International Relations and Economics

Our International Relations modules take a transdisciplinary approach to the study of world affairs and global issues, giving you the chance to undertake a comprehensive and critical interrogation of significant global issues. You’ll gain a profound understanding of a range of dynamic processes and trends that affect human societies, and how to navigate and influence some of the world’s most important and intractable questions and problems.

Alongside this you’ll also develop skills in applying economic theory, perspectives and approaches as a method for solving business and organisational problems across the private, public and third sectors both domestically and internationally.

Expert teaching

We have an enthusiastic and experienced Economics teaching team. You'll learn within a friendly, supportive learning community. Small class sizes allow scope for one-to-one advice so that you are motivated to achieve at a high level. Our lecturers are conducting influential research into pressing economic issues facing society such as behavioural economics, public policy, the green economy, the economics of innovation and technological change. You’ll also meet and interact with industry experts. For instance, you’ll hear about latest developments in the financial sector from visiting professor Trevor Williams.

Our International Relations team draws on expertise from a wide variety of areas and covers a range of different geographical areas and thematic approaches, including the history and politics of modern China and India, Eastern European economies, the green transition, and European integration.

Facilities and resources

Our Financial Markets Lab will give you a whole new perspective on what it’s like to work at the cutting edge of economics. You'll get hands-on experience with the software used in financial markets worldwide. You'll work with up-to-the-minute data and gain vital insights into financial market analysis.

The lab puts a wealth of data at your fingertips. You can access company and director profiles plus analysis of current affairs from financial intelligence. You’ll receive training from Bloomberg specialists and have access to their helpdesk. You can even work towards the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate. This will complement your degree qualification. 

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

• You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
• You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
• You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Real world learning is at the heart of our Economics programmes, with the focus on solving genuine business problems as well as engaging with external experts to discuss economic concepts. You’ll learn through a compelling combination of:

• interactive lectures 
• expert speakers 
• problem-solving seminars 
• group work 
• group discussion 
• workshops 
• case study analysis 
• computer lab work 
• practical analysis

Our teaching methods on International Relations will be varied, interactive and engaging. They include:

• Online and face-to-face lectures, sometimes involving guest speakers  
• Seminars that encourage lots of debate and discussion 
• Work experience and real projects 
• Self-directed study 

How you are assessed

You’ll be assessed on your Economics modules in a number of ways, including:

• computer-based assessments 
• business reports 
• applied economics projects to showcase your analytical and quantitative skills 
• data retrieval and quantitative analytics using Bloomberg 
• computer-based analysis harnessing Excel and SPSS 
• poster presentations and reports to assess your research and consultancy skills

For International Relations modules, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including essays, research reports, presentations, and participation in debates. Some modules will also assess your ability to develop teamwork and research skills in an applied, real-world context, and your ability to reflect on how these prepare you for your chosen career.

When you have completed this degree, you will be well-informed about the major global issues of our time as well as Economic theory and practice, and have a range of skills that employers really value, particularly:

• negotiation and conflict resolution  
• being able to analyse evidence objectively, including using basic data science techniques  
• communication  
• problem-solving  
• cultural awareness

You can put these skills to good use in a range of high-level careers, such as in politics, journalism, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), charities, the civil or diplomatic services, inter-governmental institutions, management, finance, leadership, and consultancy.

2026 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.