Economics

Economics is the systematic study of how individuals, firms, and societies make decisions under conditions of scarcity, and what the consequences of those decisions are for the allocation of resources, the distribution of welfare, and the dynamics of prosperity. It is a discipline that combines rigorous mathematical and statistical analysis with the broader social and institutional thinking that connects abstract models to the real world of policy, markets, and governance. Among the social sciences, it has perhaps the most direct and measurable influence on government policy and business strategy.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year programme carries a typical entry tariff of 232 points and includes a year abroad, reflecting both the demanding academic standards of one of the UK's most selective universities and the importance of international experience in a discipline that is increasingly global in its application. You will develop a structured, cumulative, and rigorous foundation in economic concepts, principles, analysis, and techniques, building your analytical and decision-making abilities through training in quantitative and model-based methods. You will study microeconomics and macroeconomics in depth, engage with econometrics and empirical methods, and develop the capacity to apply economic reasoning to real-world policy questions.

The year abroad gives you the opportunity to study economics at a partner institution in another country, broadening your perspective on how economic institutions and policies function across different national contexts.

St Andrews economics graduates are among the most sought-after in the UK, entering careers in financial services, government economic services, international organisations, management consultancy, policy research, academic economics, and the full range of roles where quantitative analytical skills are valued. The combination of academic rigour and international experience makes this programme exceptionally strong preparation for postgraduate study as well as for entry directly into the graduate labour market.