If you want to study economics, exploring the best universities for economics UK is the first step toward academic excellence. In the following comprehensive guide, you’ll be informed about the latest rankings, entry requirements, fees, etc.
Economics University Ranking in the UK
When choosing the best university for economics in the UK, prospective students often rely on authoritative ranking organizations, such as the Complete University Guide and The Guardian, to learn about university rankings in economics and make informed decisions. Below is latest data on the best universities for economics UK.
Complete University Guide Rankings | University Name | The Guardian Rankings | QS World Rankings for Economics & Econometrics 2025 |
1 | University of Cambridge (Cambridge) | 3 | 10 |
2 | London School of Economics (London) | 5 | 8 |
3 | University of Oxford (Oxford) | 1 | 9 |
4 | University of St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) | 2 | 251-300 |
5 | University of Warwick (Coventry) | 8 | 36 |
6 | University College London (London) | 16 | 18 |
7 | Durham University (Durham) | 4 | 130 |
8 | King’s College London (London) | 15 | 114 |
9 | University of Bath (Bath) | 19 | 201-250 |
10 | University of Leeds (Leeds) | 31 | 168 |
10 Best Universities for Economics in the UK
A top UK economics degree can open doors to prestigious careers in finance, policy, and global business. In this guide, we reveal the 10 best UK universities for economics in detail. Ready to take the first step toward a thriving career?
University of Cambridge
- Fees: £25,000 – £28,000per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£10,000-£30,000 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 10%-15%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:AAA; A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics
- IB: 40-42, with 776 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 7.5 (7+ in each sub – test); TOFEL: 110 (25+ in each sub – test)
The University of Cambridge is widely recognized as the best university for economics in the UK. According to the REF 2021 assessment, 93% of its overall submissions from the Faculty of Economics were rated as world – leading or internationally excellent. A large number of renowned economists have remarkable research achievements and provide high – quality teaching and guidance to students. You can even meet Nobel laureates in Economics in one of the best UK universities for economics!
London School of Economics
- Fees: £26,280 year
- Scholarships and Bursaries: £5,000-£40,000 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 6%-10%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:A*AA
- IB: 38 with 776 at Higher Level
- Language: IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 100 (22+ in L, S; 23+ in R; 24+ in W)
The London School of Economics takes pride in its global reputation and ranks among the best universities for economics in the UK. It offers one of the world’s most competitive and diverse economics programs. You can take inspiring classes taught by top economists. Its location in central London also provides you with excellent opportunities to develop essential skills and gain working experiences.
University of Oxford
- Fees: £36,800- £37,380 per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£5,000-£50,000 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 6%-12%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:A*AA – AAA
- IB: 38-39, with 666-766 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 7.5 (7.0+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 110 (22+ in L; 24+ in R, W; 25+ in S)
As one of the best universities for economics in the UK, the University of Oxford is associated with academic excellence. It offers a wide variety of innovative economics courses, such as MSc in Economics for Development and MSc in Financial Economics. Thanks to its supportive environment, Oxford graduates also thrive and have a promising career future, with placement records around 100%, which contributes to its high status in the economics university ranking.
University of St Andrews
- Fees: £26,350- £28,190 per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£3,000 – £10,000 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:AAB – AAA
- IB: 35-36, with 666 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 94 (12+ in L; 13+ in R; 18+ in S; 21+ in W)
University of St Andrews is widely regarded as one of the best universities for economics in the UK. In the latest REF 2021, 83% of its research activities were rated as 3* or 4*, which further shows the high quality of its research. Like many other universities, its courses put a premium on the integration of theory and practice, enhancing students’ abilities to analyze and solve problems.
University of Warwick
- Fees: £24,800- £25,870 per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£2,000 – £15,000
- Acceptance Rate: 10% – 15%
- Entry Requirements
- Level: A*AA – AAA
- IB: 38-39 with 666 at Higher Level
- Language: IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 100 (22+ in R; 21+ in L, W; 23+ in S)
The University of Warwick stands out as one of the best universities for economics in the UK. According to the latest REF 2021, 99% of its research has received the highest rating, and it ranks second in terms of research excellence in the UK. Since the University of Warwick engages in cooperation with many renowned companies, including Frontier Economics and PwC, you can also make your foray into any fields you like on placement in companies.
UCL (University College London)
- Fees: £32,100per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£3,000 – £25,000
- Acceptance Rate: 10% – 12%
- Entry Requirements
- Level: A*AA
- IB: 39
- Language: IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 100 (24+ in R; 30+ in L, W; 20+ in S)
When it comes to the best universities in UK for economics, the University College London is the one you can’t ignore. It ranks 17th in the world and 4th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings for Economics. Renowned staff, inspiring and various lectures and classes and extensive cooperation with world-class companies all make UCL an academic powerhouse and a springboard for success.
Durham University
- Fees: £23,500per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries: £2,000-£5,000
- Acceptance Rate: 20%-25%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:A*AA – AAB with A at Mathematics
- IB:36-38 with 766 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 6.5 (6.0+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 92 (23+ in each sub-test)
Durham University is also among the best UK universities for economics. It has close academic cooperation with other top-notch universities, providing students with opportunities to learn from first – class economists at home and abroad. It also boasts experienced staff who excel at integrating economic theories with practical problems, helping students solve real – life challenges.
King's College London
- Tuition Fees: £24,360per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries: £1,500 – £10,000 per year
- Acceptance Rate: 15%-20%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:A*AA – AAA
- IB:35 with 766 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOFEL: 100 (23+ in L, S, R; 25+ in W)
As one of the best universities in UK for economics, King’s College London places a premium on behavioral economics, development economics, and financial economics, with strong collaborations in the City of London. The Career Service Centre offers direct recruitment channels to investment banks and consulting firms, with graduates securing positions at institutions such as the Bank of England, Citigroup, and the World Bank.
