BA Hons Economics

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: L100
  • Accreditation: triple-accredited Business School - AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
  • Second-year entry: may be available to suitably-qualified applicants

  • Applicant visit days: these take place in March each year

Study with us

Studying a BA Hons degree in Economics at the University of Strathclyde, you'll be learning at an award-winning academic institution. We're the only University to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012/2019).

  • study in a department which is home to the Fraser of Allander Institute – a leading research institute which offers internship and work placement opportunities for our students
  • use key economics concepts and models to better understand real-world problems
  • develop excellent analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers
  • gain the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to a diverse audience
  • benefit from being taught by staff who have strong links with policy-makers and industry
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Why this course?

Following the recent global financial crisis, economics is more important and relevant than ever. Decisions on money, banking, interest rates, taxation and government spending affect us all, with global consequences.

Economics aims to understand the activities of the different agents in the economy – consumers, producers and the government – and how they all fit together.

Our BA Hons Economics degree will give you the ability to explain complex data in simple terms to different audiences. You’ll also develop excellent mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

Create your own course

Modern business is too complex to be covered by a single subject: modern managers need to have a broad outlook.

You'll follow a broad-based Year 1 curriculum which will introduce you to a wide range of business disciplines, alongside the Business School’s core modules for business knowledge and skills (the Management Development Programme), and academic skills support.

This provides you with the opportunity to try new subjects, some of which you won’t have experienced at school or college. At the beginning of Year 2, you choose two subjects to continue studying in Years 2 and 3, plus further MDP modules in Years 2 and 3.

What you’ll study

Year 1

You’ll gain an understanding of Economics and the tools that are used by Economists to analyse industries, markets and society. The class introduces the terminology, concepts and tools of Economics.

Year 2

Economics students take core classes in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics and learn how to analyse economic data.

Year 3

In Year 3, you’ll study core classes to develop the knowledge gained in Years 1 and 2 with a view to studying Honours. 

Year 4

Final-year students study core classes as well as a selection of optional classes, which complement the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics studied in previous years. You also undertake a Dissertation that requires substantial independent research. 

Progression requirements

Please note: competitive progression requirements are in place for entry to the Honours year. Currently this is a 55% average in the Year 2 and 3 subject modules.

Facilities

Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, all taking place in excellent accommodation with Wi-Fi access. Library and other study facilities are excellent, as are all of the resources to make your life as a student fulfilling and enjoyable.

You'll find that one of the most important resources available to you is being part of the Strathclyde Business School community. One example of this is the Strathclyde Business School Blog, used extensively by staff and students to showcase our activities.

Student competitions

Prizes for best overall performance are awarded to students in all years of study. We also offer a prize for the best final dissertation in economics in the final Honours year of study.

All prize recipients will be invited to attend the Graduation Reception for our final-year students.

Triple-accredited business school

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Course content

In Year 1 you will study a range of business disciplines across four subject modules, plus three core integrating modules in international business, business knowledge and skills (via the Management Development Programme) and academic skills. This will provide you with a foundation in business and enable you to appreciate how your chosen specialism fits with other business subjects.  From Year 2 you will take modules in the subjects in which you choose to specialise.

The Management Development Programme (MDP) is a central element of the undergraduate programme in the Strathclyde Business School. The programme runs for the first three years of the BA degree and is driven by real business problems. The approach to learning is active problem-based, with students working in project teams.  The MDP provides an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and experience gained from your business subjects. Each year of MDP focuses on different aspects of business and the content of MDP is constantly evolving and being updated and enhanced.

Alongside the MDP you will also take an Academic Skills module which will equip you with essential key skills to support your studies.

Introduction to Tourism Studies and Managing People

This module includes two thematic parts which run in parallel across the semester. One part, Introduction to Tourism Studies, introduces tourism management as both, international business and as a global cultural phenomenon.

It provides insights into key concepts and theories to understand the intricacy of this industry in commercial, cultural and environmental terms. The other part, Managing People, focuses on the contemporary and practical issues of how people are organised and managed in the workplace and examines different theoretical perspectives which help our understanding of the complex relationship between the employer and the employee in the contemporary business environment.

