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Egle Pociute, current Economics student

Fahd Asif, Business Economics & Marketing

Economic Studies

Financial Economics, Business Economics with Marketing

MA (Hons) or BSc (Hons)

Scotland was the birthplace of modern economics but the profession is now truly international. Our staff hold qualifications from major universities around the world, publish research in leading international journals and regularly present work at international conferences.

So if you want to understand how the economy works and the world of business and finance then there is no better place to study than at Dundee.

Why
Teaching & Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Fees/Funding
Your Application

Why study Economic Studies at Dundee?

Dundee offers a flexible Honours programme in business, economics and finance enabling you to choose a combination of subjects that best suits your aptitudes and aspirations. You can choose to take either an MA if your interests and background lie mainly in the arts and social sciences or a BSc if you lean more towards mathematics, computing and the physical sciences.

If you want to train as an economist then the economics degree will provide you with all you need while offering the greatest flexibility in your future career choices. If, however, you decide on a career in business then you can choose the Business Economics with Marketing degree which focuses on the business environment. The third possibility is the Financial Economics degree for those attracted by the opportunities in the financial sector.

The skills you will acquire will provide you with an excellent foundation for your future life and career.

What's so good about Economic Studies at Dundee?

Study abroad

We have established exchange programmes allowing you the opportunity to complete part of your degree in Europe, Canada or the United States through the Erasmus and Transatlantic Student Exchange Schemes.

Egle Pociute, from Lithuania, is in her 3rd year of the BSc Business Economics with Marketing course. She says "The lecturers are very passionate about everything they do as well as very professional. They are very inspiring, and that helps to engage with economic studies."

Extra-curricular activities

The Dundee University School of Business Society (DUSBS) is run by our students who organise various events throughout the year.

You will also have the opportunity to attend recruitment talks from representatives of institutions such as the Government Economic Service, Scottish Executive, Bank of England etc.

Fahd Ali Asif graduated in 2011 with an MA in Business Economics with Marketing. He says "Everyone has been extremely friendly, there's so much support and guidance from all corners with in the university. I came here all alone, which was quite a gamble, but things worked out fine!"

More student and graduate profiles »

Introduction to the School of Business

Watch the video below to learn more about the School of Business:

Degree Combinations

MA Degree Programmes

MA Economics
MA Economics and European Studies
MA Economics with French
MA Economics with German
MA Economics and History
MA Economics and International Politics
MA Economics and Politics
MA Economics with Spanish

MA Business Economics with Marketing
MA Business Economics with Marketing American Studies
MA Business Economics with Marketing and European Studies
MA Business Economics with Marketing with French
MA Business Economics with Marketing with German
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Geography
MA Business Economics with Marketing and History
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Mathematics
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Politics
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Psychology
MA Business Economics with Marketing with Spanish

MA Financial Economics
MA Financial Economics with French
MA Financial Economics with German
MA Financial Economics with Spanish

MA Spatial Economics and Development

BSc Degree Programmes

BSc Economics
BSc Economics and Mathematics

BSc Financial Economics
BSc Financial Economics and Mathematics

BSc Business Economics with Marketing

Related Courses at Dundee

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the Economic Studies team based in the School of Business.

Our approach introduces you to modern analytical and problem solving skills that are important to professional economists and the wider business community.

How you will be taught

In Levels 1 and 2 teaching is initially through a combination of lectures and tutorials, supplemented by workshops and computer laboratory sessions.

These continue in Levels 3 and 4 but you are also given the opportunity to prepare and deliver presentations, both individually and as members of a group. You may engage in case studies in which you research a company or topic in which you have an interest.

Staff profiles »

What you will study - MA/BSc Economics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Please refer to the degree structure and overview pages for the MA and BSc.

Level 1

Global Economic Perspectives: EC11002
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module is completely self-contained and aims to provide students with a broad conceptual base. It is an introduction to the ideas that form the basis of analytical economics, which you will encounter in the twin module Foundations of Economic Analysis. The module presumes no previous knowledge or understanding of economics. The module is designed very much with the beginner in mind; however, those of you who may have taken an Economics course at school will find the approach refreshingly new and the coverage wider than you have encountered before.
Foundations of Economic Analysis: EC12003
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module introduces you to the tools needed to analyse how an economy works. It helps you to understand consumer choice, how prices are set, the way firms and markets operate, whether monopoly is efficient, why governments might choose to regulate industry or provide services such as health and education. Issues such as the determination of national income are examined along with policy options available to governments to reduce unemployment and inflation.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 2

