oxford brookes university phd economics

MPhil + DPhil in Economics

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The Department of Economics offers an integrated MPhil-DPhil (PhD) in Economics. Students admitted to the joint MPhil + DPhil in Economics will first complete the two-year MPhil in Economics and then (subject to satisfactorily passing) automatically progress to the three- to four-year DPhil in Economics .

If you intend on studying the MPhil followed by the DPhil in Economics at Oxford, and if you have had substantial economics training and exceptional results in your prior studies, this is the right programme for you. Automatically progressing from MPhil to DPhil (subject to satisfactorily passing) reduces the uncertainty regarding the transition from MPhil to DPhil.

A DPhil at Oxford is the equivalent to a PhD at most other institutions. The structure of the MPhil + DPhil programme is similar to that of the integrated five-year PhD (sometimes called MRes-PhD) at leading economics graduate schools worldwide.

Students who have experience in graduate work in economics or related fields, or for example have completed the MSc in Economics for Development may wish to apply directly to the DPhil in Economics.  

MPhil + DPhil students will join one or more of the department's research groups, becoming part of a vibrant educational research community with an active set of doctoral student-led events, seminars and conferences. You will have opportunities to present your work at a variety of seminars and sessions in the department.

To enable the new joint programme to offer more rigour and exposure to the research frontier for future DPhil students, the department has made the MPhil programme more flexible.

The first year of the MPhil in Economics programme starts with a non-examined preparatory course in mathematical methods. The first two terms of the academic year focus on three compulsory courses in the central areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The three courses are offered on two levels. Though most MPhil students will take the courses on the "core" level, MPhil + DPhil students will be expected to take one or more of the three courses at the "advanced" level in the first year and to take additional advanced courses in the second year. In the third term of the first year, you will choose from two entirely new courses in Empirical Research Methods and Further Mathematics Methods. These courses will provide the specialised skills needed for academic or non-academic careers in our data-rich world and the technical tools for research in economics.

Second year

In the second year, you will take four option courses. The option courses build on the first-year training and provide deeper and broader training in your areas of interest. You can take advanced-level courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and empirical research methods covering recent developments in theory and analytical techniques. Other option courses are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of theory, empirical techniques and debates within specialist fields of economics. These include behavioural economics, development economics, economic history, financial economics, international trade, labour economics and public economics.

The second important component of the second year is the required thesis, supervised by a member of the department.

In order to progress to the DPhil element of this course, you will be required to satisfactorily pass the MPhil element first.

You will then start the DPhil as a Probationer Research Student (PRS). You may take additional courses from the MPhil menu to deepen and broaden your economic training, while starting to work on your first research project. The PRS status allows for a smooth transition from learning about economic research to producing new economic insights yourself.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Economics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Economics.

The three compulsory core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics are examined before the start of the third term of the first year of the MPhil.

The required thesis is an important component of the second year of the MPhil, and is supervised by a member of the department. The thesis is usually expected to contain some original research. It can be incorporated into a DPhil thesis.

You will receive numerical grades for your thesis and for each option course. Based on these grades and those for the first year courses, the examiners may award an overall pass grade, a pass with merit or a pass with distinction for the course. There is a prize for the best thesis and a prize for the best overall performance in written papers.

Once you have satisfactorily passed and completed the MPhil component, you will normally be admitted to the DPhil as a Probationer Research Student. You are first required to transfer to DPhil status. The Transfer of Status requires the completion of the Qualifying Examinations, necessary coursework, and an interview with two assessors appointed by the department, at which you will present an outline of your proposed thesis and a piece of written work relevant to the thesis. The transfer is normally expected to be completed by the end of the fourth term, and no later than six terms from admission to Probationer Research Student status. In exceptional circumstances, the department may waive the requirement for Transfer of Status and students may progress directly to DPhil status.

Upon a successful transfer to DPhil status, you will be required to confirm your DPhil status no later than nine terms after admission to Probationer Research Student status. Candidates for Confirmation of Status are required to present a research paper at a workshop or seminar, present a detailed outline of the complete thesis and some complete draft chapters, and will be interviewed by an assessor.

