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Masters in Economics in UK: Best Universities, Admission, Tuition Fees, Scholarships & Jobs

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Srijita Saha • 13 Mins read • 12 Aug 25
Masters in Economics in UKMasters in Economics in UK

Do you have a career in mind to study in the UK where your overseas study will include studying Economics towards Masters degree? The 1-year course offering Masters in Economics in UK is offered by globally recognized universities like University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University, to name a few. Undertaking Masters in Economics in the UK costs between £18,200 to £52,817 (₹19,65,000 to ₹57,03,000) per annum in fee structure in the top universities in India. However, students who desire less expensive ones can apply in such universities as University of Westminster, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Buckingham, and University of Brighton among other universities. The annual tuition in these universities is in a range of £13,000 to £17,950 (₹15,05,400 to ₹20,79,210). In the UK though, the Higher Statistics Agency has shown that 91 percent of all the MSc economics graduates have secured jobs within a maximum of 15 months of graduation. Business, administrative and secretarial, IT and marketing are the popular industries where the graduates have been offered employment. The students find employment in the professional world after pursuing Masters in Economics in UK, thus ending up in jobs like Senior Economist, Economic Analyst, Analytics Manager and Investment Analyst. The minimum salaries of alumni Masters in Economics in the UK vary with the yearly salaries of around £25,000 - £35,000 (₹27,00,000 - ₹37,81,000).


Masters in Economics in UK: Highlights

A Masters in Economics in UK is usually offered as a specialisation where the degrees take the form of MSc, MPhil, MRes etc.

Particulars

Details

Duration

1 year

Top universities

University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Cardiff University and Swansea University

Average cost of living

£16,500 - £51,264 (₹17,81,000 - ₹55,34,000), this may vary in UK

Average tuition fees

£8,200 to £52,817 (₹19,65,000 to ₹57,03,000) 

Intake seasons

January, June, July, August, September, December (differs from the university)


Masters in Economics in UK - Important Dates and Events

To pursue Masters in Economics in UK, students need to follow the application deadlines of the top universities offering this course for a smooth application within the deadline.


Masters in Economics in UK: Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

The details of the date of starting application and ending application to the Masters in Economics course in the UK is important information to all students to enter the best universities of the UK. These are the specifications of the application dates both of the current year and years gone by at different universities in the UK and are subject to change.

University

Country

Course

Application Deadline in terms of intake

University of Cambridge

England

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics

3 Dec, 2025 for 2026

University of Oxford

  • 29 Sep, 2025 for Fall 2025
  • 28 Jan, 2026 for Fall 2026

University of Edinburgh

Scotland

Master of Science (MSc) in Economics

6 June, 2024 in Round 3

University of Glasgow

Master of Research (MRes) in Economics

22 July, 2024

Cardiff University

Wales

Master of Science (MSc) in Economics

At the end of August

Swansea University

31 July, 2024


Masters in Economics in UK: Visa Application Timeline

The UK has made a declaration regarding stricter rules of immigration that impact study, work and family visas. The applications for a study visa in the UK can be submitted up to 6 months before the course start date, with a decision time typically of about 3 weeks. 


Masters in Economics UK: Tuition Fees, Living Costs, and Scholarships

Tuition Fees: The tuition fees of the top universities offering Masters in Economics in UK vary from one university to another, and are provided below.

University

Tuition/Annual fees

University of Cambridge

£40,098 (₹46,52,972) in 1st year

University of Oxford

£31,020 (₹35,99,561) in 1st year

University of Edinburgh

£28,800 (₹31,66,000) as annual fees

University of Glasgow

£25,290 (₹29,34,652) in 1st year

Cardiff University

£25,450 (₹29,53,218) in 1st year

Swansea University

£11,900 (₹12,79,250)


Living Cost: The students studying Masters in Economics in UK can have £4,272 (₹4,61,000) as the average cost of living in a month, while the apartment rent on average is £2,600 (₹2,80,000).

Cities

Rent for the apartment each month

Cambridge

£2,300 (₹2,47,250)

Edinburgh

£1,346 (₹1,44,205)

Cardiff

£855 (₹91,912)

London

£2,600 (₹2,79,500)

Manchester

£1,262 (₹1,35,615)


Funding opportunities for Masters in Economics in UK

Master’s loans in Postgraduate: In 2024-25, Student Finance England has taken a step to provide a loan of £12,471 to assist students with the living costs and tuition fees. Additionally, Student Awards Agency Scotland will provide a loan of £7,000 to aid with tuition fees and a loan of £6,900 to assist with the living costs. Moreover, in Wales, Student Finance provides a loan of £18,950 to assist them with tuition fees as well as living costs.


Why Choose a Masters in Economics in UK?

The UK is regarded as one of the top picks for Indian students looking for Masters in Economics due to the reasons given below.

Career Benefits: 

  • A high employment rate as well as a wide range of job opportunities are provided to the students after graduating with Masters in Economics in UK. 
  • The Indian students are motivated to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of previous experience to enhance their chances of getting jobs after completing Masters in Economics.

Global Exposure: 

  • After finishing Masters in Economics in the UK, the students get the opportunity of global exposure and find the top jobs. 
  • Along with this course, the students can seek jobs in industries such as business, finance, HR, marketing, and IT, etc.

Opportunities for Research as well as Study: 

  • If you have an interest in further studies or research, the UK provides excellent resources along with support for learning economics in an advanced manner.

Also Read :

Other Popular Countries for Studying Masters in Economics




Masters in Economics in Australia

Masters in Economics in Canada

Masters in Economics in USA


Masters in Economics in UK: Qualification

The entry requirements for Masters in Economics UK are a must to be followed by all students to be qualified for admission in the top universities.

  • Required Degrees or academic performance: The Indian students are required to obtain 60% within a bachelor’s degree in 4 years to secure admission in Masters in Economics in UK. Candidates from the recognised Indian institutions like IIM or IIT get admission with 65 to 67% as academic average; however, the candidates coming from Indian private universities need to score 70% aggregate in their bachelor’s.
  • English Proficiency: A strong proficiency in English is needed, with a good score in IELTS or TOEFL iBT.


Masters in Economics in UK: Eligibility Criteria – Category-wise 

The eligibility criteria for the application process and the additional documents, and the language test scores are to be properly maintained by the interested candidates.

Language test scores: A score of 6.5-7.0 in IELTS or a 100 score in TOEFL iBT or more is needed by the students to showcase their English proficiency.


Masters in Economics in UK: Application Process

The documents required during the application for Masters in Economics in UK should be submitted, and the application requirements for the universities vary from one to another.

  • Academic transcripts
  • CV or Resume
  • 2 academic references
  • Personal statement
  • Report for English proficiency scores 
  • Essays
  • GRE score report


Masters in Economics in UK: GRE Requirements

A GRE is not needed for Masters in Economics in UK, however, it is highly suggested for Indian students with at least a 160 score in verbal, 4.5 in analytical section, and 164 score in quant. 


Masters in Economics in UK: SOP, LOR, and Resume

A captivating Statement of Purpose (SOP), a Resume and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are required by the top universities for Masters in Economics in UK. These documents are significant in demonstrating the suitability of the students for the program. 


Masters in Economics in UK: University-Specific Admission Steps

The admission steps for getting admission to Masters in Economics in UK are given in a table.

University

Admission requirement

University of Cambridge

  • At least 2:1, that is, upper second class in a bachelor’s degree in the UK or the international equivalent
  • For the Indian students, a bachelor’s degree of 3 years in business administration, business studies, statistics, fine arts, business management, and computer applications from any institution that has recognition from Ecctis

University of Oxford

Undergraduate degree in the field of economics with first-class honours or a very strong upper-second-class classification 

University of Edinburgh

  • A very high grade that is 2:1 or first in statistics, mathematics, other mathematics disciplines, and actuarial science at the undergraduate level
  • 60% need to be scored by Indian students at the undergraduate level

University of Glasgow

  • A bachelor's degree of 4 years from a reputed institution or university with engineering science or higher mathematics and physics
  • The Indian students are required to score a 1st division or more in all years of studies

Cardiff University

  • A 2:1 degree is needed in Economics or a related field
  • The Indian students should have a score of 55 to 60% in a bachelor’s degree from a reputed institution

Swansea University

  • A minimum of 2:2 or equivalent overseas within an undergraduate field of economics 
  • For Indian students, 50% in a bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 6 in a 10-point system


Masters in Economics in UK: Top Course Entrance Exams for Location

There are a few steps or tips that the students should keep in mind when preparing for the English proficiency entrance exams.