Introduction to Economics and Business Analysis & Technology (20 credits)

The module will provide you with a balanced introduction to economics which will be based on a programme of systematic directed reading, supplemented by experiments and exercises undertaken in tutorials. 

The module uses the innovative CORE (Curriculum Open-Access Resources in Economics) Econ resources, which provides a complete introduction to economics and the economy. CORE Econ teaches about the economy and economics by starting from a question or a problem about the economy - why the advent of capitalism is associated with a sharp increase in average living standards, for example - and then teach the tools of economics that contribute to an answer. This innovative approach ensures that students understand how the tools of economics can help us understand the modern economy. 

The second half of the module is the study of how analytical thinking, scientific method and associated tools can be used to help decision making. This Business Analysis element of the module will provide an overview of where methods and tools are widely used across a large range of industries including the manufacturing, retail, healthcare, financial services, travel, and electronics industries, as well as in local and national government. 

Examples of where Business Analysis is put into practice are: 

  • the management of new building projects
  • the design of efficient transport systems and plant layouts
  • personnel scheduling
  • allocation of resources and financial modelling and forecasting

This area of expertise can help to reduce costs, increase revenues, improve customer service, increase efficiency and can even save lives. 

Introduction to Marketing & Entrepreneurship

The aim of this module is to provide you with a solid foundation and understanding of the theories and principles underlying marketing and entrepreneurship. A combination of the subjects will be taught to enhance understanding of the way the two disciplines address issues related to both the macro and micro-environment contexts of markets and entrepreneurship.

Marketing is everywhere in contemporary society. It plays a central role in business as it is concerned with the creation and retention of customers. The module is designed to give you a foundational understanding of marketing and a critical introduction to the topic of marketing in both theory and practice through a series of lectures and workshops.

In your first-year class you will explore the core concepts of value and exchange. You will learn what marketing is and its core principles such as analysing the marketing environment, developing a marketing strategy, and dealing with the marketing mix i.e., product, price, place, and promotion. You will learn how organisations develop a customer centric approach to marketing and how that can create a competitive advantage in a dynamic business environment.

The assessment for this module will involve individual coursework.

In this module, you will be exposed to concepts and ideas from economics, sociology, psychology, geography and other social sciences, all in the context of the competitive business environment.

Entrepreneurship too is a complex process involving many different skills and activities, though it is based upon a 'mindset and process by which an individual or group identifies and successfully exploits a new idea or opportunity. For this part of the module, you'll be working in teams to learn about the ideation process, which forms the foundations of new venture creation, in our Creative Challenge.

Introduction to Finance and Financial Analysis

This module will provide you with an introduction to finance and accounting, covering the basic concepts and practicalities of corporate finance, the principles of valuation, financial management and business investment, the role and purpose of company accounts and their usefulness, security analysis, risk and returns from investments, and personal finance.

At all times the module content will be linked with financial behaviour and events in the real world.

Introduction to International Business

This module introduces learners to the field and practice of international business and management.

Drawing on classical and recent debates in theory and practice including, but not limited to commercial concerns, learners will be equipped with an understanding of the foundational principles and developments of the subject.

In the module, we consider how international business and management is researched, and facilitate a critical understanding based on real-life case studies in international contexts. This module gives learners the capacity to look at the past, present and future in organisations and provides the foundations for intellectual progression in the subject, and broadly, for year two and beyond.  

Management Development Programme 1

The ICE Pathway - “Innovation, Commercialisation & Entrepreneurship”, where you'll learn about the Foundations of 'What is Business’.  Alongside:

  • Personal & Professional Development: Who am I? How Do I learn? How do I lead & work in a team?
  • Knowledge & Practice: What is a business/organisation? Why does this matter? How does this affect society?
  • Experiential Learning: Real-world cases & clients; team-based and student-centred Learning approaches

Academic Skills

This class aims to support you in developing key skills that are important to both your academic and future career. These include skills associated with:

  • research
  • data analysis
  • critical writing
  • team working
  • communication

Management Development Programme 2

Topics

Semester 1 topics include:

  • Working in Business Organisations
  • Working Business Research & Consultancy
  • Working Internationally
  • Working in the Third Sector
  • Rhetorics & Oratory

Semester 2 is about developing the proposal of Management Development Programme 3; with a presentation and a final report.

