Studying economics leads to growth, in more ways than one. When you enrol on a degree in the subject, you will open your eyes to a wide range of theories about how the world's resources come together, as well as how they could. There are many great places to do this, and we understand that it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we set out the top universities for economics in the UK, according to trusted rankings.
London School of Economics (LSE)
As its name suggests, LSE is at the heart of economics in the UK. Founded in 1895, it has always been home to some of the world's most influential thinkers. Famous theorists such as J. A. Hobson, Friedrich Hayek and W. Arthur Lewis have all taught here, and more may well emerge from its classrooms. The institution's reputation for research and employability help make it the top university in the UK for economics, according to the QS World University Rankings.
This is a place where curiosity is highly valued. In describing its BSc Economics course, LSE say "we particularly welcome students who want to learn about economics, rather than simply prepare themselves for a prosperous future". So, while career prospects are great – graduates of that course work for central banks and governments – academic standards come first.
These standards are shared across LSE's various economics-related courses. In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject, you can study ones in econometrics and economic history. Your options are diverse at what is the most international university in the UK. More than 65 per cent of LSE learners are international students.
Discover more subject-specific institutions with our guide to specialist universities in the UK.
University of Oxford
The UK's oldest university is also one of its best for economics. The University of Oxford's pioneering undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) has produced many world leaders, including five British prime ministers. Recent graduates include Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai.
The prestige of this course is just one part of why Oxford places second on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for economics. The institution offers several more degrees in the subject at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level, including ones with a specialism in social history and development.
You could also benefit from collaboration with the university's renowned Saïd Business School. Oxford's BA Economics & Management and MSc Financial Economics courses allow you to learn with them, as well as its Department of Economics.
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University of Cambridge
This history of economics at Cambridge goes back hundreds of years. Demographer Thomas Malthus studied at the university in the late 18th century, a decade before writing his significant Essay on the Principle of Population. Since then, many theories have been developed here, with numerous graduates winning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
Today, the University of Cambridge is the best university in the UK for economics, according to the Complete University Guide League Tables. Part of its strength is in its focus. At undergraduate level, it runs only one BA in Economics.
On this course, you will get a thorough education in many areas of the field. Modules extend from microeconomics to macroeconomics, entrepreneurship and game theory. However, competition for places is strong. In 2023, only one in every eight applications was successful.
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UCL
As home to the UK's oldest university economics faculty, UCL has had a long time to establish a powerful reputation in the subject. The Department of Economics has been here since 1828, and has become highly influential. It has close links to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) research organisation, which is a leading voice in the discussion of UK economic policy.
If you study here, you could be taught by IFS economists. The institute's director, Paul Johnson, is a Visiting Professor. Its research director, Imran Rasul, teaches on postgraduate courses.
At undergraduate level, UCL also offers you great opportunities. In addition to its three-year Economics BSc, it runs a four-year option that includes a year of study in another country. The university partners with many world-class institutions to provide this, including ones in the USA, Japan and Australia. With over 92 per cent of graduates in professional employment or further study after 15 months, the results are promising.
Learn what to expect from studying economics.
University of Warwick
Rated as the fifth best university for economics in the UK by each ranking mentioned previously, Warwick is a consistently strong option. Students and academics at the Russell Group institution have entered every area of world affairs. Bolivian president Luis Arce earned his master's in economics here, while John Williamson – originator of the Washington Consensus concept – was a professor.
Currently, Warwick offers three undergraduate economics programmes. In addition to an Economics BSc, you could study degrees that combine the subject with politics and international studies, or management. Graduates of these courses are regularly hired by big businesses and national governments. On top of this, more than a quarter pursue postgraduate studies.
Master's degrees here are similarly strong. Warwick has four in economics, including a brand new MSc in Economics and Data Science. This future-facing course shows you how machine learning and large statistical analysis contribute to the field. If you are new to it, there is an alternative. The Economics Diploma plus MSc will prepare you perfectly.
Consider where an economics degree could lead with our list of top employers in the UK.
Where else can I study economics in the UK?
You don't have to study at one of these top UK economics universities to get a great education in the subject. Other highly ranked institutions in this area include the University of St Andrews and Durham University. Both are in the country's top five for economics, according to the Guardian University Guide.
You can also study economics at many other UK universities. These include:
- Heriot-Watt University
- London South Bank University
- Loughborough University
- University of South Wales
- Ulster University
Now that you know where to find the UK's top universities for economics, why not explore further? We have guides to the UK higher education system and how to apply to university in the UK. You can also look for your ideal course in the country now with our simple search tool.
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