Economics
Economics is a social science concerning the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services, whilst finance is the study of managing available funds. Economics and finance courses at St Andrews provide structured explorations of key concepts, analysis and techniques.
Undergraduate
Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate research
University of St Andrews Business School offers PhD programmes in Economics. Economics research typically falls into one of three main themes:
- applied theory, decision-making, and game theory
- empirical economics and econometrics
- macro and international economics
To apply, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. Find out how to contact a research supervisor.
"I was attracted to the combination of quantitative and qualitative elements in the subject –microeconomics has a strong mathematical foundation, while macroeconomics and economic history involve essay assignments. I appreciated the flexibility in sub-honours as I studied Economics and Psychology for my first two years and additionally took modules in Management and Comparative Literature in my first year."
- St Petersburg, Russia
Awards
Second in the UK for economics
Guardian University Guide 2026
83% of research activity rated 3* or 4*
Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
University of St Andrews Business School
On Tuesday 1 August 2023, the School of Economics and Finance and the School of Management merged to create the University of St Andrews Business School.
The University of St Andrews Business School and its three departments – Economics, Finance and Management – will build on the strengths of the former School of Economics and Finance and School of Management, both ranked in the top five of their subject areas in the UK and will be uniquely St Andrews: world-leading, diverse, digital, sustainable and entrepreneurial.
The University of St Andrews Business School officially launched in August 2024, after a 12-month transition process.
Former School names may still appear in logos, branding, documentation, online and on-campus. These will be phased out and replaced with new department names.
Studying in St Andrews
The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.
Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.
St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Visit St Andrews
If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.
