There is barely any topic or agenda in the 21st century which is not deeply impacted by the analysis and methodologies of economics, and studying economics at a UK university will allow you to get to grips with the global economy and how it influences politics, wealth and social perspective.
The UK is home to some of the best universities for economics in the world and studying here will develop the key business skills that are transferable across whatever career path you choose.
Combining the skills of the sciences and arts, economics is within the top four for starting graduate salaries in the UK and is a highly marketable degree. More than 60% of graduates go straight into work which is categorised as professional, while 21% continue to study full- or part-time.
Do you want to apply to study economics? Learn more about the top universities in the UK for economics (2024 Guardian University Guide) below and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your application.
Top 10 Universities for Economics in the UK
The UK is home to some of the best universities for economics in the world. Studying here will develop the key transferable business skills across your chosen career path.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has taught economics since 1920 and is committed to excellence in teaching and research. A permanent faculty of 50, including 10 statutory (established) professors and more than 30 early career researchers on fixed-term appointments of 3 or 4 years, means you will learn from the best in world economics.
Popular economics courses at the University of Oxford include Economics and Management (E&M), a three-year undergraduate course combining elements of economics, management, and social sciences and its joint honours in economics. This three-year undergraduate course allows students to combine economics with other subjects, such as mathematics, politics, or history.
- Course to consider: BA (Hons) Economics and Management
- Entry requirements: A*AA including Mathematics at grade A or above | 39 International Baccalaureate points
- International fees: £38,550
2. University of St Andrews
The economics department at the University of St Andrews is the best in the UK and Scotland. Graduates from the School of Economics and Finance at St Andrews have progressed to a broad range of careers in banking, finance, consultancy, government and public policy, and research. They are also some of the highest earners of all UK university graduates.
Undergraduate courses in economics at St Andrews cover micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, and development economics, and specialised degrees such as the International Relations and Economics MA (Hons) and Sustainable Development and Economics MA (Hons) allow you to focus on areas that interest you.
- Course to consider: BSc Economics
- Entry requirements: 36-38 International Baccalaureate points | AABB at A-Level
- International fees: £30,160
3. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world (3rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings), and its economics department is also highly regarded. Economics at Cambridge can be combined with other subjects, such as law or management, and several past and present Cambridge faculty members have been awarded the Nobel Prize for economics.
- Course to consider: BA Economics
- Entry requirements: The typical offer to Economics candidates is conditional on A*A*A for A-level or 40-42 points with 776 at a Higher Level for IB
- International fees: £25,734
4. University of Brighton
The University of Brighton offers a vision of a future where individuals possess the knowledge and skills to navigate the global economy successfully. The economics programme transcends mere numbers, exploring human behaviour and societal influences. Core modules cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods, with additional options like game theory and globalisation.
The business school ranks among the top 6% globally accredited by AACSB. Renowned guides place the university fourth in the UK for economics and third for teaching and student satisfaction. Prospective students are invited to embark on a vibrant academic journey at the University of Brighton.
- Course to consider: BSc (Hons) Economics
- Entry requirements: International baccalaureate - 26 points, with three higher-level subjects.
- International fees: £15,900
5. Durham University
Durham University is a premier economics institution that conducts extensive and impactful research. Its diverse research areas include economic growth, behavioural economics, financial economics, and environmental studies. Durham hosts seminars, conferences, and workshops, promoting collaboration and creating a dynamic research culture.
Partnering with esteemed institutions like the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve Bank, Durham’s research influences global policy and business practices. The MSc in Economics offers a comprehensive understanding of the modern global economy, blending core and elective modules and culminating in a research-based dissertation, preparing students with essential skills for a dynamic future.
- Course to consider: MSc Economics
- Entry requirements: The equivalent of a UK upper second-class single or joint honours degree in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering.
- International fees: £26,000
6. London School of Economics
The London School of Economics (LSE) BSc Economics programme offers a curriculum designed specifically for aspiring economists. Students get acquainted with analytical methods, apply them to diverse problems, and address societal issues. Emphasis is placed on constructing compelling arguments and effective communication, promoting essential employability skills. LSE's Department of Economics, one of the largest in the world, provides students with the opportunity to learn from top economists, staying at the forefront of economic research and developments worldwide.
- Course to consider: BSc Economics
- Entry requirements: A*AA with an A* in Mathematics | IB: 38 points overall (and above), including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics
- International fees: £28,176
7. University of Essex
The University of Essex emerges as a leading economics hub, unravelling the intricacies of everyday life—from politics and education to healthcare and living costs. Its renowned faculty, ranked 4th in the UK for research power, pioneers groundbreaking solutions to global issues. Topping the Guardian University Guide 2024 for value-added in economics, the university fosters a diverse, collaborative environment where ingenious and industrious minds thrive. With a unique strength in public policy and a focus on economic recovery, Essex’s programmes equip you with the tools to tackle pressing challenges and enhance societal well-being. Welcome to a vibrant academic home at Essex.
- Course to consider: MSc Economics
- Entry requirements: 2.2 in a discipline related to economics such as Economics, Maths, Engineering, Finance, Physics or any other degree with a strong maths component.
- International fees: £22,400
8. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is a world-leading campus renowned for providing a strong academic challenge. Warwick is 61st in the QS World University Guide, 6th in The Guardian University Guide, and 6th for reputation with the UK’s top 100 employers (The Graduate Market in 2021, High Fliers Research Ltd.). Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are continuously updated to satisfy all walks of life's current and future needs and reflect the discipline's rapidly evolving and challenging nature.
- Course to consider: Economics BSc
- Entry requirements: A*A*A including A* in Mathematics | IB: 39 to include 6, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Higher Level Mathematics
- International fees: £24,800
9. King's College London
King's College London is a premier economics destination, uniting experts from the King's Business School, the Department of Political Economy, and the Department of International Development. KCL’s researchers delve into applied and policy-relevant issues globally recognised for excellence, contributing to economic policy and regularly publishing in top journals. King’s offers a dynamic learning environment with seminars featuring leading academics and policymakers. Situated at the heart of London in Bush House, the central location fosters strong ties with industry, policy institutions, and other leading universities.
- Course to consider: BSc Economics
- Entry requirements: IB diploma - 35 points, including 766 at Higher Level.
- International fees: £33,450
10. London South Bank University
London South Bank University (LSBU) stands out for its practical and comprehensive approach to economics. The BSc Economics course engages students from day one, from dissecting real-world economic factors to forecasting future trends. The institute promotes critical thinking about the world economy by exploring various topics, from sustainability to cryptocurrencies. The curriculum, shaped by industry challenges, equips graduates with essential skills. LSBU's commitment to student expression, industry-relevant software, and top-ranking satisfaction underscores LSBU’s dedication to producing successful and competitive graduates.
- Course to consider: BSc (Hons) Economics
- Entry requirements: 112 UCAS points or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
- International fees: £15,900
Study Economics in the UK
If you wish to study economics in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today. Our UK university application experts will ensure your application is ready and submitted without error.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to study economics in the UK?
You typically need A-levels or equivalent qualifications to study economics in the UK. Students generally need strong grades in subjects like mathematics or economics, which are often preferred.
Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for economics?
Universities like London South Bank University, the University of East London, and the University of Derby are known for relatively higher economic acceptance rates.
How can I get a full scholarship to study economics in the UK?
Getting full scholarships for economics in the UK is not very common. To increase your chances, excel in academics, demonstrate financial need, and actively seek scholarship opportunities from universities, government programmes, and private organisations.
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