MA Social Policy and Economics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Social Policy and Economics, a social policy and economics degree focused on the interaction between economic systems and public policy. Core topics include Statistics and Research Methods. The course examines policy impacts across various institutional levels including the UK Government and local authorities. The second year covers foundational concepts through Economics 2A, Economics 2B and Statistical Methods for Economics. Third year study explores family policy, labour market policies, social inequalities, criminal justice, health policy, education policy and eco-social policy. Final year content focuses on engagement with the European Commission, Scottish Government and voluntary organisations.
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*AA to AAB (required: Mathematics at B or AS Mathematics at A) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 46%: 13 offers from 28 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 177 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 74%
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
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Media Professionals: 5%
- 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 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 54%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 29%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- Economics 2A (20 credits)
- Economics 2B (20 credits)
- Statistical Methods for Economics
- family policy
- labour market policies
- social inequalities
- criminal justice
- health policy
- education policy
- eco-social policy
- courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods
- a course that will enable you to analyse and communicate policies from multiple lenses (economic, political and sociological)
- the European Commission
- UK Government
- Scottish Government
- local authorities
- voluntary organisations
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £36,000 after 15 months, £38,000 after 3 years, £55,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £45,500 and £73,500. The £55,500 median after five years is £28,000 more than the UK median for Social policy.
What do graduates of MA Social Policy and Economics 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 Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh?
84% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh?
46% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 13 offers from 28 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Social Policy and Economics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.