Masters in Economics in UK: IELTS/TOEFL Tips

The IELTS/TOEFL tips for getting admitted to Masters in Economics in UK at top universities are.

  • Proper understanding of the requirements of the English language
  • Familiarise with listening, writing, reading as well as speaking
  • Check the websites of the universities to know their English requirements


Masters in Economics in UK: Cutoff

The cutoff for Masters in Economics in UK is significant for candidates applying for this course in different universities in the UK.


Masters in Economics in UK: IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs

IELTS/TOEFL cutoff scores for the top universities in the UK are valuable information for applicants who are applying for Masters in Economics in UK.

University

Cutoff for IELTS/TOEFL Score 

University of Cambridge

  • IELTS-7.5
  • TOEFL-110

University of Oxford

  • IELTS with 7.5
  • TOEFL iBT with 110

University of Edinburgh

  • 7.0 in IELTS
  • 100 in TOEFL-iBT                    

University of Glasgow

  • 90 in TOEFL
  • 6.5 in IELTS

Cardiff University

  • 6.5 in IELTS
  • 90 in TOEFL

Swansea University

  • 6.0 and no component less than 5.5 in IELTS
  • 88 in TOEFL


Masters in Economics in UK: Syllabus

A strong understanding of the syllabus in terms of core courses, electives and specializations regarding Masters in Economics in UK is required by the candidates before applying for the course.

University

Core Courses

University of Cambridge

Microeconomics, econometrics, macroeconomics

University of Oxford

University of Edinburgh

University of Glasgow

Qualitative research methods of statistics, mathematics, and econometrics, and the mathematical treatment of the core field of economics

Cardiff University

Macroeconomic analysis, microeconomic analysis, data analysis, econometrics and research methods

Swansea University

Econometrics, macroeconomics, and microeconomics


Economics Masters UK universities ranking

The rankings, as per QS and Economics Rankings, for the top universities in UK are provided.

University

QS Ranking (World University Rankings)

The Economics Rankings 2024

University of Cambridge

6

5

University of Oxford

4

5

University of Edinburgh

34

56

University of Glasgow

79

101-125

Cardiff University

181

151-175

Swansea University

292

151-175


Compare Masters in Economics programs at Oxford and Cambridge

A summary of the comparison between University of Oxford and University of Cambridge is.

Particulars

University of Cambridge

University of Oxford

Application deadline

3 Dec, 2025 for 2026

  • 29 Sep, 2025 for Fall 2025
  • 28 Jan, 2026 for Fall 2026

Tuition fees (Yearly)

£40,098 (₹46,52,972) in 1st year

£31,020 (₹35,99,561) in 1st year

Apartment rent every month

£2,300 (₹2,47,250)

£1928 (₹2,23,142.40)

Admission needs

  • A minimum of 2:1, which is, upper second class in a bachelor’s degree in the UK or the global equivalent
  • A bachelor’s degree of 3 years in business administration, business management, business studies, statistics, fine arts, and computer applications from any institution that is recognized by Ecctis (for Indian students)

Undergraduate degree in the area of economics with  a very strong upper-second-class classification or first-class honours

English proficiency

  • 7.5 in IELTS
  • 110 in TOEFL
  • IELTS with 7.5
  • 110 in TOEFL iBT 

QS ranking

6

4


Online Masters in Economics UK

At University of Strathclyde, the MSc Applied Economics in the online mode prioritises building the technical as well as analytical skills of students while developing their practical experience to use these skills to solve real-world economic issues and inform decision-making in different environments. The program starts in September and is a 24-month online distance learning course (part-time).


Top Universities for Masters in Applied Economics UK

  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Imperial College
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Reading


Masters in Economics: UK vs. India

Masters in Economics is taught differently in UK and India, the details are given below.

