Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Politics

Programme Overview

Academic Level

Bachelor's Degree,

Awarded by

University of London, UK

Programme type

Full-time, 3 years

Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (local and international applicants)

Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*

S$26,440 to S$42,335

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* All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials, SIM application fee, preparatory / bridging course fee, and other fees). Refer to GST Notes under Fees Tab for more information.

Programme Outline

Awarded by University of London, UK and Developed by federation member, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Strong foundation in economics and politics

The world is flat and we’re all backyard neighbours, whether we’re in Beijing or Brooklyn or Bedok. When economic growth was climbing in China, property prices in �� went up. When the US presidential election is around the corner, criticisms on China surge. When Britain left the European Union, decision efficiency in the EU improved in leaps and bounds.

This programme builds on core economic theories and important concepts of modern political thought. It develops your intellectual capacity to understand the world in political and economic terms. Emphasis is on microeconomics, macroeconomics, understanding the state of democracy, and the democratic process. You will learn the rigorous process of conducting economic analysis at micro, macro and international level. In addition, you will be exposed to the debates in comparative politics and their social-economic impact.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

Assess research practices and compare theoretical positions affecting both Economics and Politics;
Apply theoretical perspectives to real-life situations and challenges;
Understand the relationship between the political economy and public choice (the use of analytical tools of economics in the study of politics).

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Graduates may progress to postgraduate studies either locally or overseas.

A considerable number of alumni either went on to study locally at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) or overseas at the
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

This programme is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in an NGO, government, international business or research, especially where cross-cultural sensitivity is crucial.

Career prospects include becoming financial or foreign correspondents, corporate strategy & planning executives, public sector officials in foreign affairs, trade and economic relations, or homeland security.

Overall employment rate for SIM-UOL graduates: 82.3%*

*Based on the SIM Graduate Employment Survey 2022/23 conducted by Media Research Consultants on the 2022 cohort of graduates from the full-time Bachelor degree programmes, approximately 6 months after completing their studies. The overall employment rate includes graduates in both full-time and part-time employment.

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Hear from our students

More than academics: A foreign student’s experience of studying at SIM

What is it like to study at SIM in �� as a foreign student? SIM-University of London (UOL)’s Business & Management graduate Lakshmi Shreya Atmakuru shares her experience.

Read story

Why study at SIM x University of London

SIM is the leading private education institution in ��.

Excellent value, with opportunities for overseas study.

Curriculum is by LSE, 3rd in Europe in the 2024 QS World University by Subject Ranking for Social Sciences and Management.

Globally recognised – Programmes offered have the same academic standards as the London School of Economics and University of London, UK.

Learn more about the University of London

Intake Dates

2025 Aug intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Aug 2025 to Jun 2028 (3 years)

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Early submission of application is strongly recommended.

2025 Sep intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

Sep 2025 to Jun 2028 (3 years)

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications are open till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Early submission of application is strongly recommended.

Minimum / Maximum Candidature Period
Standard BSc (Hons) (12 modules) 3 years / 6 years
Graduate BSc (Hons) (9 modules) 3 years / 6 years

*The candidature period may be extended by the University on a case-by-case basis.

No refund or recourse should student fail to complete within the maximum period.

At SIM, students who are academically weak and find it difficult to progress or complete the programme within the minimum duration will receive counselling.

SIM reserves the right to recommend and withdraw a student who cannot cope with the demands of the programme, especially when the student’s pass has expired.

Curriculum

Structure

Blended lectures, group discussions, workshops and online study.
Duration of each lesson is 3 hours.
Classes are taught by local faculty, supplemented by webinars by the London School of Economics on the Virtual Learning Environment.