Microeconomics: EC21001
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module covers the micro aspects of the economy by focusing, initially, on the basic theories of consumer and firm behaviour. These provide the basis for the derivation and analysis of market demand and supply in various settings. The module then examines these settings by looking more closely at the market structure, and attempts to highlight: i) the conditions under which markets will or will not produce desirable outcomes; and ii) the role of government in improving the operation of markets.
Macroeconomics & Economic Statistics: EC22002
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module shows why money markets are important in the real world, why there is so much disagreement about what appropriate macroeconomic policy is, and how policy works in practice. Economic Statistics introduces you to a selection of statistical procedures commonly used to measure the performance of companies and countries.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 3

EC30012 - Macroeconomic Analysis (Year-Long)
EC30011 - Microeconomic Analysis (Year-Long)
EC30001 - Econometrics (Year-Long)
plus 1 optional module - choice typically includes:

Level 4

You may also choose a foreign language as part of your degree or even select options from other disciplines.

What you will study - MA/BSc Financial Economics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Please refer to the degree structure and overview pages for the MA and BSc.

Level 1

Global Economic Perspectives: EC11002
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module is completely self-contained and aims to provide students with a broad conceptual base. It is an introduction to the ideas that form the basis of analytical economics, which you will encounter in the twin module Foundations of Economic Analysis. The module presumes no previous knowledge or understanding of economics. The module is designed very much with the beginner in mind; however, those of you who may have taken an Economics course at school will find the approach refreshingly new and the coverage wider than you have encountered before.
Foundations of Economic Analysis: EC12003
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module introduces you to the tools needed to analyse how an economy works. It helps you to understand consumer choice, how prices are set, the way firms and markets operate, whether monopoly is efficient, why governments might choose to regulate industry or provide services such as health and education. Issues such as the determination of national income are examined along with policy options available to governments to reduce unemployment and inflation.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 2

Microeconomics: EC21001
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module covers the micro aspects of the economy by focusing, initially, on the basic theories of consumer and firm behaviour. These provide the basis for the derivation and analysis of market demand and supply in various settings. The module then examines these settings by looking more closely at the market structure, and attempts to highlight: i) the conditions under which markets will or will not produce desirable outcomes; and ii) the role of government in improving the operation of markets.
Macroeconomics & Economic Statistics: EC22002
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module shows why money markets are important in the real world, why there is so much disagreement about what appropriate macroeconomic policy is, and how policy works in practice. Economic Statistics introduces you to a selection of statistical procedures commonly used to measure the performance of companies and countries.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 3

Level 4

You may also choose a foreign language as part of your degree or even select options from other disciplines.

What you will study - MA/BSc Business Economics with Marketing

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Please refer to the degree structure and overview pages for the MA and BSc.

Level 1

Global Economic Perspectives: EC11002
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module is completely self-contained and aims to provide students with a broad conceptual base. It is an introduction to the ideas that form the basis of analytical economics, which you will encounter in the twin module Foundations of Economic Analysis. The module presumes no previous knowledge or understanding of economics. The module is designed very much with the beginner in mind; however, those of you who may have taken an Economics course at school will find the approach refreshingly new and the coverage wider than you have encountered before.
Foundations of Economic Analysis: EC12003
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module introduces you to the tools needed to analyse how an economy works. It helps you to understand consumer choice, how prices are set, the way firms and markets operate, whether monopoly is efficient, why governments might choose to regulate industry or provide services such as health and education. Issues such as the determination of national income are examined along with policy options available to governments to reduce unemployment and inflation.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 2

Microeconomics: EC21001
Semester 1, 20 credits
This module covers the micro aspects of the economy by focusing, initially, on the basic theories of consumer and firm behaviour. These provide the basis for the derivation and analysis of market demand and supply in various settings. The module then examines these settings by looking more closely at the market structure, and attempts to highlight: i) the conditions under which markets will or will not produce desirable outcomes; and ii) the role of government in improving the operation of markets.
Macroeconomics & Economic Statistics: EC22002
Semester 2, 20 credits
This module shows why money markets are important in the real world, why there is so much disagreement about what appropriate macroeconomic policy is, and how policy works in practice. Economic Statistics introduces you to a selection of statistical procedures commonly used to measure the performance of companies and countries.
plus 4 other MA or BSc modules

Level 3

EC30012 - Macroeconomic Analysis (Year-Long)
Business Economic Analysis
EC30003 - Marketing (Year-Long)
plus 1 optional module - choice typically includes:

Level 4

How you will be assessed

Coursework, in the form of essays, quizzes and group projects plays an important role in assessment which, together with examinations, provides the basis for your final grade.

