BA (Hons) Economic Policy

Year three entry only. This course is specifically designed for students with a relevant HND to enter at year three and gain an honours degree.

This new and exciting course offers a range of different approaches to understanding the economy and its interaction with the wider social and environmental systems in the world today.

Following the 2008 financial crisis and the impact of the subsequent austerity policies, economists began to re-evaluate their approach to the scope of the discipline and how this subject is taught to students. Many students and teachers felt that mainstream economics textbooks and techniques did not do a sufficient job of explaining how events like the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 happened and why inequality is becoming more prevalent in society. The Coronavirus pandemic which emerged in 2019 has further highlighted that mainstream economic policy often follows or exacerbates already existing factors contributing to economic and social inequality. Therefore, a more pluralist and progressive way to look at the economy is embedded within this degree and equips students with a better understanding of the nature of how the economy is managed, going beyond the traditional limitations of mainstream economic teaching.

The content and the structure of this degree course, including the opportunity to gain work experience, has been developed in consultation with employers and leading colleges and is designed to develop and build on your knowledge of the subject areas you have been studying. It is therefore suitable for students with little mathematical or quantitative training.

The University's commitment to its Common Good principles and its career-focused approach is at the heart of this course, and as a graduate, you'll be in a position to make a positive difference to the social and economic regeneration of the community.

Graduate opportunities

The degree is designed to ensure that on completion, students are provided with the tools and skills required to engage with and improve society. Employers seek graduates who possess critical thinking skills in order to solve complex problems. This degree provides perspectives from the different approaches to economics which gives students a deeper understanding of the discipline and allows them to critically assess situations and work towards the best outcomes for the common good. Policy jobs in governance, local authorities and regulatory roles would be ideally suited to the Economic Policy graduate. Equally, students with this degree will be suited to a range of commercial and third sector roles. Students will also be well equipped to progress to postgraduate-level study.

The opportunity for invaluable work experience during the course will give you the opportunity to learn through collaborating with external organisations and potential employers such as the Scottish Government, third sector organisations, charities and companies such as Morgan Stanley and Hewlett Packard.