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University of Strathclyde · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Social Policy and Economics Bachelor's degree at Strathclyde
BA (Hons) Social Policy and Economics at Strathclyde. You'll examine how economic principles shape welfare, inequality, employment and public provision, drawing on data and evidence to understand what policies actually achieve.
BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
BA (Hons) Social Policy and Economics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Economics, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.5
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent82
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional90
Moderate evidence Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent84
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 84% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Social Policy & Society in Contemporary Scotland
Module details
Introduction to major issues confronting Scottish society and key concerns of Social Policy, examining poverty and inequality, social divisions, health, housing, education, and criminal justice.
- Private Issues & Public Problems
Module details
Examination of why and how certain issues become defined as 'social problems' and impact on social policy, including questions of political ideology, media framing, and how societies conceptualise social problems.
- Management Development Programme 1
Module details
Transition to university context with Semester 1 Thematic Semester on The World of Business Today and Semester 2 Functional Semester on Organisations Today, covering SEEG, business ethics, disruptive technologies, creativity, responsibility, marketing and sustainability.
Assessment: 16 assignments across two semesters
- Introduction to Economics
Module details
Balanced introduction to economics providing self-contained foundation for further study, based on systematic directed reading supplemented by tutorials.
Assessment: Group projects and in-class short answer tests as cumulative assessment
Year 2 5 modules
- Scottish Social Policy since 1845
Module details
Exploration of how social policy has evolved in Scotland in response to social problems since the Scottish Poor Law Act in 1845, covering health, housing, education, and poverty, and changing boundaries between state and other sectors.
- Key Concepts in Social Welfare
Module details
Examination of important concepts in Social Policy study including equality, justice, need, happiness, poverty and wellbeing, and different ideological perspectives such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism and Marxism.
- The Making of Social Policy
Module details
Examination of how social policies are made at national and international level, exploring roles of different actors, institutions and ideas, use of evidence in policy-making, and citizen involvement, explored through case-studies.
- Intermediate MicroeconomicsCore
Module details
Development of understanding of consumer choice, firm motives and profit maximisation, market equilibrium, and implications of market power, introducing mathematical techniques in economics.
- Macroeconomics 2
Module details
Builds upon macroeconomic foundations from first year, extends and deepens analysis, develops ability to use key macroeconomic models and provides introduction to economic data analysis.
Year 3 3 modules
- Research Methods in Social PolicyCompulsory
Module details
Development of knowledge and understanding of key methods used by researchers in social policy, introducing qualitative and quantitative methods and basic principles of research design, providing foundation for final-year dissertation.
- Comparative Social Policy: Theories, Methods & AnalysisCompulsory
Module details
Introduction to key theories, methods and data sources employed in comparative and international social policy research, addressing questions about inequality, labour market participation, and policy differences across developed societies.
- Management Development Programme 3
Module details
Individualised experience in organisational context through pathways including Internship/Charities, Research and consultancy, International experience, or Vertically Integrated Projects.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the economic and social policy dimensions of contemporary issues, how markets, behaviour and public intervention shape outcomes in health, welfare, development and employment. A course like this typically moves from economic foundations to applied policy analysis. Year 1 establishes microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods. Year 2 deepens formal economic modelling, introduces econometrics and explores policy questions through real data. Year 3 opens specialist options such as behavioural economics, development, financial economics, econometrics and data, public policy, and international trade, culminating in a dissertation where you undertake independent research on a topic of your choice.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're analytical but also care about how systems affect real people. You'll thrive here if you want to move beyond abstract economics to ask what policies work and for whom. You should be comfortable with quantitative work and evidence, but the appeal lies in putting those tools to practical questions: poverty reduction, health inequality, job markets, welfare reform. Expect to think critically about trade-offs and spend time interpreting data. This is for someone who wants both intellectual rigour and a sense that their study connects to outcomes that matter.
Careers & job market
Across economics courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing their degree, with 75% in highly skilled roles or further study. Graduate earnings data shows those leaving economics courses earn £26,500–£35,000 at the start of their career, rising to £36,125–£51,000 after five years. These figures reflect the national picture; actual outcomes depend on your placement, specialism and job sector. Many pursue further study, policy research, public administration, financial analysis or roles in development and charitable sectors.
University & format
This is a full-time Bachelor's degree (BA Hons) taught in English at the University of Strathclyde, a public university founded in 1796 and located at John Anderson Campus. The course runs for 4 years and leads to a nationally recognised UK degree. It is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 82%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
PlacementPublished placement option
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent77% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: More than 240 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Strathclyde's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 77% |
| another higher-education qualification | 13% |
| Other | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 4% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeL1L4quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L1L4). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Strathclyde whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
International£22,750 / yr
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Strathclyde →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All Strathclyde funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship15% reduction in tuition fees
self-funded, international (non-EU) undergraduate students beginning September 2026
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Economics graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £29,500 | £25,000 – £33,000 | 55 |
| 3 years after | £29,000 | £23,000 – £34,500 | 185 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £28,000 – £43,500 | 195 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
90%
in work or further study 15 months on
45%
in highly skilled work or study
84%
continue past their first year
75%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in economics · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Economics nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£29,500
£26,500 – £35,000After 3 years LEO
£29,000
£26,775 – £37,800After 5 years LEO
£37,000
£36,125 – £51,000national rangethis course’s medianaxis £24,500 – £53,000
National figures for Economics graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
90 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working10% working and studying5% in further study45% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 55; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Economics courses at the same study level.
This course £37,000Peer median £42,500Middle 50% £34,500–£50,000
32nd percentile
Compared with 594 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Economics graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Economics courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled92%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Economics graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Banks & consultancies
- Bank of England
- Government Economic Service
- Think tanks
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Economics graduates.
Economics Associate / Director - ManchesterPegasus GroupEconomics Graduate AssistantSt Edward's School, OxfordEconomics ExaminersEduqasEconomics SpecialistVella RecruitmentEconomics AnalystOFWATEconomics PhD Scholarship (ESRC-Funded)Royal Holloway, University of LondonLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 82.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 84%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Strathclyde
All students22,225
International18.8%
Aged 25+28.6%
Social sciences across the UK
Students275,900
Aged 25+37%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Economics right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Strathclyde from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,750 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Strathclyde offers the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship (15% reduction in tuition fees) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Strathclyde and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Strathclyde
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was More than 240 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Strathclyde. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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