Best Economics Universities UK

Choosing the right university to study economics is a crucial decision for aspiring economists. The United Kingdom boasts some of the world’s leading institutions renowned for their exceptional economic programs.

Economics is the most sought-after degree among students and there is no other better place to study in the UK. Economics is the best subject if you want to pursue a career in the financial industry or investment banking.

To help you make an informed choice, we have shortlisted some of the best universities for economics in the UK.

Is Economics A Good Career Choice To Study in the UK?

Economics is one of the most demanding subjects in universities. There are several options for students who wish to pursue a career in economics.

They can get better placements in various industries such as foreign trade, taxation, banking, etc.

For those who want to get placed in the financial industry, economics is the best degree. It is also an excellent choice for those students who wish to pursue their careers as investment bankers, data analysts, financial consultants, investment analysts, and economic researchers. These fields require a solid understanding of markets and maths.

Advantages Of Studying Economics in UK

The economics course is among the most sought-after courses in the UK. Economics is nowadays used in almost every finance industry such as banking, consulting, taxation, and in other areas too.

Additionally, there is massive growth in the financial industry data analysis, financial consulting, economic research, investment banking, etc. Therefore, there is a huge demand for economics professionals. 

A degree in economics is a fast-paced course. The United Kingdom is the best destination for higher studies. Every year, lakhs of international students enroll in UK’s best universities.

There are several technologically advanced programs available at reputed UK universities.

There are numerous benefits of studying economics in the United Kingdom (UK). A degree from the UK will give you the core competence, skills, and knowledge required to build a successful future career.

Graduates from UK universities have strong chances of being employed professionally in various financial industries and technology companies soon after the completion of the course.

The students who pursue an economics degree from the United Kingdom will receive a deeper understanding of the functioning of finances and markets used across the world.

Moreover, graduates with an economics degree get a strong foundation for various career paths and receive several opportunities in various fields.

List of best economics universities in the UK

University	City
University Of Oxford	Oxford
London School Of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	London
University Of Cambridge	Cambridge
University College London (UCL)	London
University Of Warwick	Warwick
University Of Nottingham	Nottingham
University Of York	York
University Of Manchester	Manchester
University Of Edinburgh	Edinburgh
University Of St Andrews	Scotland
University Of Birmingham	Birmingham
University Of Southampton	Southampton
Durham University	Durham

University of Oxford

Topping the list is the University of Oxford, known for its prestigious Economics department. With a strong emphasis on theoretical and quantitative economics, Oxford offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating curriculum.

The faculty comprises leading economists who actively contribute to the field through groundbreaking research.

Students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including libraries, research centers, and opportunities for collaboration.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science, commonly known as LSE, is renowned for its expertise in social sciences, including economics.

LSE offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate economics programs.

The faculty consists of world-class economists who are actively involved in policy-making and research.

LSE’s strong connections with government institutions and multinational organizations provide students with excellent networking opportunities.

Some of the economics and related degrees LSE offers are:

• International Economics
• Financial Markets and the Global Economy
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• The Political Economy of Public Policy
• Real estate economics and finance

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge boasts a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, including a distinguished economics department.

Cambridge offers an intensive and intellectually challenging curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

The faculty comprises renowned economists who actively engage in research and policy formulation.

The university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies allows students to explore economics in conjunction with other fields.

University College London (UCL)

UCL’s Department of Economics ranks among the best economics departments globally. The program emphasizes both theoretical and empirical approaches to economics, equipping students with a solid foundation in economic theory and statistical methods. UCL’s faculty consists of Britain’s esteemed economists who are at the forefront of research in various subfields of economics.

The economics department at UCL offers some of the following undergraduate and postgraduate courses:

• Economics History
• Macroeconomics and International Finance
• Health Economics and Policy
• Financial Economics
• Money, Banking, and Finance
• Labour Economics and Public Policy

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is among the best five universities and is highly regarded for its vibrant and research-focused economics department.

Warwick offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover various branches of economics.

The faculty comprises leading economists known for their contributions to both academia and policy-making.

The university’s strong industry connections and placement opportunities ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

The university offers the following economics courses:

• Economics, Politics, and International Studies
• Economics and Industrial Organisation
• Economics, Psychology, and Philosophy
• Finance and Economics
• Behavioural and Economic Science

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is known for its innovative teaching methods and research-driven approach.

The economics programs at the university focus on providing students with a solid grounding in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics.

The faculty consists of experts in various fields, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers.

The university offers the following undergraduate economics courses:

• Economics and Philosophy
• Mathematics and Economics
• Econometrics
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
• International Economics

University of York

The university is among the best-ranked universities in the UK for economics and is highly regarded for its research-intensive approach and commitment to excellence in teaching.

The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that emphasize both theoretical and applied economics.

The faculty comprises respected economists who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements in the field. Moreover, the university facilitates Duolingo for international students.

The University of York offers the following economics courses:

• Economics and Politics
• Mathematics and Finance
• Economics and Econometrics
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
• Economics and Mathematics
• Economics and Philosophy

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is renowned for its School of Social Sciences, which houses a highly regarded Department of Economics.

The department offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover various aspects of economics, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, and international economics.

The faculty consists of accomplished economists who actively contribute to research and policy debates.

Manchester’s strong ties with local industries provide students with excellent internship and career opportunities.

Some of the courses available at the University of Manchester are as follows:

• Economics and Philosophy
• Financial Economics
• Economics and Sociology
• Economics and Politics
• Economics and Finance

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh’s School of Economics is consistently ranked among the best institutions for economics in the UK.

The department offers a comprehensive range of programs that cover a broad spectrum of economic disciplines, such as economic theory, econometrics, finance, and public economics.

The university boasts of providing individual attention to students and encouraging them to actively participate in group discussions.

The three main economics courses offered by the university are:

• MSc Economics (Finance)
• MSc Economics
• MSc Economics (Econometrics)

University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews hosts a renowned economics department in the UK and Scotland with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence.

The department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover diverse areas such as micro and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, public policy, and international economics.

The faculty includes esteemed economists who are internationally recognized for their research contributions.

The university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning provides students with opportunities to engage with other fields such as banking, consultancy, finance, government, and public policy.

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham’s Department of Economics is highly regarded for its strong research focus and commitment to excellence in teaching.

The department offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover various subfields of economics, including econometrics, behavioral economics, and development economics.

The faculty consists of renowned economists who actively contribute to cutting-edge research, making significant contributions to the field.

Birmingham’s strong connections with local and international businesses provide students with valuable industry insights and internship opportunities.

Some of the courses available at the University of Birmingham are as follows:

• Economics BSc
• Economics with German BSc
• Economics with Spanish BSc
• Mathematical Economics and Statistics BSc
• Money, Banking and Finance BSc

The university also offers master’s degrees in economics.

• Economics MSc
• Financial Economics MSc
• International Money and Banking MSc
• Money, Banking, and Finance MSc

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton’s Department of Economics is known for its research-led approach and strong emphasis on empirical analysis. The department offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover areas such as econometrics, game theory, and environmental economics. The faculty comprises distinguished economists who are recognized for their expertise and research contributions. Southampton’s close collaboration with industry and government organisations provides students with practical insights and potential career pathways.

The economics degrees available at the Southampton university are:

• BSc Economics
• BSc Economics and Accounting
• BSc Economics and Actuarial Science
• BSc Economics and Business Management
• BSc Economics and Finance

Durham University

Durham University’s Department of Economics and Finance is highly regarded for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cover a wide range of economic disciplines, including financial economics, labour economics, and econometrics. The faculty includes esteemed economists who are actively involved in cutting-edge research and policy debates. Durham’s collegiate system and vibrant student community contribute to a rich and immersive academic experience.

The three main economics courses available at Durham university are:

• MSc Economics
• MSc  Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• MSc Experimental Economics