Economics and Politics MA (Hons)

At Edinburgh, studying Economics and Politics isn’t just about reading textbooks or listening to lectures — it’s about doing. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to think and work like a real economist and political analyst, applying theories to real-world issues and building the skills employers look for. You’ll tackle real policy questions, analyse data sets, debate current events, and learn how economic decisions and political power shape the world around us. With access to world-class libraries, computer labs, digital platforms, and research support, you’ll learn by creating, questioning, and solving — not just memorising.

And because learning here goes far beyond the classroom, you’ll have countless opportunities to put your knowledge into action and see how it connects to the real world:

• Hands-on coursework and collaborative projects: Many modules replace traditional exams with problem sets, reports, and group presentations. These mirror the kinds of tasks you’d face in policy, finance, or research roles, giving you practical experience while you study.

• Independent dissertation: In your final year, you’ll design and complete an in-depth research project in either economics or politics. It’s your chance to investigate a topic you’re passionate about — from trade policy to democratic institutions — and build skills in research design, data analysis, and critical thinking.

• Global study opportunities: Through the School of Economics exchange programme, you can spend part of your degree studying abroad at partner universities in Europe or the US, gaining fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of global economic and political systems.

• Peer-assisted learning: Edinburgh’s Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) connects you with experienced students who help you navigate challenging material, build confidence, and strengthen your collaboration skills — especially in your early years.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities: You’ll work with dedicated computer labs equipped for data analysis and statistical software, alongside one of the UK’s leading academic libraries and extensive online databases to support your research and coursework.

• Expert insights and guest lectures: Politics courses often feature talks from policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals who bring current debates and real-world challenges into the classroom, helping you see how your studies apply beyond university.

With this blend of theory, practice, and professional exposure, you’ll graduate with far more than a degree — you’ll have the confidence, experience, and skills to make a real impact in fields like policy analysis, economic consulting, government, NGOs, and beyond.

A degree in Economics and Politics from Edinburgh opens doors to some of the most dynamic and influential careers out there. Because you’ll graduate with the rare combination of data-driven analytical skills and deep political understanding, employers value you for roles that shape decisions, guide strategy, and influence change. Many of our graduates go on to become economic analysts, policy advisors, management consultants, or research officers in government, finance, think tanks, and global organisations.

And because this programme is designed with your future in mind, you’ll have access to a range of support and opportunities to help you stand out:

• Dedicated career support: Edinburgh’s award-winning Careers Service offers one-to-one coaching, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and access to graduate job boards. Even after you graduate, you can continue using these services for two years — helping you make a confident transition into the workplace.

• Specialist guidance for economists and political scientists: The School of Economics has its own careers consultant who works closely with students aiming for roles in finance, public policy, research, or consulting, guiding you on how to position your skills for high-impact careers.

• Impressive employment outcomes: Recent graduate surveys show that 96% of Edinburgh economics graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, with around 89% in professional or managerial positions.

• Global employer connections: Edinburgh graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, government departments, and international NGOs — proof of how respected this degree is worldwide.

• Strong earning potential: Economics graduates from Edinburgh report average starting salaries of around £33,500 within 15 months, reflecting the strong demand for their skills and the university’s global reputation.

• A degree with lasting value: While this programme isn’t tied to a single professional accreditation, the strength of Edinburgh’s economics and politics departments — both ranked among the UK’s top 10 in the QS Subject Rankings — gives your degree long-term credibility with employers and postgraduate institutions alike.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re passionate about continuing your studies, this degree is the perfect foundation for postgraduate pathways in fields like economics, political science, public policy, or international political economy. Many students go on to pursue master’s programmes such as the MSc in Economics or MSc in International and European Politics at Edinburgh, or use their undergraduate degree as a springboard to research and PhD opportunities in the UK and abroad.