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.

Programme structure

Economics is traditionally divided into two broad categories: microeconomics and macroeconomics. All of our students study the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, but there is also a great deal of choice within our programmes. You 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.

Year 1

In first year you will study these courses:

• Introduction to the market mechanism
• International trade
• Economic development
• Macroeconomics
• Macroeconomic policy in an open economy.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In second year you will study these courses:

• Intermediate macroeconomics
• Intermediate microeconomics
• Introduction to mathematical economics
• Economic data analysis.

You will also study two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the courses in first and second year, you may progress to Honours (years 3 and 4).

In third year you will take courses in microeconomic analysis and macroeconomic analysis. These courses develop advanced analytical tools that can then be employed in relation to other courses. You will also take courses in econometrics, which involves the statistical techniques of economic analysis.

In fourth year the compulsory course of Government and the economy puts the skills you have developed in your first three years into action by studying current policy issues.

You can also choose from a wide range of other courses, studying topics such as environmental economics, government debt and the macroeconomy, international finance, the economics of housing, and economics of team sport.

Our international links

Career prospects

Glasgow International College

Note

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

MA (SocSci)

Highers: AAAAB (including English or a humanities subject) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAA or AAABB (including English or a humanities subject) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AAAB, AABBB or AABB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

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.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships