If you’re thinking about studying economics at uni, you might be wondering what the best universities for economics are. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of the top universities for economics using Complete University Guide’s economics uni rankings.
Updated: 18 Jan 2026
Combining maths, science and social theory, economics is the study of the distribution of wealth, goods and services. If you study economics at uni, you’ll learn more about people’s and businesses' spending habits and learn about the world of commerce. If you’re planning to go to uni to study economics, we’ve put together a guide of the best universities for economics using the league tables from our sister site Complete University Guide.
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire has impressed students this year, with it coming first for student satisfaction in Complete University Guide's economics league table, as well as placing in the top 50 for economics overall. Located only 25 minutes from London, this uni offers students a great opportunity to receive a top class education coupled on a modern campus with a close-knit community.
NEXT: Read what students think of economics at the University of Hertfordshire.
London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the most well-respected social science universities in the world. Founded in 1895, it offers one of the world’s largest social science libraries and 19 research centres, so students will find the uni well-equipped. Its central London location offers students everything they could need from their uni experience, and the local transport network of buses and trains makes travel across the city and further afield easy.
University of Cambridge
If you’re looking for a uni with access to lots of green space, then the University of Cambridge is a strong choice, as the city has plenty of parks and green space scattered across it. The uni itself is one of the UK’s most well-respected and prestigious, and the city lives up to the uni’s reputation, with plenty of beautiful historic buildings to see. The train journey to London is around an hour, so the location is ideal for access to other parts of the UK. In the city, you’ll have the option to go on one of the boat trips down the famous River Cam, and you’ll also find plenty of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres to keep you busy when you’re not studying. The city also has a lively nightlife scene so you can party it up with your friends.
NEXT: Read what students think of University of Cambridge.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews is one of the world’s oldest universities, having been established in 1413. The small town of St Andrews it’s located in offers plenty of history to explore during your studies. As a seaside town, students of the uni are able to benefit from the proximity to the coast as well as everything the town has to offer. In the town, you’ll find museums, a botanic garden and an aquarium, as well as golf courses and the typical student offerings: bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The uni also has a lot of famous graduates including Benjamin Franklin, JM Barrie, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
NEXT: Read what students think of economics at the University of St Andrews.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a large and diverse uni, with over 20,000 students representing over 100 different nations. Located in the capital city of Wales, students have access to everything the capital has to offer as well as good transport connections via Cardiff Station. In the city, you’ll find a wide range of bars, pubs and clubs as well as museums, galleries and cinemas to entertain you during the day and night. The city's also relatively compact, so you won’t have trouble finding what you need within walking distance.
NEXT: Read what students think of economics at Cardiff University.
Queen's University Belfast
A member of the Russell Group, Queen's University Belfast is a leading education institution that gives students the chance to study in scenic Northern Ireland. It came top of the charts for Northern Ireland unis economics subjects in 2026. Northern Ireland has three airports as well as ferries to Scotland, England and the Isle of Man, allowing for easy travel to the rest of the UK.
University of Cambridge
An hour’s train ride from London, you’ll find the University of Cambridge in the picturesque town of Cambridge. The uni is in the city centre, close to everything you need, and you won’t be short of green space studying here. In the summer, many students make the most of the boat trips on offer, and throughout the year there’s plenty of cultural things to do. The city has a range of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres to occupy you, and you also won’t be short of places to eat, drink or party.
NEXT: Read what students think of economics at the University of Cambridge.