Economics and Accounting MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Economics Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code LN14 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Central Area Start date September 2026 School School of Economics College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement No Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Economics and Accounting are complementary, both in terms of knowledge and the wider-ranging skills they help develop, such as IT and data interpretation (for example, corporate and public sector accounts).Studying this combined programme will help you understand the economic incentives that shape the important decisions made by individuals, businesses, governments and societies.This combined programme is suitable if you are planning to take accountancy qualifications after graduation. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years.A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.How long it takes to complete our degree programmes How a joint degree programme works A joint programme allows you to gain a well-rounded learning experience. You will have more exposure to different disciplines, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.Teaching on joint programmes is split across the two subject areas, and teaching will take place in locations associated with both subjects.You will gain a different perspective through studying more than one subject and have a wider skill set that is highly attractive to future employers. Programme rankings Ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for economics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Programme benefits Our staff make up one of the leading groups of economic theorists in Europe. We are the base for the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics.You can participate in a large number of business societies, business events and peer-support schemes.This degree offers the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3.The proposed structure of the degree will allow you to be exempt from a number of subjects should you choose to take a professional accounting examination after graduating. Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Economics and Accounting View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Economics and Accounting. Additional costs Textbooks are required, which cost about £100. If you study abroad in Year 3, your costs will vary depending on the country and partner university.Additional costs while studying abroad may include:costs of insurancevisa requirementsaccommodationinternet accesstravelIn Year 4 you will complete a dissertation as a compulsory assessment component. Depending on the field of study you choose, there may be costs associated with:undertaking surveytravelconducting interviews Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Year 1 In Year 1 you will study:Economics 1Accountancy 1A and 1BDigital Literacy for Business - InformationDigital Literacy for Business - DataYou will also take one optional course.Accounting You will take two accounting courses where you will:examine the basic principles and underlying concepts of accountingexplore the ways in which accounting statements and financial information can be used to improve the quality of decision makinglearn how accounting relates to the broader context of the strategic and operational aspects of businessYou will also:produce financial statements from the relevant transactions and events affecting organisationsanalyse, interpret and facilitate the use of accounting informationrelate accounting to the broader context of the strategic and operational aspects of organisationsThe study of internal management accounting systems places particular emphasis on:cost calculation and controlthe provision of information for managerial decision-making and performance evaluation Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 In Year 2 you will study:Economics 2Accountancy 2A and 2BStatistical Methods for EconomicsYou will also take one optional course. Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 In Year 3 you will study:Topics in MicroeconomicsEssentials of EconometricsAuditingManagement Accounting ApplicationsYou will also take either Applications of Econometrics or Topics in Macroeconomics and one economics or accounting honours option course.The two accounting courses build on accounting studied in Years 1 and 2. You will:develop a critical understanding of conceptual issuesenhance your technical and analytical skillsgain an understanding of the principles underlying the theory of auditing, the regulatory framework and practical audit approaches and techniquesdevelop an appreciation of the benefits and limitations of management accounting systems in organisational contextscritically interpret the use of management information, control and performance measurement Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 In Year 4 you will complete a dissertation in economics or in accounting.You will also take:the compulsory Advanced Financial Accounting courseone accounting honours optionstwo economics honours optionsThe Advanced Financial Accounting course builds on financial accounting studied in Years 1 and 2. You will explore some of the more complex and controversial areas of financial reporting. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad The School of Economics exchange programme offers opportunities to study in:USAEuropeThe University's exchange programmes are spread all over the world.What are my options for going abroad? Teaching and assessment Teaching Courses are taught through a combination of:lecturesseminarstutorialsworkshopsweb-based learning Assessment You will be assessed by exams and coursework, including:problems setsessaysproject reportspresentationsIn Year 4 you will complete an honours dissertation.Some of the assessment methods we use include:blogs (written and/or video)case study analysiscomputer-based timed assignmentsconsultancy reportsreflective diaries/journalsessaysexamspresentations (these may be face-to-face or via video, and in a group or individually)projects (group and individual) Support for your studies We offer a supportive and encouraging environment where you can grow and develop.Our Student Services team offer an extensive range of pastoral and professional provision to support you on your undergraduate journey.We provide many varied opportunities for you to engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Our dedicated Student Development team can help you develop a range of essential business graduate competencies.The peer-assisted learning schemes, including the Business School Peer Assisted Learning Scheme(BizPALS), aims to help first-year students transition into higher education, develop their learning and study strategies as well as to provide opportunities to socialise.Edinburgh AwardYou may participate in the undergraduate Edinburgh Award, supported by an alumni professional mentor and trained coaches:Personal and Professional Development (Year 2)Effective and Responsible Leadership (Year 3 or 4)Edinburgh Award Where you will study Study location All teaching takes place across the central campus. However, you may be required to travel to King’s Buildings if you are studying courses in Science and Engineering.The Business School provides a range of modern spaces for students and staff, including:a caféeight lecture theatresa space for students to study and unwind Academic facilities You will have access to all the University’s libraries and computer labs as well as a dedicated Economics Student Hub space.The Business School is located in a dedicated building in George Square, in the middle of the central campus.You will have access to:specialist business resources in the central Main Library (books, journals, databases)dedicated student experience and student development supportWe have dedicated teaching labs (and associated software and databases) for:specialist business analyticsbusiness researchfinance-related courses Career paths and further study Accreditation Business School programmes are accredited by a range of world-leading business education organisations and professional bodies. We have strong links to the world of practice through research, consultancy and teaching.Details of our accreditation and rankingsAccounting is accredited by the:Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)Association of International Accountants (AIA)Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)This programme also holds double accreditation from international ranking bodies:Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Career paths Accountancy is the fastest-growing area of business activity. The ability to measure financial information and make projections affects economic and organisational decision-making at all levels.Financial accountants report on the performance of an organisation, and management accountants provide financial information to help with planning and strategy.Our graduates are highly regarded by employers.The skills you develop will equip you for careers in areas such as:accountancybusinessmanagementconsultancywork in aid agenciesnot-for-profit organisationsgovernment departmentsMany graduates have entered the finance sector. Some large financial firms actively recruit Edinburgh graduates.Accountancy graduates can train to become a qualified accountant through a traineeship with an accountancy or commercial firm. Alternatively, you can choose a career in taxation, finance or banking. Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study Professional accountancy membershipUpon graduating, you may choose to become a member of a professional accountancy organisation. The structure of this degree programme will exempt you from certain subjects in a professional accounting examination.When applying for a professional accountancy membership via the graduate entry route, the appropriate exemptions (based on our accreditation arrangements) will be awarded when you enrol for their professional examinations.Professional membership to a professional accountancy organisation is subject to:the terms and conditions specifiedpassing the required examinationshaving a minimum period of work-related experience (as specified by the accountancy organisation)Other terms and conditions may also apply. Check with the relevant accountancy organisation for full details.Successful completion of the examinations and attainment of professional membership status is regarded as a highly coveted and respected accounting qualification worldwide. Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs 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.SocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
