Top 10 UK Universities for Master’s in Economics 2026

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. It 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 managing currencies; it is divided into two primary strands: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics deals with how individuals, such as people, groups, and businesses, utilise their funds. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy on a larger scale, such as unemployment, inflation, and the monetary challenges of cities, countries, and continents. A master’s in economics will help you develop skills and a theoretical background to build a career in economics, econometrics, or finance.

Learn more about the best universities for economics in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Economics & Econometrics) below and begin your application by arranging a free consultation with StudyIn today.

Popular Master’s in Economics Courses

The UK has some of the best universities for Master’s in Economics, with various options to study across numerous disciplines. Popular economic study options include:

10 Best Universities for Economics Master’s in the UK

1. London School of Economics

London School of Economics economics courses provide students with a strong foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics and the opportunity to specialise in specific areas of interest. The Department of Economics also has several research centres and institutes focusing on various aspects of economics, such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Financial Markets Group.

• LSE courses for economics: MSc Economics

2. 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 various 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

3. University of Cambridge

Cambridge has a long and prestigious history in economics, with several Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni. The Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge is one of Europe’s largest and most respected economics departments. One of the most popular economic courses to study at the University of Cambridge is the Economics Tripos, a three-year undergraduate degree providing a comprehensive education in economics. The Tripos covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and various specialist topics.

Cambridge’s economics faculty includes world-renowned economists actively engaged in research and teaching. The University also has several research centres and institutes, such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Cambridge-INET Institute, focusing on various aspects of economics.

• University of Cambridge course: MPhil in Economics

4. University College London

UCL offers a wide range of economics courses, covering various topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, and more. UCL’s location in the heart of London offers excellent networking opportunities, and students will have access to guest lectures, seminars, and events featuring prominent figures from academia, industry, and government.

• UCL course: Economics MSc

5. University of Warwick

According to the annual National Student Survey (NSS) for undergraduates and the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) for postgraduates, the University of Warwick’s Department of Economics has performed impressively in student satisfaction, teaching, and resources.

Warwick’s Department of Economics also has several research centres and institutes focusing 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

6. 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 and the opportunity to specialise in 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 focusing 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

7. London Business School

London Business School offers various degrees and courses in economics, including Financial Analysis and Executive MBA. These courses cover various 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 world-class researchers and have extensive experience working in the private sector, meaning that students benefit from a curriculum closely tied to real-world business challenges.

In addition to being a hub for studying economics in the UK, London Business School is also known for its vibrant and diverse student community, with students from more than 70 countries.

• London Business School course: Master’s in Financial Analysis

8. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s leading research institutions, with a strong reputation in economics and social sciences. Its Department of Economics offers a balance of theoretical and applied learning, covering key areas such as development economics, financial economics, and econometrics.

Students benefit from access to leading research centres, industry links, and opportunities to engage with real-world economic challenges. Manchester’s position as a major UK economic hub also provides strong networking and career opportunities.

• University of Manchester course: MSc Economics

9. Queen Mary University

Queen Mary, University of London, renowned for its research-led teaching and expertise in economics, has 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.

• Queen Mary University course: MSc Economics

10. University of Nottingham

Studying economics at the University of Nottingham means joining 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 catering to diverse interests.

Nottingham’s MSc Economics is “designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of current economic thinking and equip you with the technical tools necessary to create and analyse microeconomic and macroeconomic models. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of econometric techniques.”

• University of Nottingham course: Economics MSc

Study MSc Economics in the UK

Arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today and apply to the best universities in the UK for a master’s in economics.