Particulars

UK

India

Duration

1 year

2 years

Global recognition

Highly and internationally recognised with high ranks in QS

Less global recognition

Job opportunities

Broader job options globally after studying this course

Mainly, the job opportunities are situated in the Indian market

English proficiency

Highly required with a valid mark in IELTS or TOEFL

No English test is needed


Masters in Economics in UK: Scholarships

The Indian students are eligible to get various scholarships in the UK to get financial support in pursuing Masters in Economics. 


Masters in Economics in UK: Scholarship Deadline for 2025

The Chevening Scholarship provides a 100% tuition waiver to Indian students to help them with a monthly stipend, flight tickets, travel allowance, and visa fee. Scholarships for Masters in Economics in UK for international students are.

Type of the scholarship

Criteria for eligibility

Award

Scholarship deadline

GREAT Scholarship for the University of Glasgow students

Excellent academic performance along with work experience

£10,000 (₹10,75,000) for a 1-year postgraduate degree

30 April, 2025

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

An applicant from India studying a full-time degree of 1 year in the UK

£30,000 to £45,000 (₹32,25,000 to ₹48,37,500)

Varies based on the location and citizenship

Chevening Scholarships India

Applicants who study MSc in Economics or a related course

Monthly stipend, tuition fee, flight cost, travel allowance, visa application fee

-

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

  • Candidates from the countries of the Commonwealth, such as India, who have 1 year of work experience
  • Academic merit, effect on development in the home country, and research proposal

£12,500 (₹13,43,750)

-


Job prospects after Masters in Economics UK

After the completion of Masters in Economics in UK, the students get a wide variety of job prospects. The graduates get senior-level job roles with a salary package of £50,000 to £75,000 (₹54,00,000 to ₹81,00,000) in a year. 

Jobs

Average salary package (£)

Average salary package (₹)

Senior Economist

58,336

62,70,120

Economic Analyst

36,772

39,51,890

Analytics Manager

49,542

53,23,215

Investment Analyst

34,809

37,42,717

Data Analyst

29,955

32,20,763

Economist

32,266

34,65,595

Demand Planner

28,607

30,73,003

Finance Associate

28,988

31,11,010


Masters in Economics in UK: Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

The popular industries that provide placement to the economics graduates in the UK are financial service organisations, banks, government departments, consulting firms, global companies as well as research institutes.


Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Is any economic background required for getting admission to Masters in Economics in UK?

Ans: Yes, most universities in the UK require a qualification of having economics or a related quantitative background with a valid mark in the bachelor’s degree to handle higher studies in economics. Some of the top universities might also expect strong mathematical skills, statistical knowledge, as well as prior coursework in macroeconomics and microeconomics.


Ques: How much score is required for the English language proficiency tests?

Ans: For Masters in Economics in UK, a 100 score in TOEFL iBT or more or 6.5-7.0 score on IELTS is required to be scored by the candidates to get admission to indicate a strong English proficiency. Some of the universities might expect the scores of PTE or equivalent alternatives.


Ques: What is the tuition fee for Indian students to apply for Masters in Economics in UK?

Ans: For the Indian applicants wanting to study Masters in Economics in UK, they need to pay ₹19,65,000 to ₹57,03,000 annually or in the 1st year, which fully depends on the university and it varies according to that university. However, scholarships can significantly decrease the total tuition burden.


Ques: What are the job prospects and salary range that can be expected after completing a Masters in Economics in UK?

Ans: Senior Economist, Data Analyst, Economist, Economic Analyst, Demand Planner, Finance Associate, Analytics Manager, Investment Analyst are the job prospects provided to the students who have completed Masters in Economics in UK. £25,000 - £35,000 (₹27,00,000 - ₹37,81,000) is the yearly range of salary package offered to the candidates after studying Masters in Economics in UK at the initial stage.


Ques: Are there any Part-time Masters in Economics UK?

Ans: Yes, Part-time Masters in Economics UK is provided by University of Essex. The part-time candidates look into the same modules as the full-time students; however, they balance the models within 2 years of study. Normally, credits are split in a fair and equal manner every year. These graduates get the same qualification but complete their studies over a lengthy period.