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- LSE (QS #6 for Economics) leads UK master’s in economics programs at GBP 41,000/year, followed by Oxford (GBP 37,000–45,000) and Cambridge (GBP 36,000–45,000), with more affordable options at Glasgow (GBP 22,000–26,000) and Leeds (GBP 24,000–28,000) — all as 1-year full-time programs that allow earlier entry into the job market than 2-year equivalents in the US.
- Eligibility typically requires a 2:1 honours degree (60–70% for Indian students) in Economics, Mathematics, or Statistics, with IELTS 6.0–7.5 depending on the university, and GRE mandatory at top schools like LSE and UCL (minimum quantitative score of 162 at UCL) but not required at Warwick, Manchester, or Bristol.
- MSc Economics graduates earn GBP 36,000–54,000 annually according to HESA 2025 data, with Management Consultants earning up to GBP 55,000 and Financial Analysts up to GBP 50,000 — supported by a 2-year Graduate Route visa (for applications before December 31, 2026) and fully funded scholarships including Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
A master of economics is a 1 year degree course in the UK that helps you to have a lucrative career as an economist, data analyst, financial analyst, policy advisor, or other in the thriving UK job market. You will also be entering the workforce earlier than others, like the US or the UK, with an average annual starting salary of GBP 30,000 to GBP 55,000 per year. This is a major cost-saving benefit for international students.
The Master’s in Economics UK course is world-renowned at top universities and colleges such as LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick, and many more. This blog includes information you must know to study a Master’s in Economics in UK. Here we have included the top universities according to QS, duration, tuition fees, eligibility requirements, career scope, and many more.
This Blog Includes:
- Master’s in Economics in the UK: Quick Overview
- Why Study a Master’s in Economics in UK?
- Top Universities for Master’s in Economics in the UK
- Popular Specialisations for Economics in UK
- Eligibility Requirements for a Master’s in Economics in the UK
- Admission Process for Master’s in Economics in UK
- Cost of a Master’s in Economics in UK
- Scholarships for Economics Master’s UK for Indian Students
- Jobs After a Master’s in Economics in the UK in 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master’s in Economics in the UK: Quick Overview
The table below includes the MS/MSc in Economics course duration, specialisation, specilisation which are in demand, academic and language requirements, top universities, average salaries, career scope, and many more. Check the table below before planning your studies in UK to get a basic idea.
| Particulars | Details |
| Degree Name | MS Economics or MSc in Economics |
| Course Duration | 1 year (full-time) |
| MS in Economics: Tuition Fees in UK | GBP 16,000 to GBP 51,000 per year |
| IELTS Requirement | 6.5 to 7.0 (varies by university) |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | It is required at top universities such as LSE, UCL, etc. |
| Popular MS Specialisations | Financial Economics Econometrics Behavioural Economics Data Science |
| Top Universities for Economics Master’s in UK | London School of Economics (LSE) University of Oxford University of Cambridge UCL University of Warwick Imperial College London |
| Average Starting Salary | GBP 30,000 to GBP 55,000 per year |
| Approximate Total Cost of studying MS in Economics in UK | INR 20 lakh to INR 60 lakh |
Why Study a Master’s in Economics in UK?
There are many reasons to study Master’s in Economics courses in the UK. It helps students to get expertise in the economics of the world, opening doors to highly demanding career options after graduation. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose to study a Master’s in Economics in UK:
- The UK has many top universities that offer rigorous and competitive MS in Economics courses. LSE is at the top for economics master’s courses in the UK, and it has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners in Economics. Oxford and Cambridge are two of the best universities offering top-notch programs in the field of economics for international students.
- One of the main advantages of studying a Master of Economics in the UK is that the universities offer 1 year degree there, which means that you save costs on UK university tuition and living expenses. Also, you will be entering the ob market early on.
- On graduation from the Master’s in Economics courses in UK, you get strong career options. London in particular is the financial capital of Europe and a hub for multinational corporations, consulting firms, the Big Four, central banking, and more. You can apply for jobs after graduation from an MS in Economics in the UK for companies such as HM Treasury, Bank of England, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Deloitte, etc.