Class description

The second year concentrates on developing understanding through industry-specific contextualisation. Sessions are weekly and three hours in length.

The sessions are thematically linked to the pathways for individualised experience in third year whilst also drawing on the theoretical knowledge developed in Management Development Programme 1. In order to develop understanding, organisations will deliver a half-day session. This consists of a one hour plenary introduction where the company and case study are introduced. This is followed by the group sessions where you undertake activities in relation to the case study set by the company.

Intermediate Microeconomics

This is the core Microeconomics class in Year 2. It aims to develop your understanding of: the concepts of consumer choice; the motives of the firm and profit maximisation; the market and its role in achieving equilibrium prices and quantities; and the implications of market power. It introduces you to mathematical techniques commonplace in Economics, giving you the ability to apply these in a wider economic context.   

Macroeconomics 2

The class builds upon the macroeconomic foundations established in the first year Economics class and both extends and deepens analysis. This class will develop your ability to use key macroeconomic models and will also provide an introduction to the analysis of economic data. 

Management Development Programme 3

The third year of centres on individualised experience in an organisational context through one of the following pathways:

  • Internship/Charities - gain practical experience in a private or third sector organisation. You need to negotiate and locate your own organisation and experience – this is one of the key learning points of the pathway.
  • Research and consultancy - a facility for local small businesses to gain from the experience and expertise of those within Strathclyde Business School. You work on two live business consultancy projects (one in each semester) and, as a team of six, develop solutions and strategic initiatives for the local SME economy.
  • International experience – only available for students who are undertaking an international exchange for either one semester or full year.
  • Vertically Integrated Projects - working on a cross-faculty basis to research longitudinal projects (including the ‘Bill Gates Toilet Challenge, Solar Panels for Gambia and Enterprise in Schools) you work with a team of students from all levels of study (first year undergraduate to final year PhD) to further the work of the project.

In addition, you’re required to undertake a social responsibility element (this accounts for one quarter of the overall workload).

These have been designed to provide support to the Curriculum for Excellence and the Widening Access to Higher Education programme. There are no formal classes for Management Development Programme 3 although there is pathway support with the pathway leads and tutor support.

Topics in Microeconomics with Cross Section Econometrics

Adam Smith's hidden hand - markets result in efficient outcomes - doesn't always work. We seek to understand why by using the tool of game theory to analyse how agents interact and discuss market power and externalities.  We then consider other issues in public economics including cost-benefit analysis, fiscal federalism, taxation and crime.  You will also learn more about how to analyse microeconomic data.

Macroeconomics 3

This class builds on the Macroeconomics you studied in second year by covering four topics in detail:

  • models of economic growth
  • the effects of macroeconomic policy in an open economy
  • the interrelationships between money growth, output, unemployment and inflation
  • the implications of high government debt. 

You will also learn more about how to analyse macroeconomic data. 

If you are studying Single Honours Economics, you will take 2 core classes, the Economics Dissertation, plus 3 elective classes.
If you are studying Joint Honours Economics with the Economics Dissertation, you will take a core class plus 2 elective classes. If you choose to take the dissertation with your other subject, you will take a core class plus an elective class

Dissertation

The dissertation is an important part of the fourth year programme. Single Honours Economics BA students are required to submit a dissertation in Economics while Joint Honours BA students may submit a dissertation in Economics or in their other Honours subject. 

Microeconomics 4

Information Economics, the topic of this class, considers market failure resulting from uncertainty and information asymmetry. The course looks at two specific examples of market failures: moral hazard and adverse selection. We will discuss policy solutions to reduce the negative impacts of these market failures on society. We will also apply uncertainty to game theory and learn how to find Bayesian Nash Equilibria. Furthermore, we will examine the impact of externalities on social welfare and learn about the optimal provision of public goods.

Macroeconomics 4

This class aims to provide you with the required tools to understand current macroeconomic issues, such as the interactions between the banking sector and monetary policy or the policy responses to the global financial crisis.  Throughout the class, the analytical usefulness of the theoretical models taught is illustrated with real-world examples. 

Industrial Economics

This course investigates the actions that firms in an industry might take to preserve their profit in that industry, and the implications that this has for competition policy and regulation. We take an analytical approach to the issues which will be supported by examining case studies and current events. 

Applied Econometrics

In third year, you will have learned about regression in both a cross-sectional data and time series data context. This class extends that knowledge to two core topics: causal inference and forecasting. Both are highly relevant topics to real-word economics. Understanding the effects of economic policies and decision-making requires careful empirical analysis and understanding of what the data can and cannot tell us. Topics on causal inference build skill in this area. Furthermore, policymakers and economist often want to know something about what to expect, for example of unemployment, given what has happened recently and in the past. Topics in forecasting build skills in this area.

In causal inference, we begin with foundations on how to think about correlation vs. causation and threats to interpreting regression model coefficients as causal effects. We then introduce two methodological approaches. These are instrumental variables and difference-in-differences. Under both we develop the intuition and key assumptions that will allow interpreting statistical results from a regression model as a causal effect from a variable or policy change of interest. We further work with example cases in labs and learn how to implement the methods with data in R, and we use tutorials to think about these methods in action and continue developing the intuition.

In forecasting, we will introduce you to basic tools needed to become a forecaster, such as understanding what a loss function and forecast horizon is. In addition, you will learn various forecasting evaluation techniques to compare competing models.

Behavioural Economics

Behavioural Economics offers alternative theories that merge psychological insights with economic theory and are based on experimental and other evidence, that attempt to provide a better explanation of real-world behaviour.

This class is concerned with exploring these behavioural theories with the aim of providing you with an expanded toolkit with which to approach ‘real-world Economics’ that is based on the burgeoning Behavioural Economics literature that has emerged over the past two or three decades.

After studying this, you should be able to extend much of your previously-learned knowledge in Microeconomics in various directions that take into account more realistic ways of modelling how individuals behave.

Natural Resource, Environmental & Energy Economics

The class provides you with an introduction to Natural Resource Economics, Environmental Economics and Energy Economics, establishing connections between the economics and the policy aspects of the class topics. It focuses on the contributions of Economics to understanding environmental, energy and natural resource problems, their causes, and the design of effective public policies to counteract them.

Labour Economics

In this class you learn how labour economists view the world of work and pay. The class kicks off with a topic that is of particular interest to university students: the returns to education and human capital. It covers fundamental topics of labour demand and labour supply, examines how their interaction determines wages, and students will discuss compensating differentials and discrimination. The final section of the class is concerned with two current labour market topics: the transformative effects of technology and the issue of inequality. Along the way, students gain insights into data analysis and empirical methods. These are highly marketable skills that tend to be entry requirements for consulting jobs, government work, and many other sectors.  

Learning & teaching

Teaching is over two semesters in blocks of 12 weeks. Classes are taught through lectures, tutorials, and seminars alongside team-based projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems.

External contributors from partnership corporate organisations are involved in teaching and/or assessment of student presentations.

The innovative and highly acclaimed Management Development Programme (MDP) is at the core of our undergraduate degrees in the Business School and comprises a series of classes which you take throughout Years 1 to 3. 

You develop knowledge and skills in key areas of management, and team-working, communication and decision-making skills, all of which are highly sought-after by employers.

Major employers and alumni from all sectors are involved in the MDP, participating in group sessions, observing student presentations, and providing feedback. Organisations involved include Barclays, Deloitte, Procter & Gamble and Ernst & Young. In first year the best teams are selected to present to senior staff in one of the sponsoring organisations, and there are prizes for the best projects.