The award of the DPhil degree is based on a thesis of not more than 100,000 words in length. It should constitute a significant and substantial piece of research, of a kind which might reasonably be expected of a diligent and competent student in three years of full-time study. The maximum time allowed for completion of the DPhil degree is four years. Extensions can be granted if required.

Graduate destinations

The interests and strengths of the department's doctoral students are many and diverse and this is reflected in the positions they take up after graduation: most take up tenure track or postdoc positions in academia; others find employment in government, international organisations, or the private sector. The international reputation of Oxford’s doctoral programme also means that its DPhil graduates can be found making a contribution in many different parts of the world.

The department recognises the importance of helping doctoral students find suitable employment and its placement efforts are directed by a senior member of the faculty. The department provides advice and help on all aspects of the job application process, including limited financial assistance to cover expenses.   

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in economics.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong quantitative preparation.

Candidates with a first degree in another related discipline should demonstrate how their academic background prepares them for graduate study in economics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, a cumulative GPA sought of at least 3.7 out of 4.0 is expected.

GRE General Test scores

If you do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK or Republic of Ireland undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you must submit the results of a GRE Test obtained within the last 5 years. However, we recommend that applicants from UK and Republic of Ireland universities also submit a GRE score. Entrance is very competitive, and most successful applicants have a GRE score of at least 160 for verbal, 164 for quantitative and 4.5 for analytical. 

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

All candidates are expected to have working knowledge in one programming language (of the candidate’s choice) at the start of the MPhil. The department will provide advice to accepted candidates on how to acquire such knowledge.

Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.  

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

With more than 60 academics in permanent posts and 30+ postdoctoral research fellows, the Economics department is a large and vibrant international community of researchers. In the 2021 REF, Oxford was ranked first in terms of overall research ‘power’ and funding market share.

The department hosts research centres such as the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), which is internationally recognised as a hub for innovative research and outreach to the academic and policy-making communities world-wide through their seminars, workshops and annual conferences.

Within the department, specialised research groups play a key role in bringing together faculty and graduate students working in particular sub-fields, supporting and mentoring our doctoral students and postdoctoral research fellows, and promoting research of the highest international standard. The research groups provide an important interface between research centres and the department, for example econometrics and the INET programme on Economic Modelling (EMOD); development economics and CSAE. Other research groups facilitate collaboration across departments, as in the case of the economic history group and economic historians in the Faculty of History. Each research group runs a regular seminar series with external presenters, plus a more informal workshop in which members, including DPhil students, present their research in progress.

Students can access a range of internship programmes through the University Careers Office as well as the RCUK Policy Internship scheme for ESRC-funded students. In addition, the Bank of England and Goldman Sachs each provide a short summer internship for a doctoral student specialising in macroeconomics or finance and the Department of Economics is accredited by the Asian Development Bank to nominate candidates for their internship programme. In recent cohorts, students have benefited from an internship with organisations including the EBRD, European Central Bank, UK Home Office, as well as those identified above.

The Department of Economics is located in the Manor Road Building in central Oxford, alongside the Department of Politics and International Relations. The department contains faculty offices and open-plan workspaces for DPhil students and postdoctoral research, with access to Wi-Fi and print services. A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy is in place within the Economics department, enabling you to access data shares, printing, software and for some, a full windows desktop via the department's Virtual Desktop environment. The Manor Road IT team support all IT-related infrastructure and systems within the department, including desktops, laptops and tablets, and all associated peripherals (printers, scanners, webcams etc) and software provision.

The Manor Road Building also houses the Bodleian Social Sciences Library, a first-class research library open to all members of the University. The SSL holds over 250,000 printed books, over 1,000 printed journal titles, as well as statistical publications, working papers, dissertations, pamphlets and reports. Online resources include almost 100,000 e-journals and an extensive collection of databases and archives in the social sciences. Graduate teaching and most seminars take place within the Manor Road Building, where there is also a cafeteria and common room for students' use.

Oxford's Department of Economics is one of Europe's leading research departments and its members include some of the world's most distinguished academic economists.

The department offers its community of around 300 graduate students a rigorous and relevant training in economics, providing a setting in which debate and research can flourish. The department’s graduate courses prepare students for a wide range of careers in academia, government and business.

The department is committed to excellence in teaching and the MPhil and DPhil in Economics are internationally recognised for the quality of the training provided. The University of Oxford is ranked 2nd in Europe in the most recent Tilburg University ranking of Economics departments, based on research contribution for the period between 2016-2020. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework exercise, that evaluated research output of UK Universities, Oxford was first for overall research strength in Economics and Econometrics, with more research ranked as ‘world-leading’ than any other participating institution.

In a submission of 84 FTE academics, which was the largest number of researchers submitted in the Economics and Econometrics Unit of Assessment, 94% of the department's research output was assessed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’ (3* or 4*). The scale and breadth of the Department’s research is a product of a vibrant and well-connected community, with particular attention on supporting early career researchers. The Department maintains world-class expertise in the core discipline areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while building clusters of research strength in more specialist subfields – notably applied microeconomics; behavioural economics and game theory; the economics of climate change and sustainability; machine learning; economic history; development economics.

Oxford has one of the strongest, largest, and most varied groups of economists in the world. Our objective is to engage in innovative research that extends the frontiers of the discipline, deepening our understanding of the operation of modern economies. Research spans almost all the major sub-fields of economics with particular strengths in microeconomic theory, including behavioural economics; econometrics, both micro-econometrics and time series; economic history and development and international economics. Research activity is focused within smaller, specialised groups, with each group holding regular workshops at which research by faculty and graduate students is presented and discussed. Many distinguished researchers from outside Oxford also visit to present their work at seminars.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

During the first 2 years of the course you will be charged course fees at the MPhil in Economics fee rate. The fees for the first year are shown in the table below.

Annual MPhil in Economics (first year) fees for the 2024-25 academic year

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

In each subsequent year, you will be charged course fees at the relevant DPhil in Economics fee rate for that year of study. For an indication of costs, the table below shows the annual full-time DPhil course fees for the 2024-25 academic year.

Annual DPhil in Economics fees for study in the 2024-25 academic year

Information about course fees.

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

Mphil component.

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

DPhil component (indicative costs, based on study in the 2022-23 academic year)

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the MPhil + DPhil in Economics:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• New College
• Nuffield College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents . 

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees: Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

It is recommended that you provide three academic references, however the department will accept one professional reference of the three required overall.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, and motivation.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

A CV/résumé is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.

Statement of purpose/personal statement: A maximum of 800 words

Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying;
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; and
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English.

Written work: One essay of a maximum of 2,000 words

An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required. An extract of the requisite length from longer work is also permissible. The written work should be related to the subject you propose to study.

The written work should be typed and in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

• a comprehensive understanding of the subject area;
• understanding of problems in the area;
• ability to construct and defend an argument;
• powers of analysis; and
• powers of expression.

GRE General Test results

If you do not hold, or will not shortly hold, a UK or Republic of Ireland undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you must submit the results of a GRE Test obtained within the last 5 years. However, we recommend that applicants from UK and Republic of Ireland universities also submit a GRE score. Entrance is very competitive, and most successful applicants have a GRE score of at least 160 for verbal, 164 for quantitative and 4.5 for analytical.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

† Included in  MPhil Economics and DPhil Economics places for 2024/25 *Two-year average (applications for entry in 2020-21 to 2022-23)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department of Economics

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 281290

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Economics, Politics and International Relations

Register here to join a live webinar and find out more about this course

UCAS code: LL21

Start dates: January 2024 / September 2024 / January 2025 / September 2025

Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen

Part time: up to 8 years

Location: Headington

Department(s): Oxford Brookes Business School

Find a course

From fully fledged battles to economic sanctions… what’s changed? Over the last hundred years, the world of politics and international relations has evolved rapidly. In the past, war has been a first response to conflict, but now economic sanctions are front and centre when it comes to political tactics that are being used to respond to conflict and influence political behaviour. Political and economic events are closely linked so it’s important that we look at them side by side. Our BA Economics, Politics and International Relations is designed to do exactly that. You’ll look beyond the headlines and explore the forces shaping today’s world. Understanding how to link theory and practice is key. We’ll explore the economic factors shaping the relationships between national governments and examine the issues that are central to the lives of people around the world. The way you learn will be as diverse as the subjects you study. One day you might be discussing competing theoretical frameworks, the next you’ll be problem-solving and practising making policy recommendations.

