Economics MA(SocSci)/BAcc/BSc/MA
In studying economics you will learn how individuals and society make choices about how scarce resources are used, what products are produced and who gets to consume them. These choices depend on evaluating costs, benefits, risks and effects on others.
You will study the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics and will have the opportunity to develop an interest in fields such as government policy, developing countries, the economics of business and international trade and finance.
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 enhanced graduates’ employability, placing us in the top league of international business schools.
- September start
- Session dates
- Economics MA(SocSci) (Hons): L150 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 Introductory 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 take advanced courses in microeconomic analysis and macroeconomic analysis. There is also the opportunity to take courses in econometrics, which involves the statistical techniques of economic analysis.
You will also choose courses from a range of electives on specific topics to develop your analytic understanding of key aspects of economics and government policy formulation, putting the skills you have developed into action. Specialist subject areas may include:
- Alternative perspectives on topics in economics
- Behavioural economics
- Economic geography
- Economics of banking
- Economics of business
- Economics of health
- Economics of history
- Economics of poverty, discrimination & development
- Environmental economics
- Financial markets and asset pricing
- Financial markets & corporate finance
- Game theory
- International trade/finance
- Labour economics
- Mathematical methods
- Public economics.
You can structure your studies to select and combine subjects relevant to your individual career path. You will also research and write a dissertation in your final year.
Course details
Single / Joint Honours Economics
Economics Year 1
Economics Year 2
- Economics 2A
- Economics 2B
- Introductory Mathematics for Economists
- Introductory Statistics for Economists
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Single Honours Economics
Economics Year 3
- Econometrics 1: Introduction to Econometrics
- Econometrics 2: Multiple Regression and Applications
- Macroeconomic Analysis: Inflation, Unemployment And Growth
- Microeconomic Analysis: General Equilibrium, Public Decision and Information.
+ Optional Economics courses
Economic and Social History courses for Single Honours students
The following course is available to students on a Single Honours Economics or Business Economics plan as an outside option even if they have not previously studied Economic and Social History. Students should be aware though that this course is worth 20 credits.
Year 3: non-Honours
These courses are compulsory to students who are completing an MA (Social Sciences) Ordinary Degree, for which 60 credits of level 3 courses are required.
Economics Year 4
Economics Dissertation
+ Optional Economics courses
Joint Honours Economics and another subject
Year 3
At least 2 from the following:
- Econometrics 1: Introduction to Econometrics
- Macroeconomic Analysis: Inflation, Unemployment And Growth
- Microeconomic Analysis: General Equilibrium, Public Decision and Information.
+ Optional Economics courses, or other subject courses.
Note: BAcc and LLB students follow a slightly different curriculum.
Year 3: non-Honours
These courses are compulsory to students who are completing an MA (Social Sciences) Ordinary Degree, for which 60 credits of level 3 courses are required.
Year 4
- Economics Dissertation
+ Optional Economics courses, or other subject courses.
Economics Honours Optional Courses
- Economics of Business: Contracts and Governance
- Economics of Business Strategy and Regulation
- Economics of Industry
- Markets and Competition Policy
- Environmental Economics
- Financial Derivatives
- Financial Markets and Corporate Finance
- International Trade
- Natural Resource Economics
- Contemporary Issues in Inequality
- Advanced Macroeconomics.
- Public Economics
- Economic Growth and Development
- History of Economic Thought
- Behavioural Economics: Theory and Applications
- Collective Welfare and Distributive Justice
- Health Economics.
- Game Theory for Economists
- Labour Economics
- Market Failures and Mechanism Design
- Economics of Banking
- Economics of Poverty, Discrimination and Development
- Alternative Perspectives on Topics in Economics
- Mathematical Methods for Economists
- Financial Crises
- Economic History
- Economic Analysis with MATLAB
- Economic Geography
Note: the portfolio of Honours optional courses is subject to review and change each academic year.
Service courses
This course is available only to students studying engineering degrees.
- [[[ECON1003]]]
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.
Special Glasgow feature
Our flagship event series welcomes acclaimed speakers from the world of economics to the University.
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 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: No previous knowledge of economics is required for entry to first year.
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 whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Our graduates develop skills in research, analysis, communication, teamworking, decision making and problem solving. Recent graduates have been employed, among many other organisations, by:
- Ernst & Young
- Morgan Stanley
- Shell
- Scottish Government
- National Australia Group Europe
- Hays plc.
Accreditation
The Adam Smith Business School has specialised international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Our teaching provision is accredited by the Association of Business Schools and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). We have also been awarded accreditation under the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), operated by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The 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)
BAcc
BSc (Hons)
MA (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.
The Ann Dodgson Foundation Grant
Young people between 16-25 years of age whose intentions for the grant fall within the Foundation's Aims are encouraged to apply for a grant. Through the provision of grants, The Ann Dodgson Foundation endeavours to further the following aims:
To advance in life and help young people in particular by:
- encouraging young people in the United Kingdom to be comfortable beyond the boundaries of their own culture and by promoting French culture.
- helping young people as well as aspiring, training and practising teachers and others involved in education, to enjoy, understand and be inspired by France – its people, its language, its history and its culture.
- helping young people learn about the United Nations – its Charter, its purpose, its range and its value.
- advancing the education of young people in the subject of France – its people, its language, its history and its culture.
Fintest Rising Star Scholarship 2024
The Fintest Rising Star Scholarship is dedicated to supporting ambitious undergraduate students who aspire to make significant contributions to the financial industry.
£1,000 to be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses
University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College University Degree Progressi
The University of Glasgow has a number of University Degree Progression Scholarships available to international students progressing directly from Glasgow International College (GIC) to register on a full-time Undergraduate degree at the University of Glasgow in Academic Year 2025/26.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2025 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2025 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship
The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.
Payments
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
- The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.
These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary
Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
- The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply
Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2025 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study programme.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 30 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific 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 Economics you must apply using a UCAS code for 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]