The programme builds your confidence, entrepreneurial capabilities and promotes awareness of globalisation and ethical issues in personal and business decision-making. In Year 3, you develop your own pathway from internships, involvement with business projects, engagement in interdisciplinary activities and business clinics.

Assessment

The majority of classes involve a final unseen exam which is normally at the end of the semester. This is typically supplemented by individual and/or group coursework.

Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. Exam resits usually take place during the summer.

A range of assessment techniques are used including business reports, case studies, essays, presentations, individual and group projects, learning journals and peer assessments.

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Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

  • 1st sitting: AAAA/AAABB
  • 2nd sitting: AAAABB

(Higher English B; Maths National 5 B, or equivalent; Higher Maths A for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics)

Minimum entry requirements**:

  • 1st Sitting: ABBB
  • 2nd Sitting: AABBB

(English Higher B, Maths National 5 B)

A Levels

ABB-BBB

(GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B, or an essay-based A Level B may be considered in lieu of English; GCSE Maths 6/B; A Level Maths A for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics)

International Baccalaureate

32-30

(no subject below 5 and including English SL5, Maths/Maths Studies SL5; Maths HL5 for combinations with Accounting or Maths & Statistics)

HNC/HND

 Relevant HNC/HND, A in Graded Units; for advice on entry to Year 2 contact Business School Admissions:

+44 (0)141 548 4024
sbs-ug-admissions@strath.ac.uk

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred entry

Not normally accepted.

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

To be confirmed.

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

To be confirmed subject to confirmation by the UK government.

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£21,550

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Additional costs
International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Course materials & Costs

UG & Hons materials comprise both textbooks and course handbooks.  All of the compulsory handbooks are available to students free on the VLE.  Some classes may have a recommended core textbook which you may wish to purchase but copies will be available in the University Library.

Other costs
  • graduation gown hire
Study abroad

Typically, the cost of one semester abroad could be between £6,500 to £8,500 depending on the destination, currency exchange rates and lifestyle choices. Tuition fees are not paid to the exchange institution but continue to be paid to Strathclyde University in the usual way, however students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses i.e. flights, insurance, visa application, vaccinations/associated medical costs, accommodation, food, textbooks etc.

Students are eligible to apply for a student loan as usual but must let the award agency (e.g. SAAS) know that they will be studying or working overseas on a compulsory exchange.

Students may be eligible for external funding however this is not guaranteed; the University of Strathclyde will continue to participate in the Erasmus programme until May 2023 however are also participating in UK’S Turing Scheme. The Turing Scheme offer contribution towards living costs for students undertaking work or study abroad as part of their degree and is calculated based on length of placement and living costs at destination.

Students with an exchange place outside Europe are eligible to apply to the Neil Hood Memorial Fund for a scholarship. Full details of the application process are provided to all eligible students. Other scholarship opportunities may be available through the Alumni & Development department.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
Kathrin Fürst
Another great part of the economics degree is that lecturers are passionate about their teaching and very approachable – you can always ask questions.
Kathrin Fürst
Economics (BA) graduate
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Careers

Our economics graduates have entered careers in economics and related fields, both in the private and public sectors. It's also an excellent qualification for developing a career in finance, management, and other business fields.

Recent graduate jobs include:

  • Economists, Government Economics Service
  • Consultant, Accenture
  • Financial Analysts, Blackrock, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, PwC and Whitbread
  • Management Trainees, HSBC, Tesco Bank and Enterprise
  • Demand Executive, AG Barr Ltd

Each year, several students also go on to postgraduate study.

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Apply

Start date:

Economics (1 year entry)

Start date:

Economics (1 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2025

Economics (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

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Start date:

Economics (1 year entry)

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Contact us

General enquiries

Business School Admissions

Telephone: +44 (0)1415484024

Email: sbs-ug-admissions@strath.ac.uk

Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde
199 Cathedral Street
Glasgow
G4 0QU

Course-specific enquiries

Economics

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 4326

Email: economics@strath.ac.uk

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