Key information
The MA (Hons) Economics and Finance programme at Heriot-Watt University will give you the skills to investigate, analyse and answer global economic questions, as well as a specialist understanding of financial theories and practice. Our flexible degree focuses on making a difference in the real world and was ranked 4th in the UK by the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and 1st in Scotland* by the National Student Survey 2025.
- UCAS code
- LN13
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our joint degree does not require prior knowledge of the core disciplines of economics and finance – study begins at an introductory level and the degree has a flexible structure to enable you to tailor your studies to pursue your own career interests.
Your learning will be underpinned by the knowledge of highly respected economists who design and teach our courses with a real-world focus that stems directly from their global research into economic issues.
Finance courses are taught by academics and experienced practitioners, and you will have the opportunity to make use of the university’s state-of-the-art Bloomberg Finance Lab to gain employable, practical finance skills.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to develop scholarship skills, undertake professional and employability development, and engage in reflective learning. The MA (Hons) Economics and Finance degree will equip you with a wide range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills to prepare you for career paths in business, management, marketing, banking, finance, policy analysis, civil service, academia and more.
*1st in Scotland based on average % positivity measure
Your student experience
Our programmes are informed by an Industry Advisory Board of business leaders who ensure our curriculum matches the needs of global employers.
The Edinburgh Business School approach ensures that an industry focus is built into every part of this degree so that your studies reflect the current thinking and practices of successful organisations and their leaders.
The industry experience and research expertise of our staff bring your teaching and learning to life with case study-driven assignments and applied group projects, complemented by guest lectures from industry leaders, CEOs and directors of national and multinational organisations.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- The Economy
- Critical Academic Skills
- Management in a Global Context
- Introduction to Accounting
Mandatory January
- Introduction to Economic and Financial Analysis
- Sustainable Business
- Becoming a Professional
- Introductory Finance
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £21,192 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BBC
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- HNC B in graded unit
- HND BB
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMM
- HNC B in graded unit
- HND BC / CB
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Finance professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
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