Best Universities for Economics UK - A Guide for Undergraduate Students

Economics is a discipline with significant influence and continuous vibrant development. Universities in the UK are strong in the field of economics, with many enjoying a worldwide reputation for top-notch teaching, research, and academic resources. An economics degree also offers various lucrative career opportunities, such as investment analysis, financial risk analysis, and economic research. If you are aspiring towards such opportunities, UAPP has picked the top contenders for the best universities for economics UK. On behalf of these universities, we stand ready to provide you with comprehensive information and guidance throughout the application process.

University of Cambridge

Topping the list of the best universities for economics UK is the University of Cambridge, which has hosted some of the most prominent voices in economics like Alfred Marshall and John Maynard Keynes, as well as numerous Nobel winners. 

The University of Cambridge provides an undergraduate programme in Economics that includes core, pure, and applied economics while incorporating ideas and techniques from a variety of disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, history, sociology, and political science. In terms of facilities, students have access to resources such as extensive statistical databases and the Marshall Library of Economics. In addition, the student-run Marshall Society arranges social events and invites renowned guest speakers to give informal lectures, providing students with a rich academic and social experience. 

University of Oxford

The Economics Department at the University of Oxford brings together a large group of world-renowned economists who influence government policy and global business practices, making it one of the best universities for economics UK. Oxford offers three undergraduate programmes in economics. 

The Economics and Management course integrates economics with management, emphasising how economies and businesses operate, as well as how resources are distributed and managed to achieve organisational goals; the History and Economics programme covers both the careful evidence and argumentative methods of historians and the analytical and quantitative tools of economists; the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) curriculum includes professional and technical training in economics, philosophy, and political science, as well as in-depth study of an increasingly diverse range of social, political and economic thought and history. It's important to note that the University of Oxford does not offer an undergraduate degree in pure economics. Students need to study Economics jointly with one or two other subjects.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

When considering the best universities for economics UK, you also can’t miss the London School of Economics and Political Science. LSE boasts one of the world’s largest economics departments, with its research in economics and econometrics often ranked first in the UK. Under the Department of Economics, LSE offers two undergraduate programmes. The Economics undergraduate programme aims to equip students with the ability to apply economic theory and practice to real-world issues. After establishing a solid foundation in economics, students can choose from specialised economics courses and external options. They will learn to effectively develop and communicate complex arguments, providing invaluable skills for their future careers.

The Econometrics and Mathematical Economics programme focuses on providing students with skills in applying mathematical and statistical methods to address real economic problems faced by society. Students will be taught by scholars who offer policy advice to governments, businesses, and financial sectors, emphasising practical applications. It is worth noting that this programme typically does not admit students in the first year, as it is deemed premature for early engagement in economic research. A few students may transfer into this programme from other LSE courses in their third year to complete their quantitative economics thesis.

University College London (UCL)

UCL is another London university that is ranked among the best universities for economics UK. A research-based education, supported by the excellent research outputs of UCL’s economics professors and the Centre for Teaching and Learning in Economics (CTaLE), is the foundation of UCL's undergraduate economics courses.

UCL offers an undergraduate degree in Economics, which combines a rigorous grounding in economic theory and quantitative tools with the opportunity to consider real-world issues using evidence-based economic analysis. Students will be taught by distinguished economists, covering important topics such as climate change, inequality and inflation. In addition, students can participate in a variety of academic activities such as conferences. Besides, students have the opportunity to participate in a 4-year programme with a one-year exchange at an overseas university.

It is worth mentioning that UCL Economics also runs joint degrees with other departments. In total, there are nine joint degrees related to economics. For example, the Economics and Geography undergraduate programme is hosted by the Department of Geography. Considering the fierce competition for the pure economics programme, you can consider applying for other degrees related to economics. Overall, UCL offers a diverse range of options for students interested in studying economics.

University of Warwick

The Economics Department at the University of Warwick is one of the best in the UK and enjoys a global reputation. There are two undergraduate programmes offered under the Economics Department. Warwick offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics curriculum, which will develop students' skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Additionally, the structure of this degree is very flexible, allowing students to choose from many elective modules within and outside the Economics Department, including mathematics, computer science and business.

Furthermore, the University of Warwick provides a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Politics, and International Studies (EPAIS). This curriculum crosses disciplinary boundaries by merging economic and political studies. Students will get a comprehensive perspective by studying these two disciplines, including a grasp of how governments make policies and how policies affect stakeholders. By taking core and various optional courses, students can maintain breadth while also focusing on areas of interest. Moreover, the programme allows students to do an exchange year at a foreign university.

Economics programmes in the UK typically emphasise a combination of theory and practice, aiming to cultivate students' solid understanding of economics and analytical abilities. Therefore, choosing to study economics at a UK university is a great decision, offering access to high-quality education and vast opportunities for development. UAPP can provide you with more details about the best universities for economics UK and assist you throughout the application process. Leveraging UAPP's extensive database of university information, we can match you with the UK universities that best suit your economics study goals and guide you through your application from start to finish. Contact us now to learn more!