Economics Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Economics Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
Economics at the Edinburgh Business School
At Heriot-Watt University, the study of Economics is conducted in the Edinburgh Business School and is underpinned by the work of globally active researchers. This flexible degree focuses on making a difference in the real world and has the 3rd highest level of Student Satisfaction in the UK (NSS2019).
Ask the big questions
Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and governments make choices, and how these choices determine the way in which resources are distributed acros...
Economics at the Edinburgh Business School
At Heriot-Watt University, the study of Economics is conducted in the Edinburgh Business School and is underpinned by the work of globally active researchers. This flexible degree focuses on making a difference in the real world and has the 3rd highest level of Student Satisfaction in the UK (NSS2019).
Ask the big questions
Economics is the study of how individuals, firms and governments make choices, and how these choices determine the way in which 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. This degree will give you the skills to investigate, analyse and answer such questions.
Real-world focus
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 in order to study the programme.
Rankings and employability
Edinburgh Business School was ranked as the Number 1 place in Scotland, and 3rd in the United Kingdom, to study Economics in the Guardian University League Tables 2018, behind only Oxford and Cambridge. It also achieved the highest level of overall student satisfaction in Scotland, and 3rd highest in the UK, in the National Student Survey 2019.
Economics is a subject in demand and UniStats2019 found that 90% of our recent Economics graduates from Heriot-Watt University were in work or further study 6 months after graduating.
Our flexible degree structure lets you tailor your studies and follow your own particular area of interest. It will equip you with a wide range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills to prepare you for career paths business, management, marketing, banking, finance, policy analysis, civil service, academia and more.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A06-A03
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
A level
For entry to Year 2: BBB to include Maths.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC (Accounting or Business preferred) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish Advanced Higher
including Accounting, Business, Economics or Mathematics, plus AABB at Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
For entry to Year 2: 34 points including Maths or Economics at Higher Level 5.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in relevant subject (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance preferred) for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance preferred) and obtain Maths qualification equivalent to AS Level Maths at C/Higher Maths at B.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
A level
Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in relevant subject (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance preferred)
Scottish Higher
Not accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Not accepted
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC (Accounting or Business preferred) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
A level
including Maths
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in relevant subject (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance preferred) and obtain Maths qualification equivalent to AS Level Maths at C/Higher Maths at B.
Scottish Advanced Higher
including Accounting, Business, Economics or Mathematics, plus AABB at Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
including Maths or Economics at Higher Level 5.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Not accepted
Scottish HND
HND (Accounting or Business) with BB in graded units.
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Upcoming Open Days at Heriot-Watt University
30
Oct, 2026
7
Nov, 2026
Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, England, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| International, EU | £22,040 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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