Economics university rankings 2027
Swansea University is the best university for economics in 2027, ahead of Bangor University and Durham University. We ranked 85 universities on teaching, support, graduate pay and what it is like to live there.
- 1Swansea University, 196 points. 96% academic support and 79% satisfaction.
- 2Bangor University, 191 points. 98% teaching and 100% academic support.
- 3Durham University, 184 points. £40,000 graduate pay and one of the safest cities.
The full ranking
Showing the top 10 of 85.
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support96%4th of 85Student satisfaction79%9th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living649th of 85City safety65.719th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability69.312th of 85
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Teaching quality98%1st of 85Academic support100%1st of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£25,50073rd of 85Cost of living591st of 85City safety73.511th of 85Social life6885th of 85Sustainability62.222nd of 85
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Teaching quality90%17th of 85Academic support79%76th of 85Student satisfaction78%13th of 85Graduate pay£40,0005th of 85Cost of living6614th of 85City safety78.05th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability57.934th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support83%69th of 85Student satisfaction79%9th of 85Graduate pay£35,0009th of 85Cost of living6719th of 85City safety66.718th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability61.224th of 85
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Teaching quality88%24th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£25,50073rd of 85Cost of living6614th of 85City safety60.328th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability71.99th of 85
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Teaching quality90%17th of 85Academic support92%19th of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£45,0003rd of 85Cost of living8067th of 85City safety63.020th of 85Social life7083rd of 85Sustainability59.828th of 85
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Teaching quality92%11th of 85Academic support86%56th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living7354th of 85City safety57.033rd of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability68.913th of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support86%56th of 85Student satisfaction79%9th of 85Graduate pay£25,00075th of 85Cost of living8269th of 85City safety73.511th of 85Social life7276th of 85Sustainability80.22nd of 85
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Teaching quality91%15th of 85Academic support93%15th of 85Student satisfaction70%65th of 85Graduate pay£27,00056th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety53.644th of 85Social life7739th of 85Sustainability73.18th of 85
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Teaching quality87%27th of 85Academic support89%41st of 85Student satisfaction83%2nd of 85Graduate pay£27,00056th of 85Cost of living623rd of 85City safety100.01st of 85Social life7181st of 85Sustainability53.846th of 85
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Teaching quality90%17th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£25,00075th of 85Cost of living6719th of 85City safety59.130th of 85Social life7739th of 85Sustainability63.319th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support94%11th of 85Student satisfaction79%9th of 85Graduate pay£34,00012th of 85Cost of living6719th of 85City safety73.910th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability51.854th of 85
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Teaching quality89%21st of 85Academic support93%15th of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety47.353rd of 85Social life8116th of 85Sustainability64.618th of 85
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Teaching quality81%59th of 85Academic support82%71st of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£35,0009th of 85Cost of living7354th of 85City safety57.033rd of 85Social life835th of 85Sustainability62.820th of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support96%4th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£31,00024th of 85Cost of living6511th of 85City safety53.743rd of 85Social life7739th of 85Sustainability59.730th of 85
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Teaching quality80%63rd of 85Academic support89%41st of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£31,50023rd of 85Cost of living6614th of 85City safety60.328th of 85Social life835th of 85Sustainability58.033rd of 85
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Teaching quality92%11th of 85Academic support92%19th of 85Student satisfaction69%69th of 85Graduate pay£50,0002nd of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability65.916th of 85
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Teaching quality75%77th of 85Academic support95%8th of 85Student satisfaction78%13th of 85Graduate pay£26,50061st of 85Cost of living635th of 85City safety74.49th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability55.043rd of 85
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Teaching quality87%27th of 85Academic support93%15th of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£21,00084th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety51.548th of 85Social life835th of 85Sustainability68.614th of 85
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Teaching quality89%21st of 85Academic support87%53rd of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£33,00016th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety54.938th of 85Social life842nd of 85Sustainability55.441st of 85
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Teaching quality92%11th of 85Academic support96%4th of 85Student satisfaction69%69th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability73.57th of 85
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Teaching quality93%7th of 85Academic support95%8th of 85Student satisfaction84%1st of 85Graduate pay£33,50014th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety79.43rd of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability28.484th of 85
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Teaching quality86%32nd of 85Academic support92%19th of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety51.548th of 85Social life842nd of 85Sustainability60.427th of 85
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Teaching quality77%72nd of 85Academic support80%75th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living7252nd of 85City safety55.736th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability77.14th of 85
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Teaching quality79%68th of 85Academic support85%60th of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety44.172nd of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability82.61st of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£25,00075th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety39.477th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability77.05th of 85
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Teaching quality97%2nd of 85Academic support100%1st of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living7965th of 85City safety60.526th of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability53.350th of 85
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Teaching quality78%70th of 85Academic support81%73rd of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£26,50061st of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety53.942nd of 85Social life8018th of 85Sustainability75.66th of 85
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Teaching quality93%7th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£39,5007th of 85Cost of living6719th of 85City safety38.378th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability57.235th of 85
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Teaching quality70%84th of 85Academic support83%69th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£21,00084th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety60.624th of 85Social life842nd of 85Sustainability67.815th of 85
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Teaching quality88%24th of 85Academic support84%64th of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety68.716th of 85Social life7181st of 85Sustainability58.531st of 85
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Teaching quality94%5th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living6614th of 85City safety42.675th of 85Social life7276th of 85Sustainability71.410th of 85
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Teaching quality96%3rd of 85Academic support96%4th of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety78.34th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability47.965th of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support94%11th of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety57.131st of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability55.142nd of 85
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Teaching quality89%21st of 85Academic support89%41st of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living7459th of 85City safety100.01st of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability50.358th of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction80%6th of 85Graduate pay£39,5007th of 85Cost of living8269th of 85City safety73.511th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability50.957th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety68.716th of 85Social life7371st of 85Sustainability53.945th of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction82%3rd of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6511th of 85City safety55.237th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability52.353rd of 85
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Teaching quality90%17th of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6719th of 85City safety38.378th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability62.820th of 85
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Teaching quality71%83rd of 85Academic support77%79th of 85Student satisfaction80%6th of 85Graduate pay£24,00079th of 85Cost of living7354th of 85City safety72.914th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability60.726th of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support84%64th of 85Student satisfaction70%65th of 85Graduate pay£31,00024th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety44.172nd of 85Social life851st of 85Sustainability59.828th of 85
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Teaching quality79%68th of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£29,00044th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability78.13rd of 85
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Teaching quality93%7th of 85Academic support92%19th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living6614th of 85City safety56.635th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability52.752nd of 85
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Teaching quality86%32nd of 85Academic support86%56th of 85Student satisfaction67%80th of 85Graduate pay£33,00016th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability65.217th of 85
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Teaching quality77%72nd of 85Academic support87%53rd of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living8067th of 85City safety63.020th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability56.838th of 85
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Teaching quality87%27th of 85Academic support89%41st of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety57.131st of 85Social life8116th of 85Sustainability48.661st of 85
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Teaching quality86%32nd of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction78%13th of 85Graduate pay£34,00012th of 85Cost of living7863rd of 85City safety74.88th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability39.577th of 85
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Teaching quality81%59th of 85Academic support82%71st of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£41,0004th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability61.623rd of 85
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Teaching quality72%82nd of 85Academic support84%64th of 85Student satisfaction77%17th of 85Graduate pay£33,50014th of 85Cost of living7354th of 85City safety72.914th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability50.358th of 85
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Teaching quality75%77th of 85Academic support76%80th of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety60.624th of 85Social life835th of 85Sustainability53.647th of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support93%15th of 85Student satisfaction82%3rd of 85Graduate pay£26,50061st of 85Cost of living7863rd of 85City safety77.56th of 85Social life7276th of 85Sustainability46.469th of 85
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Teaching quality87%27th of 85Academic support92%19th of 85Student satisfaction77%17th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living7965th of 85City safety60.526th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability47.168th of 85
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Teaching quality92%11th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£24,00079th of 85Cost of living635th of 85City safety35.584th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability57.037th of 85
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Teaching quality86%32nd of 85Academic support84%64th of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£54,0001st of 85Cost of living7561st of 85City safety60.822nd of 85Social life7276th of 85Sustainability44.773rd of 85
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Teaching quality74%79th of 85Academic support84%64th of 85Student satisfaction70%65th of 85Graduate pay£23,00083rd of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety54.938th of 85Social life8018th of 85Sustainability57.136th of 85
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Teaching quality78%70th of 85Academic support75%82nd of 85Student satisfaction70%65th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living7561st of 85City safety60.822nd of 85Social life7371st of 85Sustainability58.332nd of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£30,50026th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety54.840th of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability45.771st of 85
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Teaching quality83%51st of 85Academic support85%60th of 85Student satisfaction74%34th of 85Graduate pay£34,50011th of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety47.353rd of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability48.363rd of 85
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Teaching quality77%72nd of 85Academic support81%73rd of 85Student satisfaction69%69th of 85Graduate pay£24,00079th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety36.181st of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability71.111th of 85
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Teaching quality80%63rd of 85Academic support75%82nd of 85Student satisfaction81%5th of 85Graduate pay£25,00075th of 85Cost of living649th of 85City safety51.251st of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability55.540th of 85
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Teaching quality81%59th of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£29,00044th of 85Cost of living7459th of 85City safety74.87th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability45.172nd of 85
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Teaching quality83%51st of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction69%69th of 85Graduate pay£33,00016th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability54.544th of 85
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Teaching quality80%63rd of 85Academic support87%53rd of 85Student satisfaction73%45th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety53.644th of 85Social life7739th of 85Sustainability50.260th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£29,50043rd of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety54.840th of 85Social life8018th of 85Sustainability40.575th of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support94%11th of 85Student satisfaction77%17th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety47.355th of 85Social life7922nd of 85Sustainability46.370th of 85
