University of Bristol School of Economics

Overview

The University of Bristol School of Economics is an academic department within the globally respected University of Bristol, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. As part of a well-established public university, the School benefits from strong academic resources, international recognition, and a research-led teaching environment.

In case you have a career objective in the data meets decision-making, consider policy, finance, consulting, or research, the University of Bristol School of Economics is the sort of environment where you can be squarely in the middle of rigorous economics and real-world impact.

The School sits within a globally recognised research university, so you’re learning from academics who publish, advise, and test ideas against what’s actually happening in markets and societies.

Bristol is an option, too, as an international student wanting to study in UK: a large student city, a good global reputation, and articulate routes to both UG and PG work, with flagship courses such as BSc Economics and MSc Economics.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Total International Students: 10,000+ (from 140+ countries)

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1

Placement Percentage: 94%

University of Bristol School of Economics Rankings

To international applicants who compare universities to study in UK, Bristol reputation results in academic rigour, employer recognition and high quality research-based teaching.

From a ranking perspective, the University of Bristol regularly features in major global league tables, reinforcing its position as a competitive choice for students considering undergraduate programs as well as advanced postgraduate programs at University of Bristol School of Economics.

Here are the updated University of Bristol School of Economics rankings across various agencies:

Ranking Agency	Rank
QS World University	=164 in Subject Rankings – Economics & Econometrics
The Complete University Guide	12th in UK for Economics
Uni Compare	17th in UK for Economics

University of Bristol School of Economics Intakes

Understanding intakes is a key step for international students planning to study Bachelors in UK or Master’s, as UK universities follow a structured but competitive admissions cycle.

Applicants should pay close attention to University of Bristol School of Economics application deadlines, as popular courses, especially in economics, can close earlier than expected once seats are filled.

Autumn Intake: The September intake is the primary and most popular intake, attracting the majority of international students each year. For students interested in undergraduate programs at University of Bristol School of Economics, this intake is especially important, as most bachelor’s degrees in economics begin only at this time.
Spring Intake: The January intake is more limited and typically applies to selected postgraduate programmes rather than undergraduate degrees and availability can vary year to year.

Tip: If you’re researching how to apply to University of Bristol School of Economics, the process differs slightly for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. Undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS, while postgraduate applications are made directly via the University of Bristol’s online application portal.

University of Bristol School of Economics Courses

The University of Bristol School of Economics offers academically rigorous economics degrees that are well aligned with global labour market demand, making them a strong option among popular courses to study in UK.

For those searching popular programs at University of Bristol School of Economics, the School’s flagship economics pathways stand out because they are explicitly quantitative, ideal if you want strong data skills for policy or business.

Some of the top courses at University of Bristol School of Economics are as follows:

Program	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
MSc Economics	1 Year	£29,400
MSc Economics and Finance	1 Year	£31,400
MSc Economics, Finance and Management	1 Year	£33,400
MSc Economics with Data Science	1 Year	£34,200
BSc Economics	3 Years	£84,600
BSc Economics and Econometrics	3 Years	£84,600
BSc Economics and Finance	3 Years	£84,600

Cost of Studying at University of Bristol School of Economics

For international students, cost of studying usually includes accommodation, bills, food, local travel, course materials, and a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposit, bedding, winter clothes, etc.).

When budgeting, it’s equally important to understand tuition fees at University of Bristol School of Economics, as fees vary by level of study and student status.

If you’re comparing cost of education in UK across cities, keep in mind that Bristol can feel expensive for rent, so planning early (and being flexible about location/room type) can make a real difference to monthly stress levels.

Here is an overview of the estimated expenses for international students at the University of Bristol School of Economics:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
UG Tuition Fees	£22,000 – £30,000/year
PG Tuition Fees	£29,000 – £34,000/year
Accommodation	£7,000 – £11,000/year
Food	£200 – £300/month
Travel	£60 – £100/month
General Expenses	£100 – £150/month

University of Bristol School of Economics Scholarships

Financing your education is a major consideration for international students, and the University of Bristol School of Economics offers a range of funding options to help reduce the financial burden.

Through university-level and external awards, students can access structured financial aid University of Bristol School of Economics options designed specifically for overseas applicants.

One of the key funding routes includes University of Bristol School of Economics merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and the overall strength of the application.

In addition to internal awards, the University of Bristol actively supports students applying for broader scholarships to study in UK schemes. These may include government-funded, partner-sponsored, or country-specific scholarships that can be combined with university support in some cases.

Some of the top University of Bristol School of Economics scholarships for international students are as follows:

Scholarship	Value	Details
Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship	£6,500 – £13,000 towards tuition fees	Awarded to international students pursuing UG degree at university
Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship	£6,500 – £26,000 towards tuition fees	Awarded to international students pursuing PG degree at university
GREAT Scholarships	£10,000	Available for students from selected countries
Chevening Scholarships	Fully funded	UK government-funded PG scholarships

University of Bristol School of Economics Admission

Before applying, international students must clearly understand the eligibility to study at University of Bristol School of Economics, as entry criteria vary by level of study and academic background.

