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We at Reading believe in innovative teaching in economics. Not only do we want to produce the next generation of economists, but we want you to find a real passion for the subject.
The University of Reading is in the top 200 in the world for Economics (QS World Rankings 2023, by Subject).
Economics is built on strong theoretical foundations and we build on this by emphasising the application of economics to the real world and real-world issues and a equip you with the necessary tools to do so.
We are passionate about our research and many of our lecturers are active researchers in their field. Our research feeds directly into our teaching, so you will hear about up-to-date developments in economic theory and practice.
Much of our research involves economics experiments and the University has recently invested in an experimental laboratory and you may even be invited to take part in some of these experiments as a student at Reading.
We offer a wide range of optional modules throughout your degree to enable you to foster your specific interests and introduce you to a wide range of applications of Economics.
A number of our modules focus on topical issues and the most up-to-date methods used by economists such as behavioural and experimental economics, which complement more traditional economic analysis methods and there's been a growth in the use of big social data.
You will also be able to study modules outside of the department.
Overall, 92% of graduates from Economics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Economics responders)
Destinations of our past graduates have included: Civil Service Fast Stream, Office for National Statistics, Goldman Sachs, Ministry of Defence, PwC and Deloitte. Our graduates enter fields such as finance, business, marketing, publishing, PR, media, and a wide range of other careers.
Find out from some of our students about what it's like to learn in the Department of Economics, including details about the courses, your learning experience and more.
We prepare you for your future career by:
Numeracy and IT skills are increasingly important in the contemporary workplace. Through many of our modules, you will develop a strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Skills in finding and evaluating online materials are also central to the research that you will do for your modules and your dissertation.
For every module you will read a lot (and sometimes also watch films or videos) and then analyse what you have found. This allows you develop convincing answers to particular questions.
Self-management skills refer to your abilities to work responsibly and flexibly, to manage your time well, to be self-starting, and to be appropriately assertive.
They also include resilience and your ability to improve your performance through feedback and reflective learning.
The ability to work in a team is a skill that employers often say recent graduates haven't developed as much as they would like.
Our focus on small-group teaching means you are often part of a small team of students working to resolve problems, working in a collaborative way.
We recognise that university is more than just academic success. We actively encourage students to take on other opportunities available to them. All our degrees offer the chance of a placement year between the second and final year and opportunities for summer internships.
There is also the opportunity to study overseas but this is a full year abroad between your second and final year or a term abroad in your second year, typically in the springtime.
Given our passion for research, we encourage students to see research in action and there are various research-related opportunities including the University of Reading Research Opportunities Placement (UROP) scheme. This scheme offers paid research placements that take place over the summer.
Be part of a highly collaborative environment where you are rewarded for your dedication to your studies. You'll have access to modern facilities and a open culture that encourages group learning.
100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
We concentrate primarily on applied research, but with strong theoretical and empirical foundations, and of direct relevance to economic policy formation at local, national and international levels.
Learn from our active researchers and experts. Their research informs policy decisions for governments, multinational organisations and international agencies like the UN.
Find out more about what is happening at the Department of Economics, including upcoming events and more.