Economics and Statistics

Economics and statistics is a powerful combination that develops two mutually reinforcing quantitative disciplines. Economics provides the theoretical frameworks for understanding how markets, prices, growth, inequality, and policy interact, while statistics supplies the rigorous mathematical tools for analysing data, testing hypotheses, and drawing sound inferences from evidence. Modern economics is deeply empirical, and the ability to handle and interpret data with genuine statistical sophistication is one of the most valued skills an economist can possess.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year full-time programme offers one of the most rigorous joint degrees in these subjects available in the United Kingdom, with a typical entry tariff of 216 points reflecting the academic standard expected. You will study both economic theory and statistical principles at depth, developing a thorough understanding of econometrics, probability theory, regression analysis, time series, and the mathematical foundations of both disciplines. The programme is explicitly designed so that the statistics you study complements and extends the statistical grounding within the economics curriculum, rather than duplicating it, giving you a level of quantitative sophistication that goes well beyond what either a pure economics or a standard economics degree typically provides.

The degree includes a year abroad, adding an international dimension to your education.

The quantitative skills developed by this programme are among the most sought-after in the graduate market. Graduates are particularly well placed for careers in financial services, economic research, data science, central banks, international organisations, government economic analysis, and management consultancy. The degree is also an excellent foundation for doctoral study in economics, statistics, or econometrics at leading institutions.