Academic materials include Virtual Learning Environment, SIMConnect portal, subject guides, past exam papers and exam commentaries, reading lists and handbooks on good study strategies.
Learning support include intensive revision, classes on study skills, academic writing and the Peer-Assisted Learning sessions.
Minimum class size to commence is 25 students. Students will be informed within 30 days after the application period.
Full time classes are held in three-hour blocks between Monday and Friday, starting at 8.30am, 12pm, or 3.30pm. There are occasional classes on weeknights at 7pm and weekends.
View sample of full-time class schedule (PDF 67 KB)
Average teacher-student ratio: 1:79

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Assessment & Attendance

Assessment by the University is made up of examinations and coursework (for selected modules).
Attendance and Coursework are part of the University's requirements to sit for the examinations every May/June. SIM students may take resits in the Oct/Nov sitting.
A pass or exemption from at least two Level 100 modules is required before they attempt Level 200/300 modules.

Students may have a maximum of 3 attempts for each paper prior to classification.
Key dates:
- University Exams: May – Jun 2025
- Results released: Mid-Aug 2025
Attendance requirement:
- Local: 75%
- International (Dependent Pass holders / Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

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Requirements to Graduate

The award of the BSc (Hons) degree requires successful completion of all 12 modules (standard entry) or 9 modules (graduate entry).
The award of the BSc (Hons) degree requires successful completion of all 12 modules.

Grading Scheme:
- 70-100: First Class Honours
- 60-69: Second Upper Class Honours
- 50-59: Second Lower Class Honours
- 40-49: Third Class Honours
- 0-39: Fail
Graduates can attend the April SIM campus ceremony or the March University of London ceremony (UK).

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Modules

100 modules
1. # EC1002 Introduction to economics
2. MT105A Mathematics 1 (half module) and ST104A Statistics 1 (half module)
3. PS1130 Introduction to international political thought
4. PS1172 Introduction to political science

200 and 300 modules
5. EC2065 Macroeconomics (EC1002) + (MT105A or MT1186)
6. EC2066 Microeconomics (EC1002) + (MT105A or MT1186)
7. PS2082 Comparative politics (PS1172 or PS1130)
8. One module taken from the following:

EC2199 The world economy: Industrial revolution to the present
EC3016 International economics (EC2065) + (EC2066)
EC3099 Industrial economics (EC2066)
EC3115 Monetary economics (EC2065)

9.   PS3086 Democracy and democratisation (PS1172 or PS1130)
10. One 300 module from Selection group E
11. One 300 module from selection group IR or P
12. One 200 or 300 module from any Selection group

Note:
# EC1002 Introduction to economics must be taken after or at the same time as MT105A Mathematics 1 and ST104A Statistics 1

200 and 300 modules
4. EC2065 Macroeconomics (EC1002) + (MT105A)
5. EC2066 Microeconomics (EC1002) + (MT105A)
6. PS2082 Comparative politics (PS1172 or PS1130)
7. One module taken from the following:

EC2199 The world economy: Industrial revolution to the present
EC3016 International economics (EC2065) + (EC2066)
EC3099 Industrial economics (EC2066)
EC3115 Monetary economics (EC2065)

8. PS3086 Democracy and democratisation (PS1172 or PS1130)
9. One 300 module from Selection group E, IR or P

Notes:
Due to the pre-requisites, the Graduate Entry Route of nine modules can only be completed over three years and not two.
# EC1002 Introduction to economics must be taken after or at the same time as MT105A Mathematics 1 and ST104A Statistics 1

Admission Criteria

Accepted Entry Qualifications

Standard Entry Requirements:
General Entrance Requirements (GER) are:

Applicant must be 17 years or older by 30 November in the year of registration with UOL
Two approved GCE ‘A’ / H2 level subjects and three approved GCE ‘O’ level subjects, OR
Three approved GCE ‘A’ / H2 level subjects and one approved GCE ‘O’ level subject, OR
Three H2 passes provided that at least grades D, E, E are obtained, OR
Two H2 and two H1 passes provided they are in non-overlapping subjects , OR
Its equivalent

The following qualifications* meet GER for admission into Year 1:

Diploma in Accounting, Banking and Finance, International Business and Management Studies awarded by SIM
Diplomas awarded by Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, �� Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic

Graduate Entry Requirements:

Applicant must be 17 years or older by 30 November in the year of registration with UOL
A first degree completed in a minimum of three years duration on a full-time basis (or equivalent) from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London

View the .

*All listings are not exhaustive and they are subject to annual revision.

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Equivalent International Qualifications

University of London International Foundation Certificate
University of London Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences

For information on international qualifications, refer to SIM’s International Student Prospectus.

Other Requirements

GCE ‘O’ level - C6 or better in English

Alternatively, candidates should have one of the following qualifications:

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, OR
Cambridge English Language 1119 (at grade 6 or better) conducted by University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate OR IGCSE English as a 2nd Language, passed at grade B or above, OR
IB Diploma - English at grade 4 or better

Candidates may also take a Test of Proficiency to meet the English Language course requirement, provided they have been awarded within the past three years.

TOEFL – a score of 580 (computerised - 237) plus TWE - 4.5, OR
Internet based TOEFL - a score of 87, at least 21 in both the reading and writing skills sub-tests, and at least 19 in both the speaking and listening skills sub-tests, OR
IELTS – overall score of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests

GCE ’O’ Level Maths passed at Grade C6 or better
Local polytechnic diploma with 2 acceptable Maths at grade B or better. Acceptable Maths includes polytechnic modules in Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics, Statistics, Business Statistics and Calculus
Malaysia SPM Maths passed at Grade 6C or better
Malaysia UEC Maths passed at Grade C8 or better
IB Diploma (Must have completed Mathematics / Mathematical Studies at Higher / Standard Level at grade 3 or better)
NUS High School upon successful completion
IFP upon successful completion with a pass in Mathematics
Pass Mathematics in the SIM Bridging Course for Economics, Mathematics and Accounting (EMA)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the recognition of previously acquired learning which may be awarded if you have previously studied a similar module in the same depth, and you achieved good marks in the corresponding examination. A student who is awarded RPL for a specific module is considered to be exempted from the module.

You would need to complete all coursework and assessment for your Polytechnic or SIM Diploma before you embark on the bridging course. The qualification must have been obtained within the five years preceding the application for RPL.

Qualifications that do not qualify for an automatic exemption will require an exemption application fee of £113 per full module or £58 per half module. For the bridging courses listed in the next section which meet the UOL automatic exemption requirement, no exemption application fee is needed.

Applicants for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Politics are NOT recommended to apply for RPL as completing the EC1002 Introduction to Economics and MT105A Mathematics 1 (half course) will help prepare students for the rigor of advanced economics, where appropriate.

For more information on RPL, visit the .

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Bridging Course

All bridging courses are developed and awarded by the �� Institute of Management Pte Ltd, ��. There will be only one intake per year.

To be eligible for the Bridging programme, applicants must first meet the entry requirements and be accepted into a Bachelor's degree programme. This applies to both Bridging (EMA) and Bridging (EMFSS).

Bridging Course for Economics, Mathematics and Accounting (EMA)

Course Fees: S$850.20 per module, inclusive of 9% GST, payable at the start of each intake

Course Dates:

Economics and Mathematics: Jun – Jul 2025 (FT / PT)
Mathematics and Accounting: Jul – Aug 2025 (FT only)

Attendance requirement:

Local: 75%
International (inclusive of Dependent Pass/Long-term Visit Pass holders): 90%

Applications open for EMA Bridging (Jun 2025 intake) till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

Applications open for EMA Bridging (Jul 2025 intake) till 2 Feb 2025 (Local and Intl).

The two-month intensive bridging EMA course via either face-to-face or blended learning is targeted at business-related diploma holders intending to study for a UOL degree in an accelerated mode.

Depending on the applicant’s prior academic background and the University of London academic credit exemption system, they are allowed to study up to two modules. It will either be a combination of Mathematics with Economics or Mathematics with Accounting.

Bridging module(s) will be offered based on the degree applied.

