MA Economics and Accounting
About this course
MA (Hons) in Economics and Accounting, an undergraduate degree combining economic theory with financial and managerial accounting principles. Core topics include Statistics, Accounting, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may choose to spend an optional year abroad during their studies. The first year covers core modules such as Economics 1A, Economics 1B, Accountancy 1A and 1B, Digital Literacy for Business - Information, and Digital Literacy for Business - Data, introducing basic accounting statements, transaction recording, and business operations. The second year builds upon this through Economics 2A, Economics 2B, Accountancy 2A and 2B, and Statistical Methods for Economics. Year 3 advances the curriculum with Topics in Microeconomics, Essentials of Econometrics, Auditing, and Management Accounting Applications, focusing on regulatory frameworks, audit techniques, and performance measurement. The final year includes the compulsory Advanced Financial Accounting course alongside specialized options in both accounting and economics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to A*AA (required: Mathematics at B or AS Mathematics at A) IB: from 40 points with 766 at HL to 37 points with 666 at HL
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See the highest paying Business & Accounting degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 35%: 16 offers from 46 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 66%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 35 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 32%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 19%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 19%
- Elementary occupations: 8%
- Information Technology Professionals: 4%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 20%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 70%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 60%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 15%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
- Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
Modules
- Economics 1A (20 credits)
- Economics 1B (20 credits)
- Accountancy 1A and 1B
- Digital Literacy for Business - Information
- Digital Literacy for Business - Data
- examine the basic principles and underlying concepts of accounting
- explore the ways in which accounting statements and financial information can be used to improve the quality of decision making
- learn how accounting relates to the broader context of the strategic and operational aspects of business
- produce financial statements from the relevant transactions and events affecting organisations
- analyse, interpret and facilitate the use of accounting information
- relate accounting to the broader context of the strategic and operational aspects of organisations
- cost calculation and control
- the provision of information for managerial decision-making and performance evaluation
- Economics 2A (20 credits)
- Economics 2B (20 credits)
- Accountancy 2A and 2B
- Statistical Methods for Economics
- Topics in Microeconomics
- Essentials of Econometrics
- Auditing
- Management Accounting Applications
- develop a critical understanding of conceptual issues
- enhance your technical and analytical skills
- gain an understanding of the principles underlying the theory of auditing, the regulatory framework and practical audit approaches and techniques
- develop an appreciation of the benefits and limitations of management accounting systems in organisational contexts
- critically interpret the use of management information, control and performance measurement
- the compulsory Advanced Financial Accounting course
- one accounting honours options
- two economics honours options
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £36,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £54,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £5,000 less than the UK median for Economics.
What do graduates of MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 40 points in the IB. The average entrant had 224 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh?
35% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 16 offers from 46 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations. Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.
Does MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Economics and Accounting at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.