Overview
Economics is the study of how people interact with others and their surroundings, and here at Stirling we look at Economics in a rich and varied way: from artificial intelligence (AI) in the labour market to addressing climate change, and from behavioural economic insights in decision-making to tackling global poverty and inequality.
An Economics degree from Stirling empowers you with sharp analytical tools, from experts in their field, with an ever-present emphasis on intellectual curiosity.
Our introductory teaching is delivered in a revolutionary new way of learning Economics through our commitment to the CORE Project – “Economics for a Changing World”. In using real-world data to answer real-world questions from the very beginning of your studies, you'll understand global issues with historical and philosophical context.
- We focus on real-world theory instead of textbook-simple theory, which is rigorously challenged with data and evidence.
- Our specialisms of environmental economics, behavioural economics, and public policy analysis are embedded throughout the course.
- The internationally-renowned Behavioural Science Centre within the Economics Division contributes two modules in behavioural and experimental economics to our degree.
- Strategic thinking is one of the central pillars of the course, and you'll be introduced to decision and game theory as part of this through a bespoke module in year three.
- The course includes a dissertation, which arms students with cutting-edge research methods, and challenges you to produce publication-quality research. The best pieces are published in our in-house journal, the Stirling Student Economic Review.
- We foster a strong staff/student community, emphasising collaboration and ensuring you’re a name and not a number from the outset.
Our expert staff will give you an insight into professional practices through their cutting-edge research, teaching practice, and links to industry. You’re also free to combine your studies with one of several other courses, sharpening your focus on a specific area that complements your growing knowledge of economics.
Broaden your knowledge at one of the UK’s leading Business and Management institutions, and discover why our Economics course ranks among the best in the country.
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education. This puts the University of Stirling Management School among the top 6% of business schools globally.
The university is accredited by AACSB International.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
ABBB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
Economics at Higher, A-level or equivalent
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the routes available.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
You can study Economics as a four-year single honours degree or take it in conjunction with one of a number of other subjects to earn a combined honours degree. The interactive CORE teaching approach introduced in semesters 1-2 is explored in more detail in semesters 3-4, which will also include an accessible and applied introduction to statistics for economics.
Modules in semesters 5-8 are designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the central methods of economic analysis and major policy issues, in addition to dedicated modules in Behavioural Economics and Game Theory. You’ll also write a dissertation in your final year, as well as choosing from elective modules that can give you a specialist understanding of areas such as Environmental and Financial Economics, Experimental Economics and Industrial Organisation.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Our research-led teaching builds on the latest thinking from the business world and provides you with insights that will set you out from the crowd when you enter the job market. Our teaching in Economics has been assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and achieved the highest possible rating in every area.
Many of our instructors have professional, academic, and research recognition for their teaching practice, including fellows and senior fellows of Advance HE, contributors to the CORE project, and an associate of the Economics Network. This underlines both our passion and our expertise in putting your learning experience at the heart of what we do across the course.
We use a variety of innovative teaching methods that reflect the evolving pedagogy in economics learning and teaching. In a typical week you’ll attend some class-level live sessions and a tutorial or seminar for each module you’re taking. We also make full use of our interactive virtual learning environment to ensure that your learning does not just take place within a classroom setting. Your specific timetable will vary depending on whether you’re taking Economics as a single honours course or as a combined degree with the available subjects.
Our assessments vary in format, and we support your development in demonstrating your learning through regular formative assessment opportunities. Typically, there are no exams in semesters 1-4, and instead a range of coursework assessments are used. Our coursework assessments may include class tests, quizzes, group projects, presentations, short authentic economist reports, and digital artefacts. In semesters 5-8, you may do some exam assessments in addition to larger pieces of coursework.
You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Dr Hector Rufrancos, Course Director
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Preparing you for the world of work
Your employability is one of our highest priorities, and we want to make sure you have every possible advantage when you enter the job market. In addition to embedding employability and digital skills throughout our course, there is a specific module in semester 8 which places a special focus on preparing you for the workplace.
Economics graduates from Stirling are working in diverse careers that span everything from Portfolio Managers and Economic Analysts to Social Workers, IT Specialists and Members of Parliament.
Recent Stirling graduates have started their careers in some of the following roles:
- Debt Products Analyst, Merrill Lynch
- Economic Analyst, Scottish Water
- Insurance Consultant, Aviva
- Credit Risk Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group
Other graduates have forged careers as:
- Principal Research Officer, Scottish Government
- Head of Business Transformation, AEGON Scottish Equitable
- Investment Manager, Deutsche Bank
- Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
Find out more about how we prepare you for the world of work.
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