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Why Oxford Brookes University?

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Course details

Course structure, learning and teaching.

Your first year focuses on giving you a strong foundation in economics, politics, and international relations. Developing tools and skills for the rest of your degree will be a key part of your study too. Throughout  the course, you’ll have opportunities to decide what direction to take. You will have the flexibility to focus more on economics or on politics and international relations, as you progress. You also have the opportunity to develop data handling skills. After your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to go on placement. This experience gives you the chance to work for a prestigious company and add experience to your CV. Past students have worked at big names including The Walt Disney Company, IBM, John Lewis, and many more. In your final year, you’ll choose more optional modules to continue to hone your expertise. You may choose to do an optional dissertation. Students have previously explored a range of areas via their dissertation, from the effect of corruption on Russian industry to climate change and consumption.

On this course your learning experience will be exciting and challenging. You will develop confidence and the necessary skills to take on the demands of graduate jobs in leading international organisations.

Our teaching methods include:

• group projects
• presentations
• analysis of numerical data
• discussions of topical material
• guest speakers.

You’ll also learn through e-learning activities such as:

• self-study quizzes
• diagnostic assessments
• computer-based simulations
• online discussion groups.

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The majority of modules use a combination of both examinations and coursework for assessment. However some modules are assessed solely by coursework or by examination.

You will benefit from ongoing in-depth, specific feedback on your work.

Start this course in January

You have the option to start this course in January. In each of your three years, you will study your first semester between January and May and your second semester between September and December. There will be no teaching during June, July and August. 

Study modules

Year 3 (optional placement year), year 4 (or year 3 if no placement), compulsory modules.

Microeconomics I

This module on microeconomic analysis will introduce you to economic models and analytical methods of reasoning. Through diagrammatic and mathematical models, you'll explore consumer and producer behaviour and learn to recognise relationships between economic variables. You will learn to recognise relationships between economic variables and present these relationships diagrammatically, as well as interpret market data and apply it to real-world scenarios.

By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of microeconomic principles and be able to apply these principles to real-world situations, as well as evaluate economic policies using the analytical tools and models that you have learned. In addition to developing your academic literacy and research literacy skills, you'll grow skills in self-management, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Macroeconomics I

In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of macroeconomics. You will cover key areas such as consumption, investment, savings, taxation, and the foreign sector. You will gain an understanding of how these variables relate to each other and how they impact the economy. Throughout the module, you will use real-world situations to illustrate the relevance of macroeconomics to your life as a student. You will develop the skills necessary to analyse and evaluate government policies on economic issues, identify the strengths and weaknesses of market economies, and prepare an argument and analysis of a particular macroeconomic event or change.

By the end of this module, you should have a solid understanding of macroeconomic theory and its real-world applications. You will be able to analyse and evaluate economic policies and their impact on the economy, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of market economies as a mechanism of resource allocation.   

Mathematics for Economics and Finance

This module will provide you with foundational mathematical techniques that are essential in the fields of economics and business. You will learn how to perform algebraic operations, solve systems of equations, and work with quadratic functions. Additionally, you will acquire the ability to differentiate multivariable functions and to analyse functional relationships using mathematical tools. 

Through this module, you will develop problem-solving skills, self-management, communication, and learning abilities. By the end of this module, you will have gained proficiency in the application of mathematical techniques and a deeper understanding of how they are used in finance and optimization within the context of economics, finance, and business.

Economics and Society in Context*

In this module, your focus will be on applying economic theoretical concepts to real-world issues. You’ll have the opportunity to see how economics can be seen in everyday life and progress your detailed knowledge of economics further. You’ll look at economic theoretical concepts and see their applications to real-world events. This will help you to understand abstract theoretical concepts and explain them using various real-world events.

