Key information
Globally active researchers underpin economics at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School. Our flexible degree focuses on making a difference in the real world and was ranked in the top 10 in the UK and 2nd in Scotland by the Guardian League Table 2025.
- UCAS code
- L13Y
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
This accelerated three-year degree is suited to those who have completed A-Level qualifications.
Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and governments make choices, and how these choices determine how resources are distributed across society. It 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.
Our Economics degree will help you develop the required skills to investigate, analyse, and answer such questions. As your studies progress through years one, two and three of this accelerated MA (Hons) programme, you will study an increasing number of specialist economics courses. Our flexible degree structure lets you tailor your studies and follow your particular area of interest. It 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.
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. Study begins at an introductory level, so you do not need to have previous knowledge of economics to study the programme.
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.
Undergraduate webinar series
Sign up to our undergraduate webinar series to find out more about this programme and what your studies at Heriot-Watt might look like.
Sign up for updatesYour 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.
Go Global
There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Students on the accelerated three-year degree will enter directly into Year 2 and not undertake Year 1 courses.
Mandatory September
- Critical Academic Skills
- Management in a Global Context
- The Economy
- Introduction to Accounting
Mandatory January
- Sustainable Business
- Introduction to Economic and Financial Analysis
- Introductory Finance
- Becoming a Professional
Programme Video
Studying Economics with us
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,535 |
| International | £20,536 |
- 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.
As this is an accelerated programme, entry is only available for Year 2
- A-level ABB - AAA including Maths, OR A-level ABB -AAA including one of Accounting, Business, Economics AND AS Level Maths at C.
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDD in relevant subject (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance preferred).
- Advanced Higher BB with AABB at Higher to include Maths
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 34 points including Maths or Economics at Higher Level 5.
- Scottish HND Pass HND (Accounting or Business) with BB in graded units.
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Admissions Officer for the programme for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business, Research and Administrative professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
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