The Best Universities to Study Economics in the UK

Choosing the best universities to study economics in the UK is an important decision that can shape one’s academic and professional future. 

The UK boasts some of the world’s best universities to study Economics. Economics is a dynamic subject of study that explores the complexities of decision-making in the global economy. 

Why Study Economics in the UK

• Globally recognized education: The UK has some of the best universities to study economics. These include Cambridge, Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, etc.
• Diverse course choices: UK universities offers a wide variety of programs in economics at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, catering to students with different interests and career goals. 
• Multicultural environment: Studying in the UK exposes students to different cultures, resulting in a diverse and active learning environment that equips grads for the job market.
• Research opportunities: Economics Students can access research centers and institutes that allow them to work on real-world problems.
• Solid industry ties: Many UK universities have close ties with corporations & businesses. Thus, it provides students with opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships, job placements and other programs.
• Post-study visa: The UK government has introduced post-study work visa policies for international students. The post-study visa regime allows them to stay and work in the country after completing their degrees. 
• A degree in Economics from a UK university will equip you with highly sought-after skills and knowledge, opening up many career opportunities at home and abroad.

Careers in Economics

Economics graduates work in diverse sectors including government, consulting, finance, etc. Some popular career choices for Economics graduates include: Management Consultant, Traders, Economist, Policy Analyst.

Why Study Economics at UK Universities

It is an ideal subject choice for students interested in understanding how economic policies can affect society. 

Also, studying Economics at university equips graduates with analytical and quantitative skills, highly valued in the business and finance industries.

The average salary for economics graduates ranges from £25,000 to £35,000, potentially increasing to £40,000 or more after a few years’ experience. Senior-level salaries range from around £50,000 to over £75,000, depending on your experience, location and work sector.

What are the Most Popular Economics Programs in the UK Universities

Economics covers various fields. These include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, International Economics, Development Economics, and Financial Economics.

Best Universities to Study Economics in the UK

1. University of Cambridge

Regarding economics, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in the UK to study economics. Established in 1209, it is the fourth-oldest university in the world. The Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge is one of Europe’s largest and most respected economics departments.

Also, the Faculty of Economics at Cambridge offers comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics in economics. They include microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics. Students benefit from the expertise of renowned professors and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Also, the university has several research centers & institutes focusing on various aspects of economics, such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Cambridge-INET Institute.

Furthermore, it offers courses such as:

• BA in Economics 
• Advanced Diploma in Economics
• MPhil in Economics; Finance and Economics; Economics and Data Science & Economic Research
• PhD in Economics

2. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science is another of the best universities in the UK to study economics. Founded in 1895, it offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Also, it allows students to specialize in multiple areas of economics, such as econometrics, international economics, etc.

The Department of Economics at LSE is one of the world’s largest and most renowned. It has a top-rated European faculty. Located in the center of London, the LSE maintains strong industry connections to major financial institutions. Thus, it provides students with many practical learning and internship opportunities.

LSE offers a variety of economics programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of these programs include. 

• BSc Economics, BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc Politics and Economics
• MSc Economics, MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance
• MRes/PhD Economics

3. University of Oxford

Established in 1096, it is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities. It is one of the top universities in the UK and rivals Cambridge in almost everything.

Oxford offers a highly respected Economics programs with a strong focus on macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics. The university offers economics courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of these courses are:

• BA (HONS) Economics & Management, BA (HONS) Philosophy, Politics & Economics, BA (HONS) History & Economics
• MPHIL Economics, MPHIL+DPHIL Economics, MPHIL Economics & Social History
• MSc Financial Economics, MSc Economics for Development, MSc Economics & Social History
• DPHIL Economics (PhD)

4. University College London (UCL)

University College London, commonly called UCL, is consistently ranked among the best universities in the UK for studying economics. The department offers courses covering various aspects of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.

Also, Like LSE, UCL’s location in London offers close proximity to the financial industry and policy-making institutions The UCL Economics Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in economics, such as:

• BSc Economics, BSc Statistics, Economics and Finance
• MSc Economics, MSc Data Science & Public Policy
• MRes & PhD in Financial Economics

5. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

Warwick Business School offers a highly regarded economics program with a strong emphasis on applied economics. Their economics program equips students with the necessary skills to analyze economic data, make informed decisions, and understand complex economic issues. The university’s close ties with industry ensure that students are well-prepared for the job market.

Established in 1961, the University of Warwick is a highly respected place to study Economics in the UK. Warwick’s Department of Economics is a leading research center admired for its work in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Their economics program equips students with the necessary skills to analyze economic data, make informed decisions, and understand complex economic issues. The Department of Economics offers courses like:

• BSc Economics, BSc/BA Economics, Politics and International Studies
• Diploma in Economics
• MSc Economics, MSc Economics and International Financial Economics, MSc Behavioural and Economic Science
• MRes/PhD Economics

6. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is another top choice for students interested in studying economics. 

The university offers various economics programs covering multiple subfields, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic theory, econometrics, and economic history. 

The following Economics programs are available at the University of Manchester:

• BA Economics, BSc Economics 
• BA Economics and Data Analytics, BA Economics and Finance, BA Economics and Philosophy
• BA Economics and Politics, BA Economics and Sociology, BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics
• MA Economics
• MSc Economics, MSc Economics and Data Science, MSc Financial Economics
• PhD/MRes Economics 

7. University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is another of the best universities in the UK to study Economics. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover various areas of economics, including economic policy, financial economics, and development economics. Some of the University’s economics programs include:

• BSc Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Finance, Economics and Accounting, Economics and Mathematics, BSc Economics and Politics
• MSc Economics, MSc Economics and Finance, MSc Economics, Finance and Management, MSc Economics with Data Science
• MRes Economics
• PhD Economics

8. University of St Andrews

Established in 1413, the University of St Andrews is one of the oldest universities in the UK. St Andrews’ School of Economics and Finance is a leading research center; it considers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and behavioral economics. Some of the university’s economics courses include:

• BSc (Hons) Economics
• MA (Hons) Economics, MA (Hons) Financial Economics
• BSc (Hons)Financial Economics
• MSc Economics & MSc Finance and Economics

9. University of Edinburgh

Found in 1583, University of Edinburgh ranks high among UK universities for economics studies. The department and faculty consist of individuals worldwide actively engaging with global economics issues. Therefore, it is a unique place to study for an economics degree. The university’s reputation for research makes it a highly coveted destination by students in the field. They offer the following economics courses:

• MA Economics, MA Economics and Accounting, MA Economics and Mathematics, MA Economics and Politics 
• MA Economics and Statistics, MA Economics with Finance, MA Economics with Management Science 
• MSc Economics, MSc Economics (Finance), MSc Economics (Econometrics)
• PhD Economics

10 Durham University

Established in 1832, Durham University offers excellent economics programs known for their interdisciplinary approach and focus on real-world issues. Thus, Durham’s Department of Economics is a leading research center in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and finance. Also, the university offers economics courses that include:

• BA Economics, BA Economics with Management, BA Economics and Politics
• BA Philosophy, BA Politics and Economics
• MSc Economics, MSc Behavioral Economics, MSc Environmental & Natural Resource Economics
• PhD Economics

11. University of Nottingham

Established in 1881, Nottingham is one of the best universities for economics in the UK. The university has a strong reputation in economics. Also, it has a good reputation for research and teaching. The University of Nottingham offers the following Economics programs:

• BSc Economics
• BA Economics with French
• BSc Economics and Econometrics
• BA Economics with German

• Economics and Philosophy
• BSc Economics and International Economics
• BA Politics and Economics
• BSc Mathematics and Economics

• BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• MRes/PhD Economics
• MSc Economics, MSC Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Economics and Data Science
• MSc International Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Financial Economics

12. University of Glasgow

Established in 1451, the University of Glasgow is another excellent institution to consider for an economics degree with a global perspective. In addition, they fosters global economic perspectives by encouraging students to engage with the Glasgow Centre for International Development. Some of their economic course include:

• BSc Economics 
• MSc Financial Economics 
• MRes Economics
• PhD Economics

Other Universities

• University of York: Economics (BSc), Economics and Econometrics (BSc, Economics (MSc)
• Strathclyde University: BA (Honors) Economics, MSc Applied Economics, MSc Economics & Finance