You’ll develop an awareness of the economic foundation of complex issues, to enhance your ability to make reasoned judgements and informed choices in the area of social and political affairs. This will help you widen your perspective on important social issues.

You have the option to take this compusory module or Statistics for Economics, Finance and Business*

Statistics for Economics, Finance and Business

This module will help you build an essential foundation in quantitative techniques for the study of business, management and economics. 

You’ll get to use statistical software that can be used for business economics analysis. You study how quantitative techniques can be combined with theory to enhance the explanatory power of business economics. 

You’ll get to use Excel as your main calculative software tool, building your quantitative skills, so you can estimate your own statistical results using real data. You’ll also learn how to interpret your data results and present them.

You have the option to take this compusory module or Economics and Society in Context*

Political Socialisation and Ideology

Why do we vote the way we do? What affects our actions, and our political decisions? In this module, we’ll investigate politics through human behaviour. You’ll explore political culture, and how we participate in a democratic society. We’ll also look at how humans are socialised to hold various political views. You’ll gain a key insight into how ideas and ideologies affect our behaviour individually and as a group. 

Politics in Comparative Perspective

In this module, you’ll investigate politics, and the struggle for power, across the nations. You’ll gain a clear introduction to how and why political systems differ in our world today. You’ll examine case studies from a wide range of states, and gain a strong insight into how different regimes function – from the democratic to the totalitarian.

From Empire to States: the Origins on International Relations

In this module, you’ll dive into International Relations and its key theories. You’ll explore how International Relations emerges from specific cultural and historic concerns. You’ll gain core analytical skills, as you interpret historical events such as the First World War, decolonisation and the ‘War on Terror’, and use them to explore pressing debates in International Relations.

You’ll learn how International Relations has been shaped as a Western discipline, and how to challenge this by learning about aspects of international relations that have been erased or forgotten, such as colonialism and imperialism. You’ll learn to see International Relations as a rich array of competing stories about our world and what’s possible within it.   

Global Challenges in International Relations

In this module, you’ll explore the leading issues of current world politics.

You’ll investigate the key figures, structures and processes in world politics - like states, political economies and multinational societies.

You’ll also analyse concepts such as:

• sovereignty
• conflict and cooperation among states, and non-state figures.

You’ll also investigate the chronic issues of world politics, including:

• human rights
• humanitarian intervention
• energy resources and the environment
• development, inequality and poverty.

 We’ll explore how different nations manage these issues and what this tells us about international governance.  

Microeconomics II

This intermediate module enriches the understanding of microeconomic theory built in previous modules. It covers individual consumer preferences, market demand analysis, production costs, pricing behaviour of firms, and asymmetric information. You'll apply economic theory to real-world scenarios, including issues of price and income subsidies, taxation, insurance, and asset markets. The module utilises a graphical approach to help you develop a basic understanding of general equilibrium theory. You'll learn to distinguish between issues of equity and efficiency in product markets, gaining a deeper understanding of economic policies' societal impact.

Through this module, you'll also develop self-management, learning, communication, and problem-solving skills essential to success in academic and professional settings. 

Macroeconomics II

In this module, you will delve deeper into macroeconomic theory and policy by examining national economies and international linkages. You will analyse long and short-run macroeconomic models, fiscal and monetary policies, exchange rate policies, government debt, and currency unions. Through theoretical analysis and examination of recent economic events, you will develop a critical understanding of macroeconomic hypotheses and competing approaches. You will also enhance your problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills to apply theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge to macroeconomic policy debates.

By completing this module, you will gain critical self-awareness by assessing the impact of macroeconomic shocks and economic policies in determining key economic variables. The carefully curated learning framework will enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Exploring and Enhancing Employability

This module will help you develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll need for making your career decisions and managing your future career development. You’ll also cover

• transitions into graduate employment
• self-employment 
• further study 
• professional training courses 

in the UK or overseas. 

