Printer icon Printable version 

BSc Economic and Social Policy

Student Testimonials

Programme Director: Dr Fiona Atkins

This interdisciplinary degree focuses on many of the important economic and political issues of the contemporary world. The core of the degree consists of four courses specifically designed to provide students with an introduction to the pivotal concerns of the social sciences. In addition, students choose from a range of specialist options in Economics, Politics, Sociology and Geography.

The degree integrates the analysis of government policy with the understanding of broader economic and social change.

The programme should be of interest and benefit to people who want to study economic, social and geographical theories and how to apply them to contemporary policy issues. Many jobs in the private and public sector require people who are able to provide concise interpretations of policy issues and who understand the nature of economic, social, political and geographical change.

Entry Requirements

  • Over 21: flexible entry requirements (some combination of relevant work experience and education to a UK A Level standard).
  • Under 21: normal university entry requirements.
  • Possible credit for relevant earlier studies.

Students without an adequate background in economics or quantitative methods may be required to take, and pass with a credit, two foundation modules from Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Economics.

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 12 course units in four years. The courses in the first two years are compulsory and are taught in alternate years. In the third and fourth years, students choose six options from the range offered by the three participating departments (Economics, Geography, and Politics and Sociology). In the fourth year, an optional independent project can be taken in place of an option.

2013/14:            
Year 1   Year 2   Years 3/4 Years 3/4 Years 3/4
Core modules Core modules   Economics options Politics options Geography options
IT Skills for Social Sciences

Study Techniques

   Applied Statistics and Econometrics International Relations Principles of Geographic Information Systems
Data Analysis for Economic and Social Policy Introduction to Economic Principles and Policy   Quantitative Techniques War & Modern Society Environment and Development
Social Relations and Social Policy Economy and Society in Europe   UK Financial Institutions and Markets
 Introduction to International Political Economy Regional Economic Development & Policy in the EU
take 3 compulsory modules take 3 compulsory modules   Macroeconomics:
Theory & Policy		 Contemporary European Politics  

 
      Intermediate Microeconomics Contemporary British Politics  
      Introduction to Mathematical Economics Politics and the Middle East  
      Issues in Development Economics Violence and its Double  
      Economics of Public Policy Politics, Power and Human Nature  
      Intermediate Macroeconomics    
      choose 6 options or 5 options and an independent project

Download a leaflet (Part-time study, 4 years evenings pdf format Apply on-line PT

Download a leaflet (Full-time study, 3 years evenings) pdf format Apply on-line FT

Course material and Timetables

General enquiries and questions concerning admissions should be directed to the Programme Administrator:

Economic and Social Policy Administrator
Tel: 020 7631 6428
Fax: 020 7631 6416
Email: esp@bbk.ac.uk
Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St, London WC1E 7HX.