Overview
Prepare for a diverse career across finance, government, or business. The key skills you'll gain from our BSc (Hons) Economics are in demand (World Economic Forum, 2025).
At Stirling, our Economics course goes beyond theory and covers a rich dynamic curriculum. You’ll explore:
- micro and macroeconomics
- data analysis and statistics
- economics policy
- artificial intelligence in the labour market
- how economics can address climate change
- behavioural economic insights into decision making
- how to tackle global poverty and inequality
Our experts will empower you with analytical tools to make a difference to business and society.
Practical skills to prepare for the world of work
- Use real-world data to answer real-world questions.
- Develop advanced statistical skills and use industry-standard software.
- Study behavioural and experimental economics with experts from our Behavioural Science Centre.
- Explore strategic decision-making, game theory and industrial organisation.
- Learn cutting-edge causal inference methods that are central to modern economics.
- Complete a dissertation with opportunities for publication in the Stirling Student Economic Review.
- Combine Economics with one of eight other complementary subjects.
Guest lectures, networking and industry connections
We offer multiple opportunities beyond the classroom. This can be in the form of placements, collaborative projects with business or internships. You'll have the chance to network with experts from various industries. Our guest speakers come from organisations such as:
- OFCOM
- The Competition and Markets Authority
- The World Bank
- Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research
We also have links with the Economics Futures, who run a summer programme scheme with organisations in Scotland. Our experts advise a range of organisations, including the Government, the NHS, and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service.
Revolutionary economics teaching with CORE
Our expert teachers use the CORE approach (Curriculum Open Access Resources in Economics). It’s a revolutionary new approach that teaches the economics that exists in the real world, and not the economics that exists only in textbooks. It’s guided by the most recent research in economics, including research at Stirling.
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
The university is accredited by AACSB International.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
ABBB
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.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
Economics at Higher, A-level or equivalent
Other Scottish qualifications
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
Other qualifications
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.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
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 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
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, University of Stirling International Study Centre 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
Develop your careers skills with our HeadStart Programme
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. HeadStart will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public speaking or conflict management.
Study and careers support
You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies. The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
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 on our BSc (Hons) economics degree 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.
Assessment
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.
Study abroad
On this Bachelor of Science in Economics, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Hector Rufrancos, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
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 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 £10,000-£20,000 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.
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.
Funding
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 receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
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.
Payment options
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
An undergraduate economics course offers diverse careers in finance, government, and business. Economics graduates have high employment rates (74%). Many enter high-skilled roles in finance, policy, and consultancy (Source: Complete University Guide, 2025).
We are part of the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics, offering a route to a Masters study, and also teach our own MSc Behavioural Science.
Our graduates have gone on to work in many roles, sectors and organisations such as:
- Governmental institutions in Scotland and the rest of the UK, including:
- HMRC
- NHS
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Behavioural Insight Team
- Transport Scotland
- Office of the Chief Economic Advisor
- Department for Transport
- banking
- academia
- local authority planning
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