The average teacher-student ratio is 1:55 for full-time Bridging EMA, and 1:47 for part-time Bridging EMA.

View more course details (PDF 5.2 KB)

Bridging courses and their corresponding RPL:

Bridging modules	RPL from UOL modules in
Economics	EC1002 Introduction to economics (full module)
Mathematics	MT105A Mathematics 1 (half module)
Accounting	AC1025 Principles of accounting (full module)

Certification
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful passing of the Bridging (EMA) programme. There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the course within the specified duration.

Notes:

Min 25pax to start the course. The student shall be informed within one month before programme commencement.
All bridging courses are 100% written exams that are set and marked by SIM lecturers. 
Students must pass with at least a C grade (40%) in all bridging examinations to qualify for RPL.
Fees do not include textbooks and application fee.

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Fees & Financial Aid

All fees inclusive of current 9% GST (exclude textbooks / course materials). The estimated overall fees are payable in instalments. The amount of each instalment is dependent on the number of modules undertaken for each semester and based on the following components:

SIM Programme Fees, UOL Module Fees and Exam-related Fees - Payable and calculated on a per module basis.

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Programme Fees

Estimated Overall Fees (FT/PT)

Standard Entry BSc (12 modules for 3 years)	Year 1: S$13,120 Year 2: S$13,240 Year 3: S$13,485 Total programme fee: S$39,845
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from 4 full modules (8 modules for 2 years)	Year 2: S$13,160 Year 3: S$13,280 Total programme fee: S$26,440
Graduate Entry BSc (9 modules for 2 years)	Year 1: S$13,160 Year 2: S$16,600 Total programme fee: S$29,760

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	12 full modules: S$22,628.40 8 full modules: S$15,085.60 9 full modules: S$16,971.30
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Module Fee (12 modules for 3 years): £8,631.80 UOL Module Fee (8 modules for 2 years): £5,613.06 UOL Module Fee (9 modules for 2 years): £6,331.81 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

Estimated Overall Fees (FT/PT)

Standard Entry BSc (12 modules for 3 years)	Year 1: S$13,950 Year 2: S$14,070 Year 3: S$14,315 Total programme fee: S$42,335
Standard Entry BSc with exemption from 4 full modules (8 modules for 2 years)	Year 2: S$13,990 Year 3: S$14,110 Total programme fee: S$28,100
Graduate Entry BSc (9 modules for 2 years)	Year 1: S$13,990 Year 2: S$17,635 Total programme fee: S$31,625

Breakdown of Estimated Overall Fees

Payable to SIM	12 full modules: S$25,113.60 8 full modules: S$16,742.40 9 full modules: S$18,835.20
Payable to University of London (UOL)	UOL Application Fee (One-Time Payment): £65.40 UOL Module Fee (12 modules for 3 years): £8,631.80 UOL Module Fee (8 modules for 2 years): £5,613.06 UOL Module Fee (9 modules for 2 years): £6,331.81 Exam admin fee (Per paper): S$203

Additional UOL and SIM fees apply for those who repeat/resit the coursework/exam and also for those who extend their registration with the University.

*The fees above are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax.
While SIM fees do not fluctuate during a student's study period, the other fees to UOL are likely to increase each year.

S$850.20 per module for Bridging EMA

Mandatory Fees

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.

Student Development Fee

Applicable to all students embarking on a full-time Diploma or Undergraduate programme at SIM. This fee goes towards activities that will help in students’ personal growth and equip them with functional skills that enhance their employability.

Payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$512.30

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fee's first instalment.

S$436.00

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants:
S$109.00

International applicants:
S$545.00 (not inclusive of Student’s Pass application)

Scholarships & Bursaries

SIM GE Bursary

The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. This award is given based on our eligibility criteria, as well as the assessed level of neediness of the applicants.

Learn more

SIM GE Bursary

SIM GE Scholarship

The SIM GE Scholarship is given to students with exemplary academic results or achievements in sports and arts. It is applicable to �� citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Learn more

SIM GE Scholarship

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