Course overview
Informed business decisions start here
Staying ahead in business requires a deep understanding of the economic landscape. Microeconomic principles regulate the functioning of markets, and macroeconomic trends and developments have a profound impact on organisations of all sizes, influencing everything from demand for products to interest rates and exchange rates. To stay competitive, business leaders need to be able to interpret and respond to economic shifts with confidence and precision. By grasping the fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics, you can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape the global economy and apply these insights to your own work.
What you’ll learn
Through this course, you’ll explore the microeconomic principles underlying the interaction between demand, supply, and the market. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of macroeconomic concepts that underpin national income, fiscal and monetary policies, and international trade, as well as the factors that influence exchange rates, interest rates, and inflation. This will provide a solid foundation for analysing the economic environment and understanding how it impacts business decision-making.
As you delve deeper into the subject, you’ll examine the role of government policy in shaping the global economy. You’ll learn how to think critically about the economic trends and developments that affect businesses, and how to apply this knowledge in your own work. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to interpret and respond to economic shifts with confidence and precision, supporting your business goals and objectives.
Why understanding economies matters now
Business success is closely linked to a solid understanding of economics, as companies are directly impacted by economic trends and developments that can significantly influence their financial outcomes. Grasping the fundamentals of economics enables business leaders to navigate this landscape with confidence. A well-informed strategy allows organisations to anticipate and respond to changes in the market, mitigate risks, and capitalise on opportunities, ultimately unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain economic environment.
Who should attend
This course is designed for business professionals and leaders who want to develop a deeper understanding of economics and its impact on their organisation. It is particularly suited for those who need to make decisions about strategy, investment, and growth. Regardless of industry or sector, this course aims to support those seeking to apply economic principles to deliver business results.
How you’ll learn
This is an MBA online course delivered over 12 weeks, with approximately 100 hours of study.
You’ll learn through a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, case studies, and online tutorials. The online tutorials are live interactive sessions where you will review the topics covered in lectures using case studies or other materials to help embed and deepen your understanding. These are a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from the other participants. Online tutorials are typically scheduled every 2 weeks on weekdays from 12–2pm, most often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with final scheduling confirmed within eight weeks of the course start date.
Participants will be joining the existing Online MBA cohort, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking and idea exchange. The pace is designed to work alongside a full-time role but assumes steady weekly engagement.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an individual assessment which focuses on both micro and macro economic theory. This is designed to embed your learning and help you practically apply your newly acquired economics skills and strategies in your workplace.
On successful completion, you will receive a University of Edinburgh Business School certificate, plus 10 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits, equivalent to 5 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. These credits can be put towards the University of Edinburgh MBA or Online MBA.
Course impact
The insights and expertise you gain from this course will enable you to navigate complex economic challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities. With this enhanced understanding, you’ll be able to develop more effective business strategies, optimise resource allocation, and improve your organisation’s overall performance and competitiveness. As a result, you’ll be better positioned to identify and mitigate risks, anticipate and respond to changes in the market, and drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Course lead – Dr Wynne Lam
Wynne Lam is a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Business School. In addition to this role, she is an associate member of the Centre for Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia and on the advisory board of the Competition and Innovation Lab at the George Washington University.
She obtained her PhD in Economics from Toulouse School of Economics and the University of Bologna, and held academic posts previously at the University of East Anglia, the University of Liege and the Universite Catholique de Louvain.
Her main research interests are industrial organisation in the digital economy. She is currently working on competition and regulation in digital markets.
Course dates
2 December 2026 – 3 March 2027
Course fees
£2000
Application terms
Applications are accepted until 5pm UK time on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Our participants typically hold a 2:1 honours degree or higher. We do, however, take a holistic view of every application. If your academic background does not meet these specific criteria, your application may still be considered if supported by a good professional track record.
Successful applicants must also evidence a minimum of three years’ management experience.
Before applying, please ensure you have gathered all the required supporting documents, including a CV and your sponsor letter (if applicable). For further details, please see the application form.
Cancellation requests must be received by 5pm UK time Wednesday 9 December 2026 to qualify for a full refund. After this date, a refund will no longer be possible.
For more information about this course, please email us: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk