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, 2025).

Career success

Bristol graduates are 5th most targeted by top UK employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).

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 receive training in data handling and programming. You will become skilled in understanding economic concepts and applying formal models and tools to test behavioural predictions using real-world data.

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.

You will benefit from access to one of the largest student subject societies in the University: the Economics, Finance and Management (EFM) Society, which runs regular socials and peer support programmes.

Our Professional Liaison Network offers 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 'Undergraduate Economics at Bristol: Emma's Experience' on YouKu.

There's a lot of real world application in our teaching, where they bring recent news into context during our lectures and it just makes it a lot more understandable. It's a lot more application-heavy which I really like and I think that's what's most important for future employability.

NISHA, BSC ECONOMICS AND ECONOMETRICS

Career prospects

A student smiling while sitting with others at a table.

Bristol economics graduates are highly sought after by employers.

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 graduates also progress to postgraduate study. Recent destinations include Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, University College London, Copenhagen Business School and the Paris School of Economics.

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 and apply economic theory to a specific 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.

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

Shaping the future of economics

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 it more 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, which helps the public understand the pressing economic questions we face today.

Edit this page