You’ll be supported to take an informed and critical view of the world of work and think about your future role and responsibilities, not only to yourself but also to others. You’ll also learn about the University Careers Service and OBBS WAVES team. You’ll have the opportunity to go into placements, internships, volunteering and other extracurricular activities offered by the University.  

Researching Politics and International Relations

In this module, you’ll develop the practical research skills you need to design and carry out your first piece of social sciences research. You’ll start with the ‘big questions’ of ‘What exists?’ and ‘How can we know about what exists?’ From here, you’ll move on to consider the different research methods and their implications. You’ll take part in hands-on workshops and practical sessions, preparing you to conduct your research for your final-year dissertation.  

Global Political Economy

In this module, you’ll get to know the global economy. You’ll investigate how economics and politics shape world affairs in both trivial and profound ways. 

In part 1, you’ll gain a strong knowledge of the history of the world economy. You’ll develop key analytical skills, as you explore competing explanations of how it functions. You’ll gain the tools you need to understand recent economic changes.

In part 2, you’ll dig into key debates on how the global economy functions today, including: 

• global production
• trade and international development
• the relationship between the global economy and the environment.   

UK Politics

How much did world leaders rely on history to make decisions? In this module, you’ll look at governing strategy from the 20th century to the present day. You’ll choose either the British or Soviet states, and analyse how their leaders managed crises and issues. You’ll also explore the relationship between politics and economics, and apply key approaches to the problems of governing.  

Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for who will take the optional Year 3 work placement)

This module is designed to provide practical guidance and support in undertaking a placement search, preparing for the placement experience, and succeeding in the modern workplace. Throughout the module, you will develop critical self-awareness and personal literacy skills, enabling you to self-reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and target your placement search effectively. Additionally, you will also explore methods of effective and targeted placement search, increasing your chances of securing a placement.

In summary, this module is an essential component of your employability journey. By integrating with co-curricular activities, the module provides a holistic approach to employability, ensuring that students have a broad range of skills and experiences to draw upon in their future careers.

Optional modules

Choose 2 optional modules from those below:, international labour markets.

This module examines the diversity of national policy approaches to labour market and social issues. You’ll undertake a comparative economic analysis of the behaviour of employers and employees operating in the global marketplace. Using a common framework of the economic theory of labour markets, you’ll also critically evaluate how governments, economic, social and other institutions alter outcomes in labour markets.  By completing this module, you’ll be able to present a range of international labour market data, defend appropriate policy proposals and solutions to labour market issues, and recognise the implications for analysis of various social and cultural phenomena.  

Applied Econometrics

This module provides an introduction to the interpretation and analysis of economic data through the application of appropriate statistical and econometric methodologies. You will gain practice in applying theory and develop your skills of statistical and econometric analysis through the completion of problem sets. Practising quantitative techniques in seminars is essential in helping you to identify your learning needs and to encourage you to become critically self-aware of your relative strengths and weaknesses in relation to the acquisition of quantitative skills, a fundamental attribute of graduates in economics and finance.

On completion of the module you will have an understanding of hypothesis testing and statistical inference; the ability to conduct essential statistical analyses of data; and an understanding of regression analyses.

History of Economic Thought

This module provides an introduction to the historical development of economic ideas. In so doing it is designed to illuminate both the influence of such ideas within a variety of social and political contexts and against the background of debates in economic policy. It aims to demonstrate the variety of approaches which can be taken to the study of economic phenomena and the traditions to which they give rise.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to appreciate the relationship between developments in economic thought and within general society, critically evaluate the ideas of economic thinkers and appreciate the diversity of paradigms which have influenced the development of economic doctrine over time.  

International Trade

You’ll be introduced to international trade and economic integration. And you’ll use partial equilibrium tools of economic analyses to analyse trade policy options and assess the welfare implications of these policies. Throughout this module, you’ll also explore the institutional arrangements of various trading blocks through reviewing multilateral and global institutions. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll  be able to understand the economic rationale of international trade, and the stages of economic integration, including their relevance to international negotiations. You’ll also gain problem-solving and IT skills.  

State and Society: Europe and the United States

In this module, you can investigate the politics of either Europe or the USA, subject to student numbers and staff availability. 

