Psychology and Economics (MA)

    Psychology and Economics (MA)

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 48,900 / year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Psychology and Economics (MA)

    About

    Introducing MA Psychology and Economics

    Through this joint programme you can explore the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour while also gaining knowledge of economics.

    Psychology

    Psychologists study:

    • how we perceive, think and learn about the world around us
    • the way biological and social factors influence how we behave
    • how interests and abilities differ from person to person
    • how we communicate verbally and non-verbally
    • how and why our mental abilities change across our lives

    Psychology is an experimental and observational science. It uses evidence from research studies to develop and evaluate theories.

    Our programme focuses on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis using R programming. This supports our research-led teaching.

    Economics

    Economics is the study of the incentives that affect decisions made by:

    • individuals
    • businesses
    • governments
    • societies

    Economists analyse the macroeconomic results of those decisions, for example:

    • economic fluctuations
    • growth
    • unemployment
    • crises

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Standard entry requirement

    The standard entry requirement is:

    • SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAAA.)
    • A Levels: A*AA.
    • IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.

    Minimum entry requirement

    The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

    • SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
    • A Levels: ABB.
    • IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

    More information for widening access applicants

    Required subjects

    The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

    • SQA: Highers: Mathematics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.
    • A Levels: Mathematics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
    • IB: HL: Mathematics at 5. SL: English at 5.

    Find out more about entry requirements

    International applicants

    We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

    Entry requirements by country

    International Foundation Programme

    If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

    International Foundation Programme

    Mature applicants

    We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

    Mature applicant qualifications

    English Program Requirements

    Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

    SQA, GCSE and IB

    For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

    • SQA National 5 at C
    • GCSE at C or 4
    • Level 2 Certificate at C
    • IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

    English language tests

    We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

    • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
    • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
    • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
    • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
    • PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
    • Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

    We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

    Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

    English language requirements

    (*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

    Career

    You will develop skills in:

    • research
    • statistics
    • information technology
    • report-writing

    These skills are valued by employers in various sectors.

    Psychology

    Many psychology graduates have gone on to work in:

    • healthcare and social services
    • charitable organisations
    • human resources
    • management
    • business and finance
    • consulting
    • media and advertising

    Some students continue their studies to enter a research or teaching career. Others go on to train as a professional psychologist in a field such as:

    • clinical psychology
    • educational psychology
    • forensic psychology
    • health psychology
    • organisational psychology

    Economics

    The skills you develop studying economics will also prepare you for careers in:

    • accountancy
    • business
    • management

    Economics graduates can also work in:

    • aid agencies
    • not-for-profit organisations
    • government departments

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    48,900 / year(s)

    Psychology and Economics (MA)

    The University of Edinburgh

    The University of Edinburgh

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Edinburgh