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University of Surrey International Study Centre

Study economics in the UK

What is economics?

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:

  • Politics and Economics – Examining how business interacts with law, the economy and government
  • Economics and Mathematics – Focusing on the data, analytics and statistics that inform the choices made by businesses and government
  • Economics and Finance – The study of business and finance topics alongside the core elements of economics
  • Business Economics – The use of economic theory to analyse and improve business operations

Why study economics?

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, such as changes in levels of employment, taxation or public spending. Students will get to closely examine a wide variety of topics, from what determines the price of goods and services to the imbalance in living standards from country to country.

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. An understanding of economics will also help you make more informed decisions about your personal life, such as how to save and budget your finances.

The scope and real-life applications learnt during an economics degree gives 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. Among the most prestigious and higher earning careers for economics graduates include Economics Consultant, Financial Analyst and Government Policy Analyst.

Why study economics at the University of Surrey?

If you choose to study economics at the University of Surrey you will be based at the Surrey School of Economics.

Ranked 6th for research intensity in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 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:

  • Bank of England
  • Ericsson
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • The Walt Disney Company

Degree options at the University of Surrey

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:

  • Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Business Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Economics and Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Economics and Mathematics BSc (Hons)
  • Politics and Economics BSc (Hons)

Economics rankings

16th in the UK for Economics in the Times and The Sunday Times 2019

Surrey student

“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

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

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.

Undergraduate pathway to economics

Two Business students at Surrey

Our Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences International Foundation Year is a two-semester programme that will prepare you for a range of economics undergraduate degrees at the University of Surrey.

How to apply

Surrey ISC students sitting on the green grass on campus

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.

What are economics graduate job opportunities?

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:

  • Actuarial analyst
  • Business development manager
  • Chartered accountant
  • Data analyst
  • Economist
  • Investment analyst
  • Statistician
  • Stockbroker