In the European strand, you’ll explore themes of democracy and citizenship. You’ll look closely at what democracy and citizenship might mean to people living in the UK, France, Germany and in Europe’s post-communist countries. You’ll also look at the future of European states and societies, and how they can adapt to challenges such as migration.

In the American strand, you’ll focus on governmental and political institutions. You’ll also explore explosive issues in American politics, including religion, race and capital punishment.  

Nations and Nationalism

In this module, you’ll explore the effect of nationalism, ethnicity and regime change on a country. You’ll get to grips with the different approaches we use to explore them. You’ll gain fantastic analytical skills as you apply these approaches to real world cases, and investigate the implications of their different perspectives. 

You’ll also look at how globalisation impacts the politics and identity of a country. You’ll analyse the ways in which globalisation can be a force for good (spreading democracy) and bad (divisive, leading to nationalist resistance)  

Uncivil Society: Constituting Global Order

How do we govern the world, when it’s no longer dominated by states and national governments? How do different types of migration shape the movement of people across the world? In this module, you’ll get to grips with a key part of international relations - borders and solidarities (groups with a common identity or interest). You’ll explore the various forms of borders and solidarities, including:

• migrations across national boundaries 
• regional organisations
• trade agreements.

You’ll link them to key forces and events, such as: 

• corporations
• colonisation
• refugee movements
• the migrant ‘crisis’.

You’ll gain valuable practical and professional knowledge, as you explore major issues today, and how global governance or migration shape our lives.   

Optional Work Placement Year (includes a Placement Search and Preparation module in your second year)

You can spend your third year on a work placement. You will gain commercial and practical experience, and many students are offered graduate positions by their placement employer. Recently, students have enjoyed exciting and intellectually challenging positions at Microsoft, the Government Economic Service, IBM, the Office for National Statistics, JP Morgan, PayPal, Hewlett-Packard, Trip Advisor and a host of other organisations, many of which operate internationally. During your placement there is a fee which is paid to the university. It covers the cost of your placement tutor, and the support we provide whilst looking for a placement position and during your placement role. Whilst on your placement you will still be classed as a student. You will be paid a financially sustainable salary which will vary depending on your role, company and location.  Learn more about how Oxford Brookes Business School supports students secure a work placement.

Perspectives on Global Challenges

This module is your advanced introduction to pluralism and competing paradigms in economics, finance and international business. You will investigate contemporary topics by using theoretical and empirical tools in economics and finance where you’ll employ orthodox and non orthodox approaches. 

Through the module you’ll develop a deep understanding of key global trends and outcomes that are relevant to the world of international business. Also you will progress your analytical investigation skills in the sphere of global economics.  

Global Development, Justice and Sustainability

How can we respond to and solve global injustice and the ecological crisis without a world government? How can we resolve issues in international politics which are beyond the limit of individual countries? A global unified approach is critical for success. 

In this module, you’ll gain knowledge of the theory and practice of global development, justice and sustainability. And build your analytical skills.  You'll take a combined approach of looking at global development and the ecological crisis. You'll examine competing and contrasting perspectives that feature across these global issues. Helping you gain understanding in their global justice implications. Also you'll look at international policy responses and global governance initiatives.   

Choose 5 Optional Modules from those below:

Environmental economics.

On this module, you build your understanding of modelling techniques and analytical tools of environmental economics. You will be able to critically analyse a range of environmental issues which impact environmental externalities on economic agents and the range of policy responses available to policymakers.

Economic Growth

This module uses economic theory to analyse the structure and forces behind economic growth and development. You will learn standard theorie of economic growth and use those theories to analyse the process of economic growth across countries. You will familiarize with a set of important issues that are central to macroeconomics; develop some dynamic economics knowledge useful in macroeconomics as well as in a number of other sub-disciplines. By the end of the module you will gain  tools to analyse the economy with a long-run perspective that is normally overlooked in the other macroeconomic modules.  

Behavioural Economics

Build your understanding of the concept called ‘homo economicus’ where individuals are considered to be perfectly rational and concerned only about maximising their own welfare. Your understanding of strategic behaviour in encounters with other individuals, modelled as games will broaden. You’ll examine concepts such as:

• bounded rationality
• cognitive bias
• market design
• equilibrium selection
• and policies in detail.

By the end of the module you’ll have a critical understanding of the new stream of thinking that has developed within economics in the last few decades. You’ll have knowledge of what allows people to make mistakes in decision-making and be altruistic – i.e. care about others’ utility as well as their own.  

Economics, Politics and International Relations Dissertation

For this dissertation, you will engage in research and employ methodologies that require a thorough understanding of the process of research as well as using published research material. You'll deeply study a topic, selected with appropriate supervision and guidance from any suitable area of Economics in combination either with Politics or International Relations.

In keeping with the interdisciplinary character of the module, it is expected that you choose from a plurality of methodological approaches of both a quantitative and qualitative character.  

Advanced Applied Econometrics

Further and broaden your knowledge of econometrics. You’ll progress and develop your econometric skills that are needed to be able to successfully investigate economic and financial relationships by using appropriate econometric methodologies. You’ll study examples based on both economic and financial data that illustrate the application of the methodologies you’ll learn to use.

Conflict and Peacebuilding

From terrorism to mass protests, how do we make sense of violence and resistance? In this module, you’ll explore the tensions between local and global communities in building peace. You’ll investigate how identity markers such as gender, race, nationality and ethnicity relate to violence and resistance. You can choose to focus on violence, resistance and identity politics, or violent conflict and peacebuilding.

Violence, Militarism and Terrorism

How does violence occur in different societies? How do people’s ideas of violence affect their cultures? In this module, you’ll look at how states manage violence such as terrorism. You’ll also consider how social norms and military values of violence shape our lives. You can choose to specialise in terrorism or counter-terrorism, or critical militarism studies. 

Freedom, Justice and Identity

In this module, you’ll explore theories of freedom and justice in relation to specific political problems and puzzles. You’ll ask questions like: 

• Is it possible to have universal principles of justice within complex multicultural societies? 
• Do conventional identities limit our freedom? 
• Do freedom and justice require ‘empowerment’? 

You’ll also look at relevant concepts such as rights and equality. You’ll gain valuable critical skills as you explore the different methods we use to explore these concepts, and how they play out in the practical world of politics. 

You’ll be able to choose between two streams, depending on staff availability:

• Contemporary Political Philosophy
• Feminist/Queer Theory.  

Ethics, Power and World Politics

What can world leaders do, and what should they do? How much power should countries give each other? And how should states and individuals behave towards each other? In this module, you’ll get to grips with the key questions in world politics. You’ll explore:

• how we determine rights and duties
• how we both enable and restrict dominance
• how issues of race, gender and class interact

in relation to world politics. You’ll choose one of three topics that focus on international ethics and power - human rights, migration and immigration, or racism and colonialism.  

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

• the diplomatic service
• local government
• trade unions.

Student profiles

Zelia Dupont

"One of the main things I’ve learnt is not to care about my accent. Brookes is so international"

Related courses

Entry requirements.

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of  achieving the UCAS Tariff points  for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

Further offer details

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: [email protected]

If you don’t achieve the required tariff points you can apply to join a foundation course , like Foundation in Business or an international foundation course to help to reach the required level for entry onto this degree.

Specific entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics (grade C/4 or above)

Please also see the University's  general entry requirements .

English language requirements

Please see the University's  standard English language requirements .

Pathways courses for international and EU students

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course . Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.

If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our  pre-sessional English course . You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.

English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements.  Find out more about English language requirements.

Credit transfer

Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.

Find out more about transferring to Brookes . If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team .

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the  Terms and Conditions of Enrolment . You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply, application process.

Full time Home (UK) applicants Apply through UCAS

Part time Home (UK) applicants Apply direct to the University

International applicants Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Questions about fees.

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

[email protected]

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

• For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
• For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy  page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Optional costs

Funding your studies, financial support and scholarships.

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study, part-time study.

Programme changes : On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.

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