Key information
Globally active researchers underpin MA (Hons) Economics at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School. 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
- L100
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our Economics degree studies how individuals, firms, and governments make choices, and how these choices determine how resources are distributed across society. Economics helps us understand and improve decision-making for ourselves, organisations and societies, and it throws light on issues as diverse as the environment, unemployment, inflation, poverty, globalisation and trade.
The Economics degree will help you develop the required skills to investigate, analyse and answer such questions. You’ll progress from an introduction to economics to the point where you’ll have the skills and knowledge to undertake a technically complex analysis of economic policy. Your learning will be underpinned by the knowledge of highly respected economists who design and teach our courses with a global outlook and real-world focus, stemming directly from their research into global economic issues.
During the MA (Hons) Economics programme, you’ll gain practical specialist knowledge whilst fine-tuning your professional, research and advanced communication skills. You’ll gain knowledge of the core analytical tools and research methods in economics. Through your economics dissertation, you’ll use your learned knowledge and skills to carry out an original research project at the forefront of knowledge on your chosen topic.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to develop scholarship skills, undertake professional and employability development, and engage in reflective learning. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to progress into various opportunities in areas such as financial services, management of organisations, public service, and postgraduate education.
*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.
Programme Video
Learning without Limits
"Economics affects all of our lives. We as women need a seat at that table” - Dr Rachel Forshall-Joy
Student testimonials
I loved that lectures are up-to-date with current economic affairs which makes for exciting, relevant classes. The content of the course includes a variety of diverse topics providing stimulating learning material which challenges you to think. The academics are all very passionate and knowledgeable about Economics. They are also considerate and supportive with any problems or queries you may have
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
We’re delighted that Edinburgh Business School has the highest percentage of graduates in Scotland who are appointed to a CEO or MD role (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2025). We’re also 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). Typical careers for economics graduates include business, research and administrative professionals, and business and public service associate professionals.
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business and public service associate professionals
- Finance professionals
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
Student life
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