As part of their assessed coursework, the Honours year marketing research class carries out a number of marketing research studies on behalf of the Dundee University Students Association (the Students' Union). In the past the students have carried out surveys addressing issues such as perceptions of the regular club nights and weekend catering provision in the bar. In several cases the results of the survey have provided a significant input into revising the Union’s offerings.

Careers

A wide range of possibilities is open to you when you graduate in economic studies. Alongside your specific subject knowledge, your degree will provide you with a valuable range of skills that can be used in many different careers such as:

selecting and analysing information
solving both abstract and practical problems
understanding and interpreting numerical and graphical data
thinking logically and laterally
communicating your ideas concisely

In recent years our graduates have found employment in many walks of life. Some have decided to pursue careers as professional economists and have gone on to work for the UK Government Economic Service or the Scottish Government. Others have taken up careers in finance or in general management, working for banking multinationals, major consultancies and marketing departments.

To help students with their job search, we organise sessions on career prospects where potential employers are invited to talk to students about future opportunities.

Michael Edwards graduated in 2007 with MA (Hons) Business Economics and Marketing. He joined the Graduate Business Leadership Programme at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Michael says, "The University of Dundee is responsible for much of the success I have achieved now and for what I can achieve in the future".

Craig Alexander graduated in 2008 with a MA(Hons) degree in Economics and is currently running a growing inter-city passenger transport firm in Poland.

He writes, "my studies provided a solid theoretical base and strong analytical skills. I use my degree for issues as diverse as designing optimal employee contracts to asset finance. Equally important is the appreciation gained throughout my studies of international economic issues. I have no hesitation in recommending Dundee as an excellent university at which to study Economics."

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	AABB
GCE A-Level	BBB
ILC Higher	AABB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	MA Honours - None, but check requirements for other Joint Honours subjects BSc Honours - Science or Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level, and check requirements for other Joint Honours subjects
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	AAB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	MA Honours - None, but check requirements for other Joint Honours subjects BSc Honours - Economics or Mathematics at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, or IB Higher Level, and check requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade B in the Graded Unit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher (Level 1 entry) Distinction with AB at Advanced Higher (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Communication 4 plus Literature 1 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade B with ASL-A Level at B (Level 1 entry) Grade A with ASL-A Level at A (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A Levels at BB (Level 1 entry) Pass with A Levels at AA (Level 2 entry)
Entry to BSc degrees requires a Science component equivalent to SQA Higher.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£9,700 per year.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
MA Business Economics with Marketing	LN15	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics	L100	View KIS data for this course
MA Financial Economics	L114	View KIS data for this course
MA Spatial Economics and Development	LK14	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and American Studies	TLN0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and European Studies	LNR0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Geography	LLN0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and History	LNV0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Mathematics	LNG0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Politics	L0N0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing and Psychology	LNC0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing with French	LRN0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing with German	RLN0	View KIS data for this course
MA Business Economics with Marketing with Spanish	RNL0	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics and European Studies	LR18	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics and History	LV11	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics and International Relations	LLD2	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics and Politics	LL12	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics with French	L1R1	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics with German	L1R2	View KIS data for this course
MA Economics with Spanish	L1R4	View KIS data for this course
MA Financial Economics with French	L1RC	View KIS data for this course
MA Financial Economics with German	L1RF	View KIS data for this course
MA Financial Economics with Spanish	L1RK	View KIS data for this course
BSc Degree Programmes
BSc Economics	L101	View KIS data for this course
BSc Financial Economics	L111	View KIS data for this course
BSc Business Economics with Marketing	L1N5	View KIS data for this course
BSc Economics and Mathematics	GL11	View KIS data for this course
BSc Financial Economics and Mathematics	GLD1	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
Fees and Funding
English Language Requirements
International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for the Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

Economic Studies at Dundee offers flexible Honours courses in business, economics and finance enabling you to choose a combination of modules that best suits your aptitude and aspirations. We provide a fresh introduction to the subject which is suitable both for those that have studied economics or business before and for those that have not previously done so. However, previous study of economics or business would be an advantage for entry to the 3 Year Honours degrees.

A degree in Economic Studies develops analytical and problem-solving skills, so an ability to demonstrate numerical and computing skills will be an advantage. However we do not require Mathematics at Higher/A Level as all relevant concepts and techniques will be taught as an integral part of your course. Indeed, strong communication and team-working skills are equally important for the successful study of economics at Dundee.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits.

However, it's not advisable to apply to otherwise identical degree courses in Economics, Business Economics with Marketing, or Financial Economics (except to distinguish between the MA and BSc degree programmes), as students can freely transfer between courses within Economic Studies after beginning their studies.

We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388585/ 384370/ 388074 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388585/ 384370/ 388074 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk