University College London Bachelor of Science in Economics (University of London)

Description

University College London (UCL), a founding constituent college of the prestigious University of London (UOL) federal system, is a world-leading public research university renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact. Established in 1826 as the first English university open to students of all religions and genders, UCL is located in the heart of Bloomsbury, central London, serving over 42,000 students from more than 150 countries across 11 faculties. Ranked 9th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 17th in Economics & Econometrics (QS Subject Rankings 2025), UCL’s Department of Economics is celebrated for its rigorous quantitative approach and real-world applications, with 92% of its research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021). The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics, awarded as a University of London degree, is a flagship undergraduate program offered by the Department of Economics within the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences. This three-year honors degree (360 UK credits at Level 6) provides a thorough grounding in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, equipping graduates with analytical tools to address global challenges like inequality, inflation, and climate change. Culminating in a distinguished UOL degree certificate or diploma, the program prepares students for high-impact careers in finance, consulting, public policy, and academia, with over 96% of graduates entering professional roles or further study within 15 months.

A Legacy of Economic Thought and Quantitative Excellence

UCL’s Department of Economics, founded in 1826 alongside the university, has been a cradle of influential thinkers, including Nobel laureates Sir William Beveridge (welfare state architect) and Sir James Mirrlees (public economics). As a UOL college, it benefits from the federation’s collaborative resources, such as Senate House Library and interdisciplinary ties with institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE). Ranked 7th in the UK for Economics (Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025), the department emphasizes evidence-based analysis and problem-solving, with research centers like the Centre for Macroeconomics driving policy influence at bodies such as the Bank of England and IMF. The BSc program, designed for mathematically capable students, fosters independent research skills through seminars, data labs, and guest lectures from industry leaders. Alumni, including economists at Goldman Sachs and policymakers at the Treasury, exemplify UCL’s role in shaping global economic discourse.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

UCL’s Economics offerings emphasize flexibility and depth, with the BSc Economics requiring A-levels (typically AAA, including A in Mathematics) or equivalents (e.g., IB 39 points, with 7 in HL Mathematics). Delivered through lectures, tutorials, and problem classes in modern facilities like the Bloomsbury campus’s economics labs, the program integrates compulsory quantitative training with elective modules, leading to a classified honors UOL diploma (First Class: 70%+). Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BSc Economics): Year 1 builds foundations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics for economics, and statistics; Year 2 advances to intermediate economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods; Year 3 focuses on advanced topics like game theory, behavioral economics, and a capstone research project or dissertation on real-world issues (e.g., fiscal policy in emerging markets). Compulsory elements include mathematical modeling (using tools like MATLAB or Stata), data analysis, and ethical economic reasoning, with assessments via exams (60%), coursework (30%), and presentations (10%). Optional modules allow specialization in finance, development economics, or environmental economics.
• Admission Requirements: AAA at A-level (A in Mathematics; A in Economics if offered); IB 39 points (7 in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches); or equivalent (e.g., US GPA 3.7+ with SAT Math 750+). All applicants for 2026 entry must sit the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission), with an entry fee. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no subscore below 6.0) for internationals. Applications via UCAS (code: L101); deadline: January 29, 2026. Contextual offers available via Access UCL for underrepresented groups.
• Variants and Specializations: BSc Economics and Statistics (joint with Statistical Science, emphasizing econometrics); BSc Geography and Economics (interdisciplinary with spatial analysis); or BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) for broader social sciences. An optional fourth year leads to an MSci. Shorter certificates like the UCL Certificate of Higher Education in Economics provide entry pathways. Study abroad options via Erasmus+ or partnerships (e.g., with Sciences Po Paris) add a global dimension.

Fees for 2025/26: £9,535 (UK full-time); £34,400 (international), with potential increases for subsequent years. Scholarships up to £10,000 available via the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship.

Why Pursue a BSc in Economics at University College London?

Enrolling in the UCL BSc Economics (University of London) places you at the epicenter of London’s financial district, with access to cutting-edge resources like the UCL Economics Society’s trading simulations and seminars featuring IMF economists. Small tutorial groups (average 12 students) ensure personalized support, while the program’s quantitative rigor—praised for its “stimulating environment” (NSS 2024)—builds skills in critical analysis and evidence-based policy. Graduates achieve exceptional outcomes: 96% in professional employment or study, with roles at firms like McKinsey, JP Morgan, or the Civil Service, earning starting salaries of £40,000–£50,000. UCL’s top-10 UK ranking for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026) and diverse community (50% international students) foster global networks, amplified by UOL’s prestige. Affordable loans, bursaries for low-income UK students (£1,000+), and flexible entry (e.g., via UPC foundation) enhance accessibility.

In summary, the University College London Bachelor of Science in Economics (University of London) is a rigorous degree certificate that empowers you to decode and influence economic realities. For analytically minded students, UCL’s BSc offers unparalleled quantitative depth and career momentum. Explore programs at ucl.ac.uk to embark on your economic journey.