MA Business with Strategic Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The University of Edinburgh’s MA Business with Strategic Economics is a forward-thinking joint honours degree that equips students with the analytical tools of economics and the strategic mindset of business leadership. It’s ideal for students who want to understand how markets and firms interact, and how economic forces shape business decisions in a global context.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin with Principles of Economics and Global Challenges for Business, gaining a solid foundation in economic theory and international business dynamics. Optional modules such as The Business of Sport or Sustainable Development allow early exploration of applied topics.

Year 2
The second year deepens analytical and strategic skills through Applications of Economic Analysis and Fundamentals of Finance. Students also study Organisational Behaviour, which explores leadership, motivation, and team performance within firms.

Year 3
Students take advanced modules like Essentials of Econometrics, Strategic Management, and Topics in Microeconomics, applying theory to real-world data and business scenarios. Electives such as Consumer Behaviour or Business Ethics offer tailored pathways into marketing, policy, or corporate responsibility.

Year 4
In the final year, students complete a Dissertation in Business or Economics, conducting independent research under expert supervision. Core modules include Topics in Macroeconomics and Advanced Business Analysis, with options like International Business or Innovation and Entrepreneurship to specialise further.

Focus areas: Strategic management, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, finance, organisational behaviour, entrepreneurship
Learning outcomes: Students will analyse markets and firms, apply economic theory to business strategy, and develop leadership and research skills across both disciplines
Professional alignment (accreditation): Not professionally accredited, but aligned with QAA benchmarks in Business and Economics; supports progression into CFA, CIMA, or postgraduate qualifications
Reputation (employability rankings): University of Edinburgh ranks #22 globally in QS World University Rankings 2025 and is highly regarded for economics, business, and graduate employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the University of Edinburgh’s MA Business with Strategic Economics program gain practical, career-ready skills through hands-on data analysis, strategic simulations, and access to cutting-edge business and economics facilities. The program is designed to help students understand how firms operate within economic systems, and how strategic decisions are shaped by market forces — all while working with real-world tools and industry-informed projects.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Quantitative Analysis with STATA and R: Modules like Essentials of Econometrics and Applications of Economic Analysis involve working directly with economic data using industry-standard software.
Business Strategy Simulations: Courses such as Strategic Management and Advanced Business Analysis include group-based projects that simulate real-world decision-making in competitive environments.
Independent Research Dissertation: Final-year students complete a supervised dissertation in either Business or Economics, applying theory to a topic of their choice with guidance from faculty experts.
Bloomberg Terminals in Finance Lab: Students have access to Bloomberg terminals for financial modelling, market analysis, and strategic forecasting.
Digital Resources & Libraries: The Main Library and Business School Hub offer access to databases like Eikon, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect, supporting both business and economics research.
Edinburgh Award for Employability: Students can participate in this structured program to develop transferable skills and gain formal recognition for extracurricular achievements.
Industry Engagement: The Business School partners with organisations such as Deloitte, NatWest Group, and Scottish Enterprise, offering guest lectures, networking events, and project-based learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Edinburgh’s MA Business with Strategic Economics are equipped to lead in roles that demand both strategic insight and economic rigour. This joint honours degree prepares students for careers in consulting, finance, policy analysis, and corporate strategy — with typical roles including business analyst, economic consultant, financial strategist, and policy advisor. The program’s interdisciplinary training and practical focus give students a strong edge in competitive global markets:

Careers Service Support: Students benefit from tailored guidance through the University’s Careers Service, including one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and access to the Edinburgh Award for employability.
Graduate Outcomes: 90% of students from the Business School and School of Economics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Salary Potential: Economics and business graduates from Edinburgh report median earnings of £30,000–£35,000 within a year of completing their degree.
Industry Partnerships: The Business School collaborates with organisations such as Deloitte, NatWest Group, and Scottish Enterprise, offering guest lectures, internships, and project-based learning.
Long-Term Value: While not professionally accredited, the program supports progression into roles requiring CFA, CIMA, or postgraduate qualifications in economics, finance, or business.
Global Reputation: The University of Edinburgh ranks #22 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is consistently recognised for excellence in economics, business, and graduate employability.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue their studies with a master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Analytics, or Strategic Management at Edinburgh or other top institutions. The program’s strong research foundation and quantitative training also support entry into PhD-level study.