Business Economics MA(SocSci)
Business Economics is the study of economic concepts of relevance to modern business. With a focus on real-world case studies and the latest research, our curriculum equips students to develop a sound understanding of the resource allocation issues facing business corporations and the environment in which they operate. Students are empowered with the analytical tools and strategic insights needed to navigate complex, changing economic landscapes. With a faculty at the forefront of economic research and a vibrant learning community, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how economic forces drive business decisions and global markets, setting them on a path towards success in the world of business and economics.
You will study the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, but you will also have the opportunity to apply economic concepts and models specifically to the decisions facing businesses.
Adam Smith Business School is triple accredited
Triple-crown accreditation signals the Adam Smith Business School meets the highest global standards in education and research. This recognition validates the quality of education provided and enhances graduates’ employability, placing us in the top league of international business schools.
- September start
- Session dates
- Business Economics MA(SocSci) (Hons): L112 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Year 1
You will study:
- Introduction to the principles of microeconomics
- Introduction to the principles of macroeconomics
- Introductory mathematics.
Year 2
You will study:
- Intermediate macroeconomics
- Intermediate microeconomics
- Introductory mathematics and introduction to statistics (continued).
Alongside economics, you will be required to study an additional two subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will choose a selection of business economics, industry and finance related courses. These are designed to put economic tools to work analysing activities inside a business and explore how stock markets and other financial markets work and how the strategic decisions of corporations interact with financial markets.
You will also choose courses from a range of options on specific topics to develop your analytic understanding of key aspects of economics and government policy formulation and put the skills you have developed into action. Specialist subject areas may include econometrics, behavioural economics, growth and development, public policy, alternative perspectives, health economics, labour economics, environmental economics, game theory, international trade/finance, mathematical economics and other areas of interest.
You can structure your studies to select and combine subjects relevant to your individual career path. You will research and write a dissertation in your final year.
Course details
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
There are opportunities for you to go abroad for up to a year as part of your undergraduate studies.
Studying abroad offers a unique and enriching educational experience. It involves pursuing higher education in a foreign country, immersing oneself in a new culture, language, and academic environment. This opportunity allows students to broaden their horizons, gain a global perspective, and develop a deeper understanding of the world. It fosters personal growth, independence, and cultural sensitivity while providing a platform for lifelong international connections. Overall, studying abroad at the university level is a transformative journey that combines academic rigor with personal and cultural enrichment.
We currently have links with partners across Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Courses taken overseas through our exchange programmes form part of your degree. There are no additional tuition fees and you receive support and recognition for your time abroad through the programme.
Find out more
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.
Summary of entry requirements for Business Economics
SQA Higher entry requirements
- AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher English and Higher Mathematics at AA. (AB may be considered)
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: ABBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AAABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
- Additional requirements: Higher English and Higher Mathematics. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- AAB – BBB
- Additional requirements: A-level English or Humanities subject and A-level Mathematics.
IB standard entry requirements
- 36 (6,6,5)
- Additional requirements: HL English or Humanities and HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches).
Note: you do not need to have studied business or economics previously to enter the first year of this programme.
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
Career prospects
Our graduates develop skills in research, analysis, communication, teamworking, decision making and problem solving. Recent graduates have been employed, among others, by:
- HMRC
- PwC
- Barclays
- DESMI Africa
- Taleveras Group.
Accreditation
The Adam Smith Business School has specialised international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and from the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), operated by the European Foundation for Management development (EFMD). Our teaching provision is accredited by the Association of Business Schools and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This “triple crown” accreditation puts us in the top league of international business schools.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA(SocSci) (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
MotorEasy Scholarship
Fintest Rising Star Scholarship 2024
University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College University Degree Progressi
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
Beaconhouse Schools
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
Sanctuary Scholarships
Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Due to high demand, if you wish to be considered for Honours Business Economics you must apply using a UCAS code for Business Economics, either as a single subject or as a Joint Honours combination.
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
More information about this programme
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Economics]
