This course combines an interdisciplinary approach to the study of economics and international relations. The recent coronavirus crisis has demonstrated how the world’s economy is formed of a delicate balance of interconnected countries and their structures, theories and policies – which can have such a profound impact on millions of lives around the world.

During your studies you will develop a strong understanding of macro and microeconomics, in order to understand the way economists approach and analyse societal problems at the national level, how markets work, and the application of elasticity in the pricing decision of firms.

We build upon the future by learning from the past, so with us you will discover the historical evolution of international relations theory. From realist and liberal schools to the challenge of Marxist-influenced perspectives, you will explore how theories that draw on philosophies and ideologies shed new light on the discipline.

In your final year you will then have the opportunity to undertake independent study in an area of interest within economics or international relations.

Key features

• Broaden your expertise by developing transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication, team working, independent research and critical analysis.
• DMU is recognised as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, meaning that it serves as a focal point of knowledge and skills on European Union affairs.
• Participate in real debates such as Congress to Campus, attend conferences and learn from guest speakers. Recently two former congressmen came to DMU to discuss President Trump and contemporary US politics. These visits will give you a valuable and informed first hand insight into contemporary politics.
• Expand your horizons with international travel linked to your course through DMU Global. Previous trip destinations have included New York, Berlin, Greece, Beijing and Copenhagen. As part of the #JoinTogether campaign, students visited the United Nations headquarters in New York to pitch their ideas to improve local communities.
• Our DMU Works team will help you gain sought-after employment skills through placement opportunities with local, national and global companies, previous examples include IBM, Vauxhall, Walt Disney, the NHS and the Government Economic Service.
• Our graduates have progressed onto careers with leading companies such as Deutsche Bank, KPMG, PwC and Revenue Management Analyst at TNT.

Structure and assessment

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is undertaken through a healthy mix of both coursework (presentations, essays and reports) and exams or tests.

These assessment weightings are indicative only. The exact weighting may vary depending on option modules chosen by students and teaching methods deployed by the academic member of staff each year. Indicative assessment weighting and assessment type per module are shown as part of the module information. Again these are based on the current academic session.

Contact hours

This is a full-time course and in total you should be prepared to devote approximately 38 hours a week to your studies. In the first year, you will typically have up to 14 contact hours of teaching most weeks. Teaching is through a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activity types is shown in each module description.

Other: In addition each module provides a two-hour surgery each week for individual consultation with the lecturer. You will also have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor and careers and/or subject meetings scheduled throughout the year.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to use our on-line resources, participate in flipped or virtual classroom discussions on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study and revision for approximately 25 hours per week.

Subsequent years follow a similar pattern, however, the contact time will vary depending on your subject mix and options chosen, and the teaching methods appropriate to the module. Further details are contained in each module description.

Facilities and features