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Subject area: Economics

Why choose Economics at the University of Edinburgh?

  • We're ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for economics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

  • Economics can be taken on its own or as part of a joint honours programme with subjects such as Finance, Mathematics and History.

  • You will join a vibrant learning community home to active and engaged student societies like the Economics Society and the Edinburgh University Trading and Investment Club, which holds the UK’s biggest student-run investment portfolio. Our societies run events and activities throughout the year.

  • You do not have to have studied economics at school to be accepted onto this programme.

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Economics has great career opportunities and is a fulfilling and rewarding subject. I like how my programme is split 50:50, which is more balanced than a major-minor course.

Winnie Zhang Graduate of MA (Hons) Economics & Mathematics (graduated in 2020)
Winnie Zhang Graduate of MA (Hons) Economics & Mathematics (graduated in 2020)

Introducing Economics

There has never been a more exciting time to study economics. The ongoing consequences of the last economic crisis mean that the world urgently needs new thinking and new processes to meet the challenges of a changing economic climate.

As an economics student, you will explore issues of economic:

  • stability
  • growth
  • development

All of these issues are vital for economic forecasting, and for influencing economic performance and policy.

You will also examine the causes of economic growth, and the policies that are designed to:

  • promote prosperity
  • increase efficiency
  • reduce unwanted fluctuation in fiscal activity

There is a distinguished history of economics in Scotland that includes the work of David Hume and Adam Smith.

Throughout your studies, you will learn from world-leading economists before following in the footsteps of our graduates, who are in demand by national and international organisations.