University of Bath
- Fees: £22,400- £23,800 per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries:£2,000 – £6,000
- Acceptance Rate: 18%-22%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:A*AA
- IB:36 with 666 at Higher Level
- Language:IELTS: 7.0 (6.5+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 100 (24+ in each sub-test)
The University of Bath stands out as one of the best UK universities for economics. According to the Complete University Guide 2025, the employment prospects of its graduates majoring in economics rank second. What distinguishes the University of Bath from other universities is that you can choose to pursue the four – year study and engage in a placement at the same time!
University of Leeds
- Fees: £22,250 – £28,750 per year
- Scholarships and Bursaries: £1,000-£7,500
- Acceptance Rate: 25%- 35%
- Entry Requirements
- Level:AAB
- IB: 35 with 655 at Higher Level
- Language: IELTS: 6.5 (6.0+ in each sub-test); TOEFL: 88 (19+ in L; 20+ in R; 21+ in W; 22+ in S)
The University of Leeds stands out as one of the best UK universities for economics. It ranked 10th in the UK in the economics university ranking of the Complete University Guide in 2023. The University of Leeds is also renowned for its interdisciplinary teaching methods and emphasizes in-depth study of advanced economics and econometrics. Its small but nicely designed campus is
within walking distance of the city centre.
Why Study Economics in the UK?
Whether you aspire to become an economic policymaker or thrive in the corporate sector, studying economics in the UK equips you with unparalleled skills. Below are key reasons why the UK stands out as a popular destination for pursuing an economics degree.
- World-class Education.According to the QS World University Rankings economics 2025, 11 universities in the UK are among the top 50 ranking economics universities. You’ll meet well-informed faculty and have access to inspiring programs in LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge.
- Networking and Career Opportunities. As the European financial centre, the UK exposes you to a vast range of placement and internship opportunities and connects you with informed industry leaders and professionals, boosting your ego and improving your future job prospects.
- Diverse Programs. The UK offers a variety of economics courses tailored to meet different interests and career goals. You can deepen your understanding about economic theories or delve into interdisciplinary fields such as economic history in some of the best UK universities for economics.
- Abundant Academic Resources. In the top universities for economics in the UK, you’ll have access to a huge database and countless academic journals. Take University College London. It boasts more than 14 million books and journals! You can also participate in various seminars and lectures to broaden your horizons.
- Vibrant Cultural Hub. The UK has always been a magnet for international students. Over 600,000 students come to the UK each year for personal growth, according to the British Council, which means that you can foster a more inclusive college experience.
Considerations for Choosing an Economics Programme
The economics university ranking is something of wide recognition when you make the final choice. But there are other factors that can influence your preference. To help you make a more informed decision, here are the five key considerations.
- Rankings and Reputation.You can check out the top universities for economics on the QS World University Rankings Economics or the Complete University Guide in recent two to three years to learn about their downward or upward trends and reputation.
- Faculty Expertise.The economics departments are windows on the expertise of faculty members. Seniors with first-hand experience can offer valuable insights. So feel free to ask around!
- Discipline and Specialisations. Different economics universities may have different focuses and you need to choose based on your own interests.
- Employment Prospects. This is a key measure of a university’s education, and all students will eventually enter the workplace.
- Location. Students’ internship and job prospects are closely tied to a region’s economic development, which is why big cities like London typically offer far more opportunities.
Career Paths for Economics Students
Economics has always been a popular major in universities around the world. The following are some career choices for economics graduates. But always remember that the world is your oyster!
- Financial Analyst. Students majoring in economics tend to possess a solid foundation in economic theories and strong data analysis capabilities. This is particularly helpful for analyzing financial market trends and assessing the risks and returns of investment projects.
- Market Researcher. Economics students have a relatively deeper understanding of theories such as the relationship between supply and demand and market mechanisms, and they can apply them to investigate market dynamics and consumer behavior.
- Economic Policy Analyst. Economics graduates have profound understanding of various economic policies. They can analyze the impact of policies on the economy and society and predict the trends of policy changes.
- Corporate Financial Analyst. Economics graduates have comprehensive financial knowledge. Their understanding of concepts, such as cost, revenue, and profit, is conducive to analyzing corporate financial situations, helping enterprises maximize benefits.
Research Topics for Economics Students
Here are some topics for your reference. Conducting research based on your interests can bring you an immersive research experience.
Study in the Best Universities for Economics UK
A cozy and convenient living environment is crucial for your college life, and that is what uhomes.com can offer you. From budget-friendly apartments to luxurious houses, it has all types of student accommodations in London, Manchester, and many other cities to meet different students’ needs. You can always find your ideal living place here!
Conclusion
The 10 best universities for economics UK always provide world-class education whether you prioritize theoretical depth, applied research, or professional networking. You can make an informed decision and pave the way for academic success based on the above information.
FAQ of Best Universities for Economics UK
According to Complete University Guide rankings 2025, the University of Cambridge is the best university for economics UK, followed by the London School of Economics and University of Oxford.
The top universities for economics in the UK are the University of Cambridge, LSE, the University of Oxford. Other top ranking economics universities include St Andrews, Warwick and UCL.
The London School of Economics specialises in economics in the UK. It focuses on social sciences, particularly economics, offering dedicated and inspiring programs and research.
Critical thinking, problem-solving and strong mathematical skills for data analysis are all necessary skills for studying of economics.
The main branches of economics are microeconomics and macroeconomics. Others include international economics, development economics, behavioral economics, and econometrics.
