University of Edinburgh Business School

MA Business Studies and Economics

A degree in economics has long been regarded as an excellent preparation for many types of career. This joint degree provides an ideal mix of both economics and business courses to offer a solid grounding in the numeracy vital to modern business operations.

It also provides an intellectually challenging study environment. An environment where debate and analysis can lead to the creation of innovative business solutions.

Core modules

Economics and business modules are taught throughout the four years. In the first three years, there are a number of core compulsory modules with students in their final year having the choice of basing their dissertation either within the Business or Economics areas.

Year one

In the first year, students take the following courses; Business Studies 1, Accountancy 1A, Accountancy 1B, Economics 1A and Computing for Business and Economics. All these course provide a basic foundation upon which the degree programme builds. Typically these courses will consist of three one-hour lectures, and a one-hour tutorial per week although this pattern will vary between courses.

Year two

In addition to the two core Economics courses: Economics 2 and Issues in Global Economics, students also are required to take Business Research Methods I: Quantitative Techniques, the first of two courses to help them prepare for the final dissertation. Preparation for a student’s future career is also provided via the Career Development course.

In addition to these core modules, students select two from the following list of options;

• Business Economics
• International Business: Globalisation and Trade
• Globalisation and Trade
• Organisation Studies
• Principles of Finance
• International Business and the Multinational Enterprise
• Management Science and Information Systems
• Managing Employment Relations
• Marketing

Honours year three

The first honours year begins to explore in more depth a number of economics subjects via Topics in Economic Analysis 1, Applications of Economic Analysis and Essentials of Econometrics, whilst further preparation for the dissertation is provided by Business Research Methods II: Applications and Analysis and Research in Management. The key area of strategy is also introduced in the Strategic Management course. In addition to these core courses, students also select one further course from a wide range of Business Studies options.

Honours year four

In the final honours year, students increase their level of specialisation by choosing from a range of honours options. They study two Economics and two Business Studies options along with researching and writing a dissertation.