Best Universities for Economics in the UK

If you have a strong passion for economics, it's essential to find the best place to pursue your education. The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the premier destinations for students seeking a world-class education in economics. Renowned for its excellence in the field, the UK boasts some of the most prestigious universities that offer top-notch economics programs.

We have put together a list of the finest universities in the UK that offer excellent economics courses, giving you the opportunity to find the perfect fit for you. As one of the most popular subjects at the university level, economics programs in the UK offer an array of options for students to choose from.

To make the most out of your economics degree, there are several factors you should consider when selecting a university. Which universities have the best programs, and what do you need to do to gain admission? Additionally, you should factor in the cost of tuition and the overall quality of the institution. By considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right option for you.

In summary, the UK is home to some of the world's most outstanding universities, making it an excellent destination for students looking to study economics. Our list of the best economics schools in the UK will assist you in selecting the right institution to pursue your passion for economics.

Is It a Good Subject to Study for a Degree?

In the United Kingdom, economics has emerged as one of the most popular subjects at the university level. With the emergence of several new industries and companies in recent years, the field of economics has become more diverse than ever before.

For students who are interested in studying business or management, economics offers numerous options. At a macro-level, the subject plays a critical role in governance and policy, addressing matters such as taxation, foreign trade, and economic growth.

Furthermore, economics is an excellent degree to pursue if you're looking for a job in the financial industry. It's a perfect fit for those who aspire to work in consulting or investment banking, as these fields demand strong math skills and an understanding of market dynamics.

The starting salary for economics graduates in the UK is around £22,000 per year, with this figure rising over time as they gain more experience in their chosen field.

Best univeristies for economics in the UK

In conclusion, economics is a highly sought-after degree in the UK that offers a broad range of opportunities for students to pursue. Whether you want to work in finance, consulting, or policy-making, economics provides a strong foundation for success in these fields.

The UK has a wealth of prestigious universities, making it challenging to choose the right one to study economics. Here is a list of some of the top-rated universities for economics in the UK:

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

If you're seeking to obtain a degree in economics, the London School of Economics (LSE) is one of the best universities to consider. It is among the world's leading universities and is well-known for its academic excellence. LSE is consistently ranked as the best university for economics in the UK by Times Higher Education.

The Department of Economics at LSE is one of the largest and most renowned in the world. It boasts of a top-rated European faculty, with 13 Nobel Prizes among current and former academics and graduates. The department's reputation is impressive, including research that has had a global impact on critical issues such as climate change, economic insecurity, development, and growth.

LSE offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in economics, finance, and related areas such as:

  • Real Estate Economics and Finance

  • Financial Markets and the Global Economy

  • International Economics

  • The Political Economy of Public Policy

  • Econometrics and Mathematical Economics

University College London (UCL)

UCL has a reputation for producing world-class economists who significantly contribute to their fields. Students at UCL learn from some of Britain's most influential economists. The university also has an active research community that contributes to developing new ideas about the economy and society.


The UCL Economics Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in economics with optional modules available such as:

  • Macroeconomics and International Finance

  • Financial Economics

  • Economic History

  • Development Economics

  • Health Economics & Policy

  • Environmental Economics & Policy

  • Industrial Organisation & Management

  • Labour Economics & Public Policy

  • Money, Banking & Finance

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the world's top universities for economics. The university has grown into one of the largest in the UK, with more than 25,000 students enrolled in different courses each year. Warwick also has a solid international reputation for research.

The Department of Economics is among the top five best departments in UK universities. The department offers courses including:


  • Economics and Industrial Organisation

  • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

  • Economics, Politics, and International Studies

  • Economics, Psychology and Philosophy

  • Economics and International Financial Economics

  • Finance and Economics

  • Behavioural and Economic Science

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a highly-ranked institution that offers top-notch education and facilities for students. The university is among the world's best concerning its teaching and research. It also has a strong reputation for its diverse student body, which makes it easy for students from different backgrounds to find their place here.

As an economics student at the University of Manchester, you will benefit from its strong reputation for research and teaching excellence and support from world-leading academics across its department. The university aspires to improve the well-being of society and future generations.

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

  • Economics and Finance

  • Economics and Philosophy

  • Economics and Politics

  • Economics and Social Statistics

  • Economics and Sociology

  • Development Economics and Policy

  • Financial Economics

The University of Edinburgh

Ranked 9th among all UK universities for economics, The University of Edinburgh is a top destination for students looking to study economics in the country. Its reputation for research and teaching attracts students from all over the world. The university provides small class sizes, allowing for individualised attention from professors, as well as larger discussion sections and lectures to facilitate interaction between students. With over 168,000 students from over 100 countries worldwide, The University of Edinburgh offers three master's programs in economics:

  • MSc Economics

  • MSc Economics (Finance)

  • MSc Economics (Econometrics)

University of Nottingham

The Department of Economics at the University of Nottingham is known for its large international student body and commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social justice. The university adapts to changes in the industry while also prioritising the preservation and enhancement of the communities it serves. The University of Nottingham offers undergraduate programs in economics such as:


  • Econometrics

  • International Economics

  • Economics and Philosophy

  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics

  • Mathematics and Economics

King's College London (KCL)

One of the leading universities for economics in the UK, King's College London (KCL) boasts a strong reputation for research and teaching. Its Department of Economics is one of the oldest in the country, and it offers a variety of courses, including:



  • Business Economics

  • Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

  • International Economics

  • Mathematical Methods for Economics (MMME)

  • Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis

  • Quantitative Methods for Political Economy

The University of York

A major research-focused institution in the UK, The University of York is also one of the top-ranked universities for economics. Its commitment to teaching and learning has earned it one of the highest student satisfaction scores among UK universities. The university's world-class economics department produces high-quality research and innovation, preparing students for success in their careers. The following programs are available to students in this department:

  • Economics and Econometrics

  • Economics and Finance

  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance

  • Economics and Mathematics

  • History/Economics

  • Mathematics and Finance

  • Economics and Philosophy

  • Economics and Politics

  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Finally

If you are looking to study economics, there are a number of options to explore when it comes to universities. However, if you want to make sure that you are accepted on your chosen course then it makes sense to invest in your personal statement by using a professional personal statement service.


Related:

Applying for your Masters Degree - Here’s What you need to know

UCAS Applications 2023 – The Complete Guide

Personal Statements for University

Previous
Previous

Why AI Should Never Be Used at University or When Writing a Personal Statement

Next
Next

Best Universities for Dentistry UK