Undergraduate 2025 

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

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)

Business Economics: L112 (4 years)
Business Economics/Archaeology: LN16 (4 years)
Business Economics/Business & Management: LNC2 (4 years)
Business Economics/Central & East European Studies: RL71 (4 years)
Business Economics/Mathematics: LG11 (4 years)
Business Economics/Philosophy: LV15 (4 years)
Business Economics/Politics: LLC2 (4 years)
Business Economics/Psychology: LC18 (4 years)
Apply to LC18
Applicants must meet the Psychology requirements
Business Economics/Scottish History: LVD2 (4 years)
Business Economics/Social & Public Policy: LLC4 (4 years)

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 via UCAS

More information about this programme

UK top 15

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Economics]

Times Good university guide