MA Psychology and Economics
UCAS code: CZ81
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Psychology and Economics
Through this joint programme you can explore the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour while also gaining knowledge of economics.
Psychology
Psychologists study:
- how we perceive, think and learn about the world around us
- the way biological and social factors influence how we behave
- how interests and abilities differ from person to person
- how we communicate verbally and non-verbally
- how and why our mental abilities change across our lives
Psychology is an experimental and observational science. It uses evidence from research studies to develop and evaluate theories.
Our programme focuses on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis using R programming. This supports our research-led teaching.
Economics
Economics is the study of the incentives that affect decisions made by:
- individuals
- businesses
- governments
- societies
Economists analyse the macroeconomic results of those decisions, for example:
- economic fluctuations
- growth
- unemployment
- crises
Accreditation
It may be possible to obtain accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This programme is accredited when you:
cover all the core BPS areas:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- complete a dissertation in Year 4
- achieve a 2.2 or above in your overall degree classification
Most students graduate with BPS accreditation. However, if you fail to meet the accreditation criteria, you will graduate with an alternative degree in Psychology.
Year 1
Psychology
We focus on research methods and statistical analysis in this programme. You will:
- be trained in basic concepts in research methods and statistics
- learn how to programme in the R language
- have a practical introduction to laboratory-based psychology research
Through lectures and tutorials, you will complete a general introduction to psychology, covering:
- cognitive psychology
- developmental psychology
- the psychology of memory and perception
- individual differences
- language and thinking
- social psychology
We recommend you take the Data Analysis for Psychology in R1 course. This course provides the foundations for working with:
- data
- probability
- hypothesis testing
- the R statistical programming environment
Economics
You will take Economics 1, which will develop your:
- understanding of core economics models and analysis
- ability to apply the analysis in different contexts
Year 2
Psychology
To prepare you for Year 3, you will complete a year-long, intensive grounding in:
- research methods
- statistics
- R programming
You will continue to study core areas of psychology, developing an understanding of topics such as:
- individual differences
- abnormal, developmental and social psychology
- perception
- cognitive psychology
- language
- memory/learning
You will practise and develop your professional and study skills, such as:
- reviewing scientific literature
- report writing
- ethical awareness
Economics
You will take Economics 2 to boost your understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic models and analysis. You will also develop your skills in applying these analyses.
Year 3
Psychology
You will choose advanced courses in psychology. These will expand on and combine the core areas required for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation.
To support your research work, you will use R in courses on research methods.
Economics
You will take:
- Essentials of Econometrics
- Topics in Microeconomics
These courses will provide an introduction to econometric theory, and develop important ideas in microeconomic analysis at an advanced level.
You will also take either Applications of Econometrics or Topics in Macroeconomics.
Year 4
Psychology
You will complete option courses that focus on specific areas of psychology. These courses build on and combine the core domains of psychology:
- biological
- developmental
- cognitive
- social and individual differences
Course options change each year depending on new topics, staff availability and student demand.
Examples of courses offered include:
- Social Psychology of Groups
- Introduction to Neural Network Modelling
- Methods and Controversies on Parapsychology
- Psycholinguistics of Language Production
- Clinical Psychological Problems in Context
Economics course options
In economics, options could include subjects such as:
- Development Economics
- International Economics
- The Economics of Cities and Regions
Dissertation
You will also complete a dissertation in either economics or psychology.
Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.
To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our facilities
Teaching will take place at the Psychology building at George Square, and at other locations within the University's Central Area. Teaching for economics courses will take place within the University's Central Area.
You will have access to:
- specialised laboratories
- the School's own dedicated library
- the University's main library and computer facilities
Take a virtual tour
You can take a closer look at the University’s Central Area and explore our facilities on the University's Virtual Visit site.
Take a virtual tour of the Central Area
Study abroad
There are opportunities to study in Europe through international exchange programmes.
How will I learn?
Courses are taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- tutorials
- practical classes
- project work
- peer-supported group work
- computer-based exercises
The peer-assisted learning scheme offered by the School of Economics aims to help first-year students transition into higher education, develop their learning and study strategies as well as providing opportunities to socialise.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through coursework and exams.
In Year 3, you will complete a group research project.
In Year 4, you will complete an independent research project (dissertation).
You will develop skills in:
- research
- statistics
- information technology
- report-writing
These skills are valued by employers in various sectors.
Psychology
Many psychology graduates have gone on to work in:
- healthcare and social services
- charitable organisations
- human resources
- management
- business and finance
- consulting
- media and advertising
Some students continue their studies to enter a research or teaching career. Others go on to train as a professional psychologist in a field such as:
- clinical psychology
- educational psychology
- forensic psychology
- health psychology
- organisational psychology
Economics
The skills you develop studying economics will also prepare you for careers in:
- accountancy
- business
- management
Economics graduates can also work in:
- aid agencies
- not-for-profit organisations
- government departments
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAAA.)
- A Levels: A*AA.
- IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Highers: Mathematics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.
- A Levels: Mathematics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
- IB: HL: Mathematics at 5. SL: English at 5.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.
International Foundation Programme
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
SQA, GCSE and IB
For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
- SQA National 5 at C
- GCSE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate at C
- IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Psychology and Economics
Additional costs
The Economics textbooks needed for Years 1 and 2 cost about £100.
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
- Have a query about undergraduate study?
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4 degrees in Psychology
- Psychology (BSc) C802
- Psychology and Business (MA) CN81
- Psychology and Economics (MA) CZ81
- Psychology and Linguistics (MA) CQ81
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