The UK, being one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad, is home to some of the best universities for master's in economics. From affordable tuition fees, owing to the one-year course duration, to the quality of education, studying in the UK provides a jumpstart to a successful career.
Economics is more than just managing currencies and is primarily divided into two primary strands: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics deals with how individuals, such as people, groups and businesses, utilise their funds, whilst Macroeconomics is the study of the economy on a larger scale, such as unemployment, inflation, and monetary challenges of cities, countries, and continents. Completing a master’s in economics will help you develop skills and theoretical background to build a career in the field of economics, econometrics and finance.
Learn more about the best universities for economics in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023) below and begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Popular Master's in Economics Courses
The UK has some of the best universities for Masters in Economics, with a variety of options to study across numerous disciplines. Popular economic study options include:
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Ten Best Universities for Economics in the UK
1. University of Oxford
Studying economics at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity as its economics department is consistently ranked among the top in the world. As an economics student at Oxford, you will study a wide range of topics, from microeconomics and macroeconomics to econometrics and game theory.
In addition to classroom learning, Oxford offers numerous extracurricular opportunities for economics students. For example, you could participate in the Oxford Economics Society, attend guest lectures and workshops, and work on research projects with faculty members.
- University of Oxford course: Economic and Social History
- Course fees for international students: £30,910
2. London Business School
The London Business School offers a variety of degrees and courses in economics, including Financial Analysis and Executive MBA. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial economics, and econometrics.
One of the strengths of studying economics at the London Business School is the school's strong focus on practical application. Faculty members at the London Business School are not only world-class researchers but also have extensive experience working in the private sector, which means that students benefit from a curriculum that is closely tied to real-world business challenges.
On top of being a hub for studying economics in the UK, London Business School is also known for being home to a vibrant and diverse student community, with students hailing from more than 70 countries.
- London Business School course: Masters in Financial Analysis
- Course fees for international students: £44,900.
3. University of Cambridge
Cambridge has a long and prestigious history in economics, with several Nobel laureates in economics among its faculty and alumni.
The Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge is one of the largest and most respected economics departments in Europe. One of the most popular economic courses to study at the University of Cambridge is Economics Tripos, which is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides a comprehensive education in economics. The Tripos covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and a range of specialist topics.
Cambridge's economics faculty is made up of world-renowned economists who are actively engaged in research and teaching. The University also has several research centres and institutes that focus on various aspects of economics, such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Cambridge-INET Institute.
- University of Cambridge course: MPhil in Economics
- Course fees for international students: £36,864
4. London School of Economics (LSE)
London School of Economics economics courses provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics, as well as the opportunity to specialise in specific areas of interest.
The Department of Economics also has several research centres and institutes that focus on various aspects of economics, such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Financial Markets Group.
- LSE courses for economics: MSc Economics
- Course fees for international students: £34,128
5. Imperial College London
Imperial College London has a long and prestigious history in science and engineering, and its Department of Economics brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to economics education.
Imperial’s Economics courses provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics, as well as the opportunity to specialise in areas such as finance, public policy, and data analytics.
Students at Imperial College have the opportunity to learn from economics experts and to participate in cutting-edge research projects. The Department of Economics also has several research centres and institutes that focus on various aspects of economics, such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Centre for Macroeconomics.
- Imperial College London course: MSc Economics & Strategy for Business
- Course fees for international students: £34,400
6. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick's Department of Economics has performed impressively in student satisfaction, teaching, and resources, according to both the annual National Student Survey (NSS) for undergraduates and the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) for postgraduates.
Warwick’s Department of Economics also has several research centres and institutes that focus on various aspects of economics, such as the Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy and the Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis.
- University of Warwick course: MSc Economics and International Financial Economics
- Course fees for international students: £29,830
7. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester, renowned for its research-led teaching and expertise in economics, has had the privilege of hosting three Nobel Prize winners. As a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious consortium of leading UK universities, it is widely recognised for its academic excellence and research quality, ranking 5th in the UK for research power in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
With an award-winning faculty that leverages innovative techniques and technologies, students are assured of receiving a research-informed education that keeps them up-to-date with the latest theories and developments. The Department provides comprehensive online materials, discussion boards, and video resources to support students' learning, and its computer clusters are equipped with the necessary software to enable them to model and analyse the world around them.
- University of Manchester course: MSc Economics
- Course fees for international students: £27,500
8. University of Edinburgh
The first university to teach economics as a distinct subject in the English-speaking world was the University of Edinburgh. Today, the School of Economics is a dynamic academic community with extensive expertise across the discipline, essential for comprehending modern society. Each year, around 60-90 students from all over the world enrol in the MSc Economics, Economics (Finance), or Economics (Econometrics) offered by the School.
- University of Edinburgh course: MA Economics
- Course fees for international students: £26,300
9. University of Cranfield
Since 1994, the Economics group at the University of Cranfield. Understanding the global economy is essential in our interconnected world, and at Cranfield, the university prides itself on providing its students with the finest education available. The School has the good fortune to attract outstanding faculty from across the globe, who breathe life into the issues for its students.
Cranfield was among the first schools to establish an MBA in Europe, and it continues to rank highly in major league tables due to its distinctive approach to management education and personal development.
- Cranfield University course: MSc Finance
- Course fees for international students: £30,900
10. Lancaster University
Joining the economics course at Lancaster University means becoming part of a thriving community of renowned scholars and professionals. The curriculum for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programmes is designed to establish a strong understanding of economic principles while also catering to diverse interests.
The university employs industry experts to provide direct instruction, preparing students for careers across various sectors such as government, business, and other organisations. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2023, Lancaster University was ranked 10th in the UK for Business and Economics.
- University of Lancaster course: MSc Economics
- Course fees for international students: £24,150
Study Master's in Economics in the UK
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