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When you join our Department, you'll become part of a tight-knit community that is continually striving for excellence.

We blend academic and practical ways of working, aiming to create a vibrant study environment that will support you in your studies.

We provide opportunities for students and staff to collaborate, whether that's on projects or on leading research into the field of economics.

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Our community 

We offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in our supportive student community; whether through our weekly 'Conversations in Economics', our regular seminar programme, or by joining the variety of societies the University offers. We are very much a global community, with staff and students joining us from all around the world.

Freddy Farias Arias, who studied a joint degree in Politics and Economics at the University of Reading, got involved in all aspects of Department life during his time at Reading.

Read Freddy's story


Learn from academics who are engaged in the media

Our academics are experts in their field and conduct leading research into a number of key areas of economics. They regularly share their expertise in the media. Their involvement in modern-day economics means our teaching and research is always up to date and relevant. You'll get to engage in discussion on today's big issues.

Professor James Reade and Dr Carl Singleton 

Professor James Reade and Dr Carl Singleton have carried out some highly-referenced research in the field of sports economics.

Some of their latest work is about the impact of Covid-19 on the loss of the home advantage in football matches. You can find coverage of this research from ESPN, The Times and The Guardian.  

Professor Marina Della Giusta 

Professor Marina Della Giusta has been quoted by a range of different media outlets about her expertise in the Covid-19 pandemic. She was recently referenced by Huffington Post and Yahoo News on the similarities between the UK and Italy in terms of how the virus might spread.

She also spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about how women are more likely to be economically impacted by coronavirus if schools close and by Mail Online, on the Italian government's response to Covid-19.

Professor Uma Kambhampati

Uma Kambhampati's latest research analyses how leaders around the world reacted in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The paper considers whether country differences in performance to the pandemic can be explained by differences in policy measures adopted by male and female leaders.

This research has been covered by more than 50 international media outlets since it was published for the first time in June 2020. 


Hear from guest speakers who bring a wider perspective

Lectures from guest speakers from the world of economics and beyond give you the opportunity to hear from the very people who are putting economic principles into practice every day.

Watch this short interview with guest lecturer Zhenya Lui who talks about some of his research.


Societies and seminars

Economics Society

Run by students, for students, the Economics Society offers a variety of engaging workshops including a lecture series that features three lectures each term on relevant and topical economics issues.

The society has a mentoring scheme between students at different stages of their degree and regularly runs social events with academics, allowing you to enhance your understanding and knowledge in a more relaxed environment. 

Conversations in Economics

Conversations in Economics

Our weekly "Conversations in Economics" give students and staff the opportunity to discuss topical issues.

You can suggest topics and explore real-world examples in lectures and tutorials, especially in subjects such as macroeconomics and microeconomics.

This is an ideal opportunity to apply what you learn to real-world, ongoing issues.

Reading Online Sport Economics Seminars (ROSES)

Why not join one of our online economics of sports seminars, known as Roses, which are attended by sports economists from all across the world?

The economics of sport is a growing area, with several of our academics at the forefront of leading research in this field. Using sports data is an excellent testing ground for a wide range of economic features and theory.

The seminars are free to access, with renowned sports economists contributing, including Dennis Coates (University of Maryland), Bernd Frick (University of Padeborn), Brad Humphreys (West Virginia University), Alex Krumer (Molde University College) and Stefan Szymanski (University of Michigan).


Work experience

Apply what you've learnt to the real world by taking up the opportunity to carry out work experience, either by doing a placement in between your second and final year of study, or an internship during vacations.

Our students have previously taken up placement opportunities with Bottomline Technologies, Grant Thornton, Walt Disney Company, RSM UK Tax & Accounting, RSM UK Tax & Accounting.

You'll gain practical skills and put yourself in a really good position when applying for jobs upon graduation. 

Ed Higgins, who is currently studying on the BSc Economics programme, was able to secure a placement with the Home Office in the heart of Westminster.

Read Ed's story

How we support you

The welfare of our students is extremely important to us. That's why the University has a dedicated range of services available to you to support your personal and professional development during your studies.

The University offers academic support, as well as non-academic support for your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Read more about the support available to you during your studies

 

Your learning environment

You will learn mostly in small-groups, creating a collaborative, inclusive learning environment where you can grow in confidence and build relevant transferable skills such as communication and analytical skills.

You'll have access to the University's recently refurbished Library, which is full of resources and study space that's ideal for independent study.

Find out how we create an inclusive and supportive environment within the Department


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Athena Swan Bronze Award

The School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics is thrilled to announce that it has received an Athena SWAN Bronze Award! The award recognizes the School’s work to advance gender equality and commits us to continuing our efforts through a 5 year action plan. Look for updates and news as we continue to strive for equality, diversity, and inclusion in our academic community!
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Life in Reading

Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train. 

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Life on campus

Our main campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. Our campus is home to a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.