Also Read: Pre-Masters Courses in UK
Top Universities for Master’s in Economics in the UK
Numerous universities and colleges in the UK are renowned for their economics courses, especially at the master’s level for international students worldwide. These universities have prestige, and you can consider them if you are planning to do a course in a Master’s in Economics in the UK in 2026. We have listed the top 15 universities in the UK for an MS in Economics, along with their average tuition and IELTS requirements, in the table. Check it for reference:
| Top UK Universities | QS WUR 2026: Economics | Average Tuition Fees 2026-27 | IELTS Requirements |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 6 | GBP 41,000 | Band 7.0 or its equivalent |
| University of Oxford | 8 | GBP 37,000 to GBP 45,000 | Band 7.0 or its equivalent |
| University of Cambridge | 10 | GBP 36,000 to GBP 45,000 | Band 7.5 or its equivalent |
| UCL | 17 | GBP 39,200 | Band 7.0 or its equivalent |
| The University of Warwick | 25 | GBP 32,960 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| Imperial College London | 29 | GBP 37,000 to GBP 41,000 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| London Business School | 41 | GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000 | Band 7.0 or its equivalent |
| The University of Manchester | 68 | GBP 33,600 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| The University of Edinburgh | 80 | GBP 26,000 to GBP 32,000 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| Queen Mary University of London | 87 | GBP 33,000 to GBP 36,000 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| University of Nottingham | 96 | GBP 24,000 to GBP 28,000 | Band 6.0 or its equivalent |
| University of Bristol | 108 | GBP 27,000 to GBP 32,000 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| University of Glasgow | 109 | GBP 22,000 to GBP 26,000 | Band 6.5 or its equivalent |
| King’s College London | 119 | GBP 29,000 to GBP 34,000 | Band 7.0 or its equivalent |
| University of Leeds | 145 | GBP 24,000 to GBP 28,000 | Band 6.0 or its equivalent |
Popular Specialisations for Economics in UK
As an international student, you get to choose from a wide range of specialisations for Master’s in Economics courses in the UK. You can choose the right one for you based on your preference and choice. Check out some of the highly demanding and popular specialisations for Economics master’s degrees in the UK.
- MSc Economics
- MSc Financial Economics
- MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
- MSc Behavioural Economics
- MSc Economics and Data Science
- MSc Development Economics / Economic Policy
- MSc Applied Economics
Check out: 23+ UK Masters Scholarships for International Students
Eligibility Requirements for a Master’s in Economics in the UK
Another aspect to consider before applying is checking whether you are eligible for the master’s course in Economics or not. This is because if you are not eligible, you will not get admission, and your time and application costs will be wasted as well. So, here are the common eligibility requirements for an MS in Economics in the UK for international students:
Academic Requirements
- Most UK universities ask for a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- For Indian students, this typically translates to around 60 to 70% in their undergraduate degrees, though top universities like LSE and Oxford expect higher percentages. What matters a lot beyond grades is your mathematical background.
English Language Requirements
- It depends on the university on what English language proficiency score they want for admission into the MS in Economics courses in UK. Acceptable tests include IELTS, PTE, DET, and TOEFL.
- For reference, you need at least 6.0 to 7.0 for top universities in the UK offering MS in Economics courses on average.
GRE / GMAT Requirements
- Several UK economics programmes require the GRE, such as LSE, UCL, etc.
- At some universities like Warwick, Manchester, and Bristol, the GRE is generally not mandatory, though a strong score can support your application.
Admission Process for Master’s in Economics in UK
Although the admission process differs at the university you have chosen, if you are doing the MS in Economics courses in the UK, there is a common process that every university has. We have included the common application process for you if you are targeting a Master’s in Economics in UK:
- Choose the university after researching rankings, tuition, career prospects, and specialisations.
- Check the eligibility requirements of the chosen university
- Gather out your documents, which commonly include SOP, LOR, bachelor’s degree, resume, GRE, IELTS, etc.
- Check the method by which the university accepts the application.
- If there is an application portal, submit the application and soft copies of the documents and pay the relevant application fee.
- Wait for the decision and receive the offer. It might be conditional or unconditional based on your application.
- Then you can apply for the UK study visa.
It is also important for you to note that top universities in the UK, like LSE and UCL, fill their cohorts early. If you’re aiming for September 2026 entry and reading this in early 2026, apply as soon as you have your documents ready.
Cost of a Master’s in Economics in UK
The overall cost of studying a Master’s in Economics in UK includes the tuition as well as the living expenses. These completely differ for individuals based on their university preferences and lifestyle. So, we have mentioned both the tuition on average and cost of living estimate through the headings below for reference.
Master’s in Economics: Tuition Fees in the UK
Here is the table with the average tuition fees for the academic year 2026-27 in some of the top universities that offer an MS/MSc in Economics in UK:
| Top 10 UK Universities | Average Tuition Fees 2026-27 (GBP) | Average Tuition Fees 2026-27 (INR) |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | GBP 41,000 | INR 51,93,470 |
| University of Oxford | GBP 37,000 to GBP 45,000 | INR 46,86,790 to INR 57,00,150 |
| University of Cambridge | GBP 36,000 to GBP 45,000 | INR 45,60,120 to INR 57,00,150 |
| UCL | GBP 39,200 | INR 49,65,464 |
| The University of Warwick | GBP 32,960 | INR 41,75,843 |
| Imperial College London | GBP 37,000 to GBP 41,000 | INR 46,86,790 to INR 51,93,470 |
| London Business School | GBP 40,000 to GBP 50,000 | INR 50,66,800 to INR 63,33,500 |
| The University of Manchester | GBP 33,600 | INR 42,56,112 |
| The University of Edinburgh | GBP 26,000 to GBP 32,000 | INR 32,93,420 to INR 40,53,440 |
| Queen Mary University of London | GBP 33,000 to GBP 36,000 | INR 41,80,110 to INR 45,60,120 |
Living Expenses While Studying an MS in Economics in UK
You also set some money aside for tuition fees if you are planning to study a Master’s in Economics in the UK. This money is required to budget for the living expenses in the UK for the 1 year you are intending to study your master’s course. Although it is difficult to tell you an exact cost of living in UK as it can differ according to your lifestyle and life choices, we have tried to give you an estimate of average costs which can happen for you there:
| Expense List | Average Costs Per Month |
| Accommodation | GBP 1,250 |
| Food | GBP 180 |
| Transport | GBP 75 |
| Utilities | GBP 280 |
| Internet | GBP 50 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | GBP 150 |
| Total | GBP 1,985 |
Scholarships for Economics Master’s UK for Indian Students
A scholarship helps you to cover the tuition fees and sometimes the living expenses if you are planning to study a Master’s in Economics in UK. There are numerous scholarships and funding options in the UK for you to apply to that cover both partial and full costs for you. Here are some of the top scholarships for a Master’s of Economics in the UK for international students:
Top Scholarships for Master’s in Economics in UK
| Scholarship | Benefits | Eligibility |
| Chevening Scholarship | 100% tuition fees Stipend Airfare allowance | Citizen of an eligible country Potential in the chosen field At least 2+ years of work experience Admission to a UK university |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | 100% tuition fees Stipend Travel expenses | It is a financially based scholarship for students from developing Commonwealth countries. They must also be planning to study master’s courses in UK universities. |
University-Based Scholarships for MS in Economics in the UK
- Warwick Department of Economics Master’s Scholarship
- LSE Graduate Support Scheme
- University of Edinburgh Fee Discounts
- UCL Graduate Research Scholarship
Jobs After a Master’s in Economics in the UK in 2026
After graduating with an MS in Economics from a UK university or college, students have the option to apply for a post-study work permit, which is also known as the graduate route visa. It is important for you to also understand that if you apply for it before December 31, 2026, the validity of the visa is 2 years, but beyond this time, the validity reduces to 18 months for international students.
Job Opportunities After an MS in Economics in the UK
An MSc in Economics from a UK university opens doors across multiple industries. Some of the most popular job opportunities in the UK for you after completing your Master’s in Economics degree are mentioned below for your reference:
- Economist
- Data Analyst or Quantitative Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Investment Analyst or Banker
- Management Consultant
- Risk Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Economic Consultant
- Data Scientist or Econometrician
Average Salary After MS/MSc Economics in the UK
The Graduate Outcomes 2025 data from HESA puts the average UK salary of economics postgraduate taught graduates in the UK at around GBP 36,000 to GBP 54,000, depending on the institution and sector. Check the average salaries for international students after graduating from a Master’s in Economics in the UK:
| Job Role | Average Starting Salary (GBP) |
| Graduate Economist | GBP 30,000 – GBP 38,000 |
| Financial Analyst | GBP 35,000 – GBP 50,000 |
| Data Analyst | GBP 30,000 – GBP 45,000 |
| Management Consultant | GBP 40,000 – GBP 55,000 |
| Policy Advisor | GBP 28,000 – GBP 40,000 |
| Risk Analyst | GBP 35,000 – GBP 48,000 |
Also Read: A Complete Guide: Jobs after MBA in UK
Frequently Asked Questions
There are numerous universities and colleges in the UK that offer top-quality education for those who are looking for Master’s in Economics courses. A few of the top ones include LSE, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL, University of Warwick, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, and many more.
Yes, you can consider the UK as one of the top options to study master’s courses in 2026. The main reason is that the master’s program there is for 1 year, offering international students a chance to get into the job market earlier than those who are pursuing a 2-year course. Also, there are top universities for master’s, research-based curriculum, industry connections, internship opportunities, vibrant campus life, and a chance to have a transformational experience.
The Master’s in Economics in the UK is for 1 year for full-time international students at the majority of universities and colleges. A few of them might also offer a 2-year one. Also, the duration can extend for those who take admission in the part-time MSc Economics degrees in the UK.
The salaries you will be getting after completing your MSc in Economics courses in the UK will majorly depend on the role you want to apply for, the company, your experience, and the city where you are applying. On average, the salary of economics postgraduate taught graduates in the UK is around GBP 36,000 to GBP 54,000 according to HESA 2025 data.
The GRE may or may not be required for admission into UK universities for an economics master’s. Some universities like LSE and UCL require the GRE for international students, where UCL even specifies a minimum quantitative GRE score of 162. On the other hand, some universities like Warwick, Manchester, and Bristol do not require the GRE for an MS in Economics in the UK.
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We hope that this blog on Master’s in Economics UK 2026: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Career Scope has provided you with all the required information you were looking for. For more updates and expert insights on studying in the UK and other study abroad destinations, stay tuned to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!
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