Academic reputation

Over 97% of Bristol's Economics and Econometrics research is rated either 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF 2021).

Highly ranked

Bristol is a leading university, ranked in the UK top 10 (QS World University Rankings, 2024).

Career success

Bristol graduates are 4th most targeted by top UK employers (High Fliers Research, 2023).

Economics at Bristol

Studying economics shows you how to make the world a better place while pursuing a successful career.

Our technically challenging courses enable you to develop your analytical and quantitative skills, as well as receiving training in data-handling and programming.

We are one of the leading economics schools in the UK. You will be taught by world-class academics, many of whom have experience working as professional economists.

We take an innovative approach to our courses and regularly review and update what we teach. You will become skilled in understanding economic concepts and applying formal models and tools to test behavioural predictions using real-world data.

By joining the School of Economics, you will benefit from access to the largest student subject society in the University: the Economics, Finance and Management (EFM) Society, which runs regular socials and peer support programmes.

Our Professional Liaison Network offers professional mentoring and insightful talks from economists working in economic research, consulting and policy. There is also a mentoring scheme that matches students with working professionals who have studied economics.

If you can't access YouTube, watch 'What is economics and why study at Bristol' on YouKu.

Within economics, there are so many avenues you can go into, and Bristol really encourages you to find your passion. The city has everything you need to have an enjoyable and rich student life - I really like the diversity of culture, music and food, and the way Bristol celebrates that.

EMMA, BSC ECONOMICS

Career prospects

A student smiling while sitting with others at a table.

A Bristol economics degree prepares you for a successful future. The skills that you develop, such as analytical and quantitative skills, are highly sought after by employers - enabling you to apply your economics degree to many different destinations.

Opportunities include working in finance, international trade, labour markets, environmental change, public policy, economic history and developing economies.

Recent graduates have found dynamic roles at Goldman Sachs, HM Treasury, Action for ME, the Department for International Trade and Industry, and Capital Economics.

Many of our students also go on to postgraduate study. Recent graduates have progressed to Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, University College London, Copenhagen Business School and the Paris School of Economics.

What our students do after graduating

Course structure

A student works on a computer using financial software

The structure of your course is determined by your degree choice. With a broad range of optional units to choose from, you can shape your degree to your specific interests and future career aspirations.

In the first year, you will take introductory units in economics and maths. In year two, you will deepen your economics knowledge with units in micro and macro-economics and econometrics, as well as optional units.

Many of our students, where possible, choose to study an Applied Economics Dissertation. This allows you to develop important skills such as the ability to work independently, manage your time, use analytical software and to apply your economic theory to a specific question or problem.

You can also choose to combine your degree with a second subject on our joint honours courses, or extend your course by complementing your studies with a year abroad or by pursuing an integrated master's programme.

For BSc Economics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language, you will study in the language of your host country, and you will take language units in your first and second years in preparation for this.

To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

Enhancing the future

Three students having a discussion at a table in a University of Bristol building.

We are dedicated to enhancing the teaching of economics and diversifying the subject, making an outstanding education accessible.

Bristol is home to the Economics Network, an organisation committed to improving the teaching of economics within higher education.

We're also home to the Economics Observatory, created during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, which helps the public understand important economic questions that the pandemic and its aftermath have raised.

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