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Teaching quality95%4th of 85Academic support94%11th of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety36.181st of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability48.264th of 85
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Teaching quality73%81st of 85Academic support76%80th of 85Student satisfaction66%82nd of 85Graduate pay£33,00016th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life8018th of 85Sustainability61.224th of 85
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Teaching quality94%5th of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction80%6th of 85Graduate pay£26,50061st of 85Cost of living6824th of 85City safety51.548th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability44.574th of 85
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Teaching quality93%7th of 85Academic support89%41st of 85Student satisfaction78%13th of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living623rd of 85City safety53.546th of 85Social life7276th of 85Sustainability29.282nd of 85
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Teaching quality81%59th of 85Academic support71%85th of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living602nd of 85City safety41.076th of 85Social life7371st of 85Sustainability56.838th of 85
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Teaching quality80%63rd of 85Academic support88%46th of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£32,50020th of 85Cost of living7045th of 85City safety36.181st of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability48.562nd of 85
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Teaching quality85%36th of 85Academic support78%77th of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£32,00021st of 85Cost of living6936th of 85City safety46.756th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability47.567th of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support85%60th of 85Student satisfaction66%82nd of 85Graduate pay£40,0005th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7083rd of 85Sustainability53.151st of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7829th of 85Sustainability51.056th of 85
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Teaching quality88%24th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction69%69th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living7252nd of 85City safety31.485th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability51.355th of 85
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Teaching quality77%72nd of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£27,00056th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability53.548th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support90%33rd of 85Student satisfaction76%20th of 85Graduate pay£29,00044th of 85Cost of living635th of 85City safety43.874th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability25.985th of 85
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Teaching quality74%79th of 85Academic support86%56th of 85Student satisfaction75%26th of 85Graduate pay£27,00056th of 85Cost of living6511th of 85City safety52.147th of 85Social life7643rd of 85Sustainability29.581st of 85
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Teaching quality87%27th of 85Academic support95%8th of 85Student satisfaction64%85th of 85Graduate pay£28,00047th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life829th of 85Sustainability34.979th of 85
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Teaching quality58%85th of 85Academic support75%82nd of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living7354th of 85City safety49.052nd of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability53.449th of 85
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Teaching quality77%72nd of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction67%80th of 85Graduate pay£32,00021st of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7371st of 85Sustainability47.965th of 85
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Teaching quality82%53rd of 85Academic support97%3rd of 85Student satisfaction72%51st of 85Graduate pay£26,00065th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7371st of 85Sustainability37.578th of 85
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Teaching quality84%44th of 85Academic support85%60th of 85Student satisfaction71%58th of 85Graduate pay£27,00056th of 85Cost of living635th of 85City safety36.680th of 85Social life7456th of 85Sustainability29.183rd of 85
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Teaching quality91%15th of 85Academic support91%24th of 85Student satisfaction68%74th of 85Graduate pay£24,00079th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability34.780th of 85
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Teaching quality80%63rd of 85Academic support78%77th of 85Student satisfaction66%82nd of 85Graduate pay£30,00027th of 85Cost of living9171st of 85City safety44.457th of 85Social life7549th of 85Sustainability40.575th of 85
What the ranking shows
- Swansea University leads by 5 points. Its strongest results are 96% academic support and 79% satisfaction.
- The best-paid graduates are not at the top. University of Cambridge has the highest graduate pay at £54,000, but ranks 39th.
- Two universities score 100% for academic support, including Bangor University in the top three.
- Bangor is the cheapest place to live, with a cost-of-living index of 59. London scores 91.
How the ranking works
We rank each university on eight measures: teaching quality, academic support, student satisfaction, graduate pay, cost of living, city safety, social life and sustainability. The ranks are added together and the highest total ranks first. Lower living costs count as better, and universities with the same total share a place. Read the full methodology.
Four things to check before you apply
- Maths requirements. Many economics degrees ask for A-level Maths, and the more quantitative courses may expect a high grade or Further Maths. Check the exact subject list, not just the grades.
- How mathematical the course is. Some courses are heavy on statistics and econometrics, others lean towards policy and history of ideas. Read the compulsory first and second year modules.
- Placement or year abroad options. Check whether you can add a paid placement year or a year abroad, and whether the university helps you find one.
- Single or joint honours. Joint degrees such as economics and politics or economics and finance split your time. If you want to work as an economist, check how much of the degree is economics.
Questions students ask
Which is the best university for economics in the UK?
Swansea University ranks first in our 2027 economics ranking with a score of 196, ahead of Bangor University (191) and Durham University (184).
Do I need A-level Maths to study economics?
Usually, yes. Most economics degrees ask for A-level Maths, or occasionally Economics, and the most quantitative courses expect strong maths grades. A few courses accept other subjects, so check each course page.
What jobs can you get with an economics degree?
Economists advise government, banks, businesses and other organisations. Graduates also go into finance, consulting, data analysis, policy and research. Some employers prefer a master's degree for economist roles.
How do you become a government economist?
The Government Economic Service recruits assistant economists through the Fast Stream. You need a degree in economics, or a combined degree that is at least 50% economics. A postgraduate economics qualification may also be accepted.
Is there an apprenticeship route into economics?
Yes. There are Professional Economist Level 6 and Senior Professional Economist Level 7 degree apprenticeships. Employers set their own entry requirements, which usually include maths.
Related rankings
Sources: university course pages, the National Careers Service and the Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduate pay is measured about 15 months after finishing.
