Discover the best UK universities for Economics in 2026. These institutions offer a strong mix of academic excellence, career prospects, and student life.
Best Universities for Economics: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Oxford | 96 | 82 |
| 2 Silver | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 95 | 77 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Cambridge | 94 | 75 |
| 4 | University of Warwick | 90 | 81 |
| 5 | University of Manchester | 89 | 79 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | 88 | 80 |
| 7 | University of Bristol | 86 | 77 |
| 8 | University of Nottingham | 85 | 74 |
| 9 | University of Glasgow | 84 | 75 |
| 10 | Queen Mary University of London | 83 | 73 |
1. University of Oxford Gold
2. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Silver
3. University of Cambridge Bronze
4. University of Warwick
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Bristol
8. University of Nottingham
9. University of Glasgow
10. Queen Mary University of London
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Economics rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Economics Universities Explained
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
World-leading research and excellent graduate employability in economics and finance.
University of Cambridge
Strong academic tradition combined with access to a broad research network.
University of Oxford
Rigorous curriculum with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and high prestige.
University of Warwick
Renowned for innovative teaching methods and strong industry links.
University College London (UCL)
Diverse student body and excellent resources for economic research.
University of Manchester
Balances academic strength with a vibrant social scene and student support.
University of Bristol
Offers a practical approach with good graduate outcomes.
University of Edinburgh
Strong focus on applied economics with affordable living costs.
University of York
Known for student satisfaction and a supportive community.
University of Nottingham
Good balance of academic quality and social life.
Career Prospects After an Economics Degree
Graduates enter finance, consulting, government, and international organisations. Explore related courses like Management or Data Science for wider options.
Economics Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points range from 128 to 160 depending on the university. Mathematics at A-level is often required or highly recommended.
Cheapest Cities to Study Economics in the UK
Cities like Glasgow, Sheffield, and Newcastle offer affordable living alongside good university options.
Best Economics Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham rank highly for nightlife and student activities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Look for universities like Edinburgh and York with strong support services and positive student satisfaction scores.
Not Sure About Economics? Consider These Alternatives
Try Finance, Politics, or Mathematics.
Summary: Which Economics Uni is Right for You?
Consider academic reputation, entry requirements, location, and student lifestyle. Bookmark your favourites and compare to find the best fit for you.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Economics
Top UK universities for Economics include London School of Economics (LSE), University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. Check our latest rankings for the most current student feedback and scores.
LSE is often top-ranked for Economics due to its research excellence and strong graduate employability.
An Economics degree offers excellent career prospects across finance, policy, and business. Your experience varies by university and personal interest.
The UK is globally respected for Economics, with other strong options including the USA and Canada, depending on your goals.
Maths is essential, with Economics or Business Studies recommended. Always check specific course entry requirements.
Common careers include roles in finance, consulting, government, data analysis, and economic research.
Yes, demand is strong especially in finance, consulting, and public policy sectors.
Starting salaries generally range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising significantly with experience.
Courses with heavy maths or econometrics can be challenging. It helps to have a strong maths background.
Many work in finance, government, consultancy, academia, and international organisations.
Absolutely. Economics is highly respected for its analytical rigor and career versatility.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
