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19 Best Economics & Public Policy Universities in the United Kingdom

University of Cambridge tops our list of 19 Economics & Public Policy universities in the United Kingdom at #6 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. University College London (QS World #9) and University of Manchester (QS World #35) complete the top three. The universities on this list offer 56 matching courses between them.

19 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
3Top pick
MA University of Manchester logo
QS World #35 #8 in United Kingdom Manchester, England, United Kingdom

University of Manchester

Public University · 23 courses in Economics & Public Policy

All 23 courses →
GBP 23,000 – GBP 31,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1824Founded
46,000Students
15,000International
Admissions open
#35 QS World University Rankings 2026
#8 in United Kingdom

Economics & Public Policy at other levels

How these universities are ranked

10 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #6 (University of Cambridge) to #526 (Coventry University); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University College London is cited most (67,811,539 citations). 1 university have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

19 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, England (3) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is University of Cambridge, founded in 1209. University College London is the largest, with 46,000 students.

Levels, lengths and start dates

By level: 28 bachelor's and 23 master's. The usual length is 4 years and 3 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (96% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (75% of courses with a stated intake). University of Manchester offers the widest choice, with 23 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 3 of these universities. University of Manchester is the least expensive at USD 34,000 a year and University of Cambridge the most at USD 43,000; the middle of the range is about USD 42,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Economics & Public Policy in the United Kingdom?

University of Cambridge (QS World #6), University College London (QS World #9) and University of Manchester (QS World #35) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Economics & Public Policy in the United Kingdom?

Of those with published fees, University of Manchester is the least expensive at about USD 34,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Economics & Public Policy in the United Kingdom?

19 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does an Economics & Public Policy course take in the United Kingdom?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 3 years the next most common.

When do Economics & Public Policy courses start in the United Kingdom?

Fall is the main intake — 96% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most Economics & Public Policy courses in the United Kingdom?

University of Manchester, with 23, ahead of University of Sussex (3).

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