A degree in economics focuses on the issues that affect finances, resources and spending, from individuals to large organisations and governments. You will study a diverse range of topics and develop an understanding of how these topics affect economies at both a micro and macro scale, including history, politics, psychology, sociology, and geography.
Some of the fields you will be able to specialise in include:
There are many benefits to studying a degree in economics:
Studying economics gives students an insight into how political decisions and the wider world are influenced by the abundance or scarcity of resources. You will also get a better understanding of how economics drives government policies and other current events.
Economics students will develop a wide range of theoretical skills that are applicable to the real world and current events. This gives graduates a broad base on which to develop their career, either academically or professionally.
The scope and real-life applications learnt during an economics degree give graduates excellent prospects when they complete their degree. Economics graduates earn higher than average salaries and are in demand by employers across a wide range of industries.
Studying economics means you will learn about a range of subjects that will give you a number of opportunities. An economics degree covers aspects of politics, sociology, psychology, history, mathematics, business, finance and international relations.
If you choose to study economics at the University of Surrey you will be based at the Surrey School of Economics.
Ranked 6th for real-world impact of economics research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, the School is a well-respected institution which advises governments and other large organisations and publishes in leading peer-reviewed journals. It also well-known for quality teaching and has some of the highest student satisfaction amongst UK economics departments in the UK.
Undergraduate students have the option to take part in the Professional Training Year programme during the second year of your degree. The placement is an opportunity for you to understand how what you have learned applies to the real world and allows you to gain vital work experience in your chosen field that will help you stand out to potential employers.
Economics students have taken placements at world-renowned institutions, including:
There are a range of undergraduate economics degrees you could progress to after studying the relevant pathway at the University of Surrey International Study Centre:
University of Surrey is proud to be ranked 9th in the UK and 61st in the world for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022
“I did my placement at BP in London as an economics research assistant. I’m now interested in policy issues in the energy sector, which has led me to take a module in my final year called Energy Economics, looking at issues like how inflation affects the welfare of the economy.”
Catherine from Nigeria
Studied International Foundation Year – Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences
The University of Surrey International Study Centre offer pathways to an undergraduate degree in economics. By taking a preparation programme, you develop the study skills, foundational subject knowledge and confidence you'll need to succeed at university.
A two-semester pathway to a wide range of undergraduate degrees in areas such as accounting, business management, law and politics. Find out what you will study and progression degrees.
Discover how to apply to study at the University of Surrey International Study Centre, the entry requirements and fees, and what to expect when you arrive at the centre.
There are a wide variety of career options available to economics graduates. You can stay on and further your academic studies, or enter a wide variety of different careers such as:
