Let's project into the future, shall we?
Let's say that you recently received your Economics GCSE results and you earned much better marks than you thought possible. Suddenly, all possibilities are on the table: you'll meet with equal success on your A-Levels and, of course, be welcomed at the university of your choice with open arms.
There's only one problem with that scenario: which university to choose?
You've probably gotten a lot of the same advice about choosing universities from your teachers, guidance counsellors and your parents. Now, Superprof adds their voice to that chorus: choose several schools - at least three, find out what their entry requirements are and work diligently toward meeting them.
But that's not enough, is it?
To make the right choices, you also have to know which schools offer the degree plans you want - not all Economics degrees are equal. Also, you need to know which universities have the amenities you need and, most importantly, which ones fit within your financial parameters.
Only once you've listed all of your prospective schools' desirable criteria will it be time to cast about for a few that will meet them. That could be a sizable chore.
You could turn to UCAS; they have a pretty good overview of each institute of higher learning. Trouble is, the site doesn't have a search option for degree plans. You have to go to each school on your list to find out if they offer an Economics programme and then, drill down to discover if it meets all of your other criteria.
Not a very economical use of time, is it?
That's why we put this guide together. At one glance, you get seven of the UK's top schools for Economics: a short description, along with whether or not they will help with job placement.
Before we get into the meat of things, take a look at this shortlist of schools and their degree plans. Is there one on there that you'd like to know more about? Skip down to its segment by clicking on its name in the chapters list, above.
| University Name | Degrees to Earn |
|---|---|
| London School of Economics and Political Science | BSc Economics BSc Econometrics + Mathematical Economics BSc Econometrics + Economic History MSc Economics MSc Economics (2 year program) MSc Econometrics + Mathematical Economics |
| University of Oxford | A. (Hons) in History and Economics A. (Hons) in Economics and Management A. (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics MPhil in Economics MPhil in Economics and Social History |
| University of Cambridge | BA in Economics Advanced Diploma in Economics MPhil in Economics MPhil in Economic Research MPhil in Finance and Economics |
| University College London | Economics with a Placement Year BSc (Econ) Philosophy, Politics and Economics BSc Economics and Statistics BSc (Econ) Mathematics with Economics BSc Mathematics with Economics MSci Economics and Geography BSc (Econ) Economics with a Year Abroad BSc (Econ) and others |
| University of Warwick | Economics (BSc) Economics and Industrial Organisation (BSc) Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (BA/BSc) Economics, Politics, and International Studies (BA/BSc) Economics, Psychology and Philosophy (EPP) (BA/BSc) Economics (MSc) Economics and International Financial Economics (MSc) Finance and Economics (MSc) and others |
Did you find any schools you fancy or are you still unsure? Either way, read on.
The London School of Economics
It goes without saying that England's capital city, one of the world's financial centres - alongside New York, Shanghai and Zurich is home to the most colleges and universities that offer Economics degree plans. Of them all, the London School of Economics and Political Science is the most renowned.
Two other venerable institutions boasting Economics courses are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Their reputations precede them so there's little need for us to go on about what they have to offer Economics students. Suffice to say that they come in at #s 2 and 3 for Economics, respectively. But only because they are more famous for other fields.
Indeed, Economics isn't even in Oxford's Top 10 programmes of study at Oxford, but the subject ranks #1 at Cambridge.
Still, for all of those institutes' renown, the London School of Economics - LSE is home to one of the best Economics study programmes in the world. That around half of the school's undergraduate population comes from abroad certainly attests to that.
Based in the centre of London, you may choose to stay in one of the school's residence halls or seek your own accommodations. There are plenty of student clubs, groups and activities to partake of, and the learning facilities are top-notch, fully equipped with the latest in classroom technology.
You may choose a Bachelor of Science degree or go for a dual-track programme such as Economics and Economic History. Should you wish to further your education, you may continue with their Masters' programmes.
The fees for Economics courses are capped at £9,250, or £23,088 for the entire undergraduate degree plan. This cost does not include housing or any other costs. The school does have financial aid available for those who qualify.
If you're preparing to sit your Economics A-Level, you might cast about for grant and/or scholarship possibilities ahead of your UCAS applications.
University College London
We did say that London is replete with schools to study Economics at, didn't we?
With fewer than 50,000 students, University College London is a smaller school than LSE but don't let that statistic fool you: you'll find a well-developed Economics programme there, with many dual majors to choose from.
- Economics and Geography
- Economics and Statistics
- Economics and Philosophy
- Economics, Statistics and Finance
- Economics and Mathematics - both Bachelors' and Masters' levels
- Economics, Politics and Philosophy and many more...
The cost for this school's Economics programmes for UK students is £9250; the same as LSE. However, here, thanks to the smaller student body, you will be treated to a much higher teacher/student ratio; UCL has 13,000 instructors.
One more London school before we move on...
The London Business School take a more... well, business approach to studying economics. Their programmes start at the Masters' level and focus on various perspectives of economics related to conducting business; as part of the MBA programmes, for instance.
Check here for a Economics tutor you can hire.
University of Warwick
Ranked 6th in the UK and 61st worldwide, the University of Warwick may just be higher learning's best-kept secret. But this school has one more distinction that sets it apart: it ranks among the Top 10 of schools whose alumni claim the highest earnings within five years of graduation.
Those are some heavy bragging rights.
You may choose between their three-year programme, earning your Bachelors' in Economics, or opt for a double-major such as Economics and Industrial Organisation. If you're interested in rounding off your education abroad, you may choose their 4-year programme, which will see you placed in a partner university for your last year of learning.
As with every school/course, the UK government caps the price for this course at £9,250 per year, with grant/scholarship money available to qualifying students.
University of Manchester
This university is a legend in its own right; it was 'home' to Alan Turing, James Chadwick and Christabel Pankhurst, among many others. The schools' Economics programmes are noteworthy, too. Among the Top 100 famous alumni, eight are economists.
Like the Warwick school, the University of Manchester offers three-year degree programmes and four years with one spent learning abroad.
If you're interested in learning economic principles, mathematical modelling and econometrics; cultivating analytical skills and quantitative techniques, this is the school for you.
Granted, this facility doesn't boast its international rankings or alumni earnings but it does rightfully lay claim to being one of the most forward-thinking, socially-impactful universities. Indeed, in that category, it takes first place.
University of Nottingham
It's almost a shame that the highest-profile schools like Cambridge and Oxford get all the attention when Nottingham is achieving remarkable things, too. Did you know that this school ranks #4 in graduate job recruitment, #8 in research and #24 overall in the 2022 University Guide?
The University of Nottingham makes it a point to welcome 'mature' students; those who've been away from academia for a while but see the value in furthering their education. Their attitude that learning is for everyone creates a progressive, enthusiastic and dynamic environment that fosters social responsibility and global leadership.
And, if their track record of job placement is any indication, you'll likely land one of the best jobs for Economics graduates before you end your academic career...
University of Bristol
This university ranks among the Top 50 schools worldwide, and for good reason. Their Economics department is world-class; those accolades are evenly split between their research and educational divisions.
Like so many other universities on this list, you will need an A*AA A-Level result and at least a 7 on your GCSE Maths, unless you've also sat a Maths A-Level.
What sets this school apart is the way its learning modules are structured.
In the first year, you'll cultivate the basic tools needed for a career in economics - maths and basic accounting principles; and understanding probability and statistics. In Year Two, you'll broach macroeconomics and microeconomics, and econometrics. Throughout both of these years, you'll touch on economic theory, history and economics' impact on the world.
University of Edinburgh
We had to save the best for last: a venerable institution of higher learning in the country that was home to the man called the Father of Modern Economics. Except he attended Glasgow University. But he delivered his earliest public talks at the University of Edinburgh so you'll be enrolled where Adam Smith made a name for himself.
So, if you want a top-drawer education in Economics - Mr Smith's alma mater notwithstanding, the University of Edinburgh is the place to enrol.
What sets the University of Edinburgh's Economics programmes apart is their professors: all members of the elite group of leading European economic theorists. That should come as no surprise, considering the school itself is famous for turning out so many Nobel Prize winners.
Another major selling point is the school's relationship with many of the world's top financial firms. More than a handful of alumni have gone on to work in the business and financial sectors; indeed, several large firms actively recruit directly from the University's rolls.
Having chosen a career in Economics, you've opened yourself up to endless possibilities to make a positive impact on the world of business, finance and global industry. You could make your mark in Environmental Economics, helping future generations shape economic policy around sustainable initiatives and social justice causes.
Those admirable aims make struggling through the basics of Economics worthwhile, don't they?
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