The School looks for strong academic performance, particularly in quantitative subjects, making it a competitive choice for students planning to study Masters in UK or pursue undergraduate economics degrees.

Equally important is meeting the English proficiency for University of Bristol School of Economics requirements. International students whose first language is not English must provide proof through approved tests such as IELTS or equivalent qualifications.

The admission requirements for University of Bristol School of Economics are as follows:

Masters

Admission Requirements:

To get admission into a Master’s program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% or equivalent to a UK 2:1 Bachelor’s degree.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 83 – 103
IELTS – 6.0 – 7.5
PTE – 64 – 78
Cambridge C1/C2 – 168 – 184

Additional Requirements:

You are also required to submit academic transcripts, personal statement, work experience (if required), references, CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:

For admission to Bachelor’s program, students are required to have a high school diploma with a minimum of 80% or equivalent.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 83 – 103
IELTS – 6.0 – 7.5
PTE – 64 – 78
Cambridge C1/C2 – 168 – 184

Additional Requirements:

You also need to provide academic transcripts, personal statement, references, CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Accommodation at University of Bristol School of Economics

Finding the right place to live is a major part of settling into university life, especially for students moving from overseas. Housing at University of Bristol School of Economics is supported through the wider University of Bristol accommodation system, which is designed to help new international students transition smoothly into life in the UK.

Alongside housing, the university provides strong International student support at University of Bristol, including pre-arrival guidance and arrival assistance.

On-Campus: University-managed residences include well-known halls such as Wills Hall, Stoke Bishop residences, University Hall, and Hiatt Baker Hall. These halls offer a range of room types, from catered to self-catered options, and are well connected to teaching buildings and public transport.
Off-Campus: Many students choose private accommodation after their first year or if they prefer more independence. Popular student areas include Redland, Clifton, and City Centre locations, which offer good access to university buildings and amenities.

University of Bristol School of Economics Placements

The University of Bristol School of Economics placement rate affects graduate outcome data, and employer engagement indicate strong career progression across finance, consulting, policy, and research sectors.

Students benefit from comprehensive career support at University of Bristol, delivered through the university’s dedicated Careers Service. This includes one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer events, internships support, and continued access to career resources.

The global alumni network at University of Bristol further strengthens career prospects. Graduates of the university work across major international organisations, multinational firms, and public institutions, providing valuable networking, mentoring, and insight opportunities for current economics students.

Some of the top recruiters at University of Bristol School of Economics are:

Deloitte
PwC
EY
KPMG
Goldman Sachs
J.P. Morgan
Barclays
HSBC
Bank of England
Accenture
McKinsey & Company
Amazon
Google
UK Civil Service
World Bank

Student Essential Services

A well-rounded university experience goes far beyond academics, and student life at University of Bristol is designed to support students academically, socially, and personally throughout their journey.

The University of Bristol offers many important services that shall target wellbeing, scholarly achievement, and societal participation. The services are managed centrally by the university hence easily accessed by the economics students of all levels of study.

International Student Support: Dedicated pre-arrival and post-arrival support, including UK student visa guidance, orientation programmes, and advice on living and studying in the UK.
Student Wellbeing Services: Confidential support for mental health, counselling, disability services, and wellbeing resources to help students manage academic and personal challenges.
Students’ Union & Societies: Bristol Students Union, has hundreds of societies, sports clubs and student run initiatives that assist students in befriending each other and other areas of student interest that are not in classroom.
Academic Skills & Study Support: Workshops and one-to-one support focused on academic writing, quantitative skills, time management, and exam preparation, particularly useful for economics students.

Location of University of Bristol School of Economics

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a strong Maths background to succeed at University of Bristol School of Economics?

For quantitatively oriented pathways (especially the BSc), yes, Maths is not just helpful, it’s foundational. If your Maths is weaker, your best move is to prepare before arrival (calculus basics, probability, linear algebra) so you’re not catching up while juggling coursework.

Can I apply if my previous degree isn’t in Economics for studying at University of Bristol School of Economics?

Often, yes for some master’s routes, but the key is whether you have enough quantitative training. If you come from engineering, maths, statistics, or a business degree with solid quantitative modules, you may be competitive. Your statement should explicitly connect your prior coursework to economics requirements.

Is there an interview for University of Bristol School of Economics admissions?

Many applicants won’t need an interview, but practices can vary by programme and applicant context. If an interview is requested, it’s usually to check academic fit, motivation, and preparedness, especially around quantitative readiness and why the programme matches your goals.

How do I choose between BSc Economics and BA Economics for studying at University of Bristol School of Economics?

Think of it as “how technical do you want your toolkit to be?” To be more quantitative, data intensive, in line with analytics, finance, and research, the BSc can be a better fit. In case you prefer to be more flexible with optional modules and an enhanced humanities-social science mix, the BA might