Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Economics
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 3 to 4 years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
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
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L100
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
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 TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC (Accounting or Business preferred) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HNDPass
Scottish HigherAABB
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 HigherBB
including Accounting, Business, Economics or Mathematics, plus AABB at Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 29
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)DMM
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)Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
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.
Scottish HNC Pass
HNC (Accounting or Business preferred) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish Higher BBBC
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)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) MMM
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) Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £21192 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Subject to confirmation
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