Department of Economics

The Department of Economics at SOAS University of London offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees that combine critical thinking, a global perspective and practical training in both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Our programmes reflect the department's leading role in political economy and development economics, focusing on real-world challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, the environmental crisis and socio-economic inequalities, with research that drives scholarship and policy in the UK and internationally. 

SOAS is ranked top 25 in the UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Combining rigorous economic training with a distinctive, policy-engaged approach, the department offers hands-on learning supported by individualised academic advising and peer mentorship from the first year onward.

What is Economics at SOAS?

Economics is the study of how societies produce, distribute and use resources, and how economic decisions shape growth, inequality, prosperity and wellbeing.

At SOAS, economics is taught through a range of economic perspectives, covering a plurarity of theories and methods. Students explore issues such as economic development, trade, finance, labour markets and inequality, drawing on examples from both the Global South and the Global North.

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Study economics from a global and pluralist lens

Our teaching draws on a pluralist approach to economics, combining economic theory with real-world case studies from both the Global South and the Global North. Students explore issues such as economic development, trade, sustainability, finance, inequality, labour markets, and structural change in regional contexts using a wide.

Learn in central London

Study in central London, with opportunities to engage with economists, policymakers and practitioners through seminars, guest lectures and events across the city.

One of the most international universities in the UK

SOAS was ranked joint 1st in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2027), creating an international learning environment with students and academics from across the world.

Learn from leading economists in a supportive department

Students learn from internationally recognised economists whose research has shaped debates on economic development, industrial policy and finance. Individualised academic advising, peer mentorship, alumni mentoring, seminar series and thematic working groups help create a close-knit and supportive departmental community.

Build practical skills for a career in economics

Postgraduate students train in advanced economic theory and research methods, including coding and machine learning, while undergraduates can study abroad or do a year in industry.

Teaching at SOAS Economics draws on political economy, development economics and a range of economic perspectives to examine real-world economic challenges. Students explore some of the most pressing challenges facing economies and societies today, including:

• Economic development and structural transformation: how economies grow, industrialise and adapt to global change.
• Political economy and governance: how power, policy and institutions influence development, corruption and economic decision-making.
• Inequality, labour and social reproduction: the causes and consequences of economic inequality, labour market change and the social foundations of consumption and production.
• Finance and economic institutions: the role of finance, financialisation, markets and institutions in shaping economic outcomes.
• Sustainability: how economies can respond to environmental challenges and support sustainable development.

These themes are explored through a global lens, with particular expertise on the economies of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Graduates from the Department of Economics at SOAS University of London establish careers in international development, policymaking, consulting, finance and academic research. Alumni include a Senior Policy Analyst at the Bank of England, a Research Fellow at the International Centre for Tax and Development, a Policy Fellow at LSE, and a Global Head of Corporate & Digital Banking at BNY. Others have progressed to senior roles at KPMG and careers in HM Treasury and the UK Civil Service. 

Our alumni work across policy organisations, financial institutions, universities and international organisations, applying political economy and development economics expertise to address the challenges of our time.