The BSc (Hons) in Economics provides a structured, cumulative and rigorous foundation in economic concepts, principles, analysis, techniques and knowledge. During your studies, you will develop your analytical and decision-making abilities through training in quantitative and model-based methods of analysis.

Students studying economics at St Andrews have the opportunity to focus on macroeconomics, choice theory, behaviour economics, game theory, international economics and development, competition and innovation, and climate change.

Course information

The BSc in Economics is a four-year course run by the School of Economics and Finance. The School also offers an MA in Economics, which may be more suitable for students who wish to take economics alongside Arts subjects. The economics element within both the BSc and MA degree programmes is exactly the same.

In the first two years, you will build a solid foundation in the general knowledge of economics. This includes an introduction to the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics; an insight into quantitative techniques; and developing an understanding of economic relationships and the techniques necessary for their analysis.

At Honours level, students may select modules from a range of options on specific topics. These provide an analytical understanding of key aspects of finance, economics and government policy formation.

Specialist subject areas may include:

• behavioural economics
• corporate finance
• econometrics
• economic growth
• economic history
• economics of labour
• economics of migration
• experimental economics
• health and education
• macroeconomic policy
• policy impact evaluation
• portfolio management.

Alongside economics, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two.