outcomes?
Draw upon key theoretical approaches to the study of International Political Economy and explore issues concerning the changing interrelationship between political and economic actors and activity in the context of globalisation. These include the global financial and monetary systems, international trade and trade wars, digitisation and the rise of Big Tech, climate change and sustainability, economic crises, and the paradox of regionalisation within globalisation.
Gain an understanding of the main concepts in finance and money including the importance of financial crises to the economy and financial system, the main financial markets including stock markets, money markets, bond markets and foreign exchange markets. You will also study financial derivatives and bank regulation. Through your studies and your coursework, you will explore the fundamentals of portfolio management from a theoretical and empirical background.
Explore the research, theories and practice of security, conflict, and peace-making. You will learn about the historical trends in conflict and explore main concepts and theories in conflict analysis and security studies. Finally, you’ll examine current conflicts, involving you in coursework that applies analytical tools taught in the unit.
You will approach research methods as a practical skill of addressing specific research problems with various research techniques and types of data. You'll be guided through the process of empirical research: learn how to identify relevant research questions, theorise possible answers, and develop and apply suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods to address the questions with empirical data. You will learn the individual steps through in-class exercises and practical applications.
In Year 2, you will study 10 credits of optional units. These will cover core themes such as climate change or the politics of gender.
For your dissertation you’ll design and conduct a research project under supervision in an approved topic in politics (this may include related political aspects of related subjects such as social policy, media, etc.).
Explore the major areas in the history of economic thought, such as Classical Economics, Neoclassical Economics, Austrian Economics and Keynesianism. You will focus on both key theoretical advances and policy implications for each area.
In your final year, you will study 30 credits of optional units.
You will select units from both areas of politics and economics. Options cover a range of topics, such as emerging political powers, contemporary critical theory and international political economy.
You’ll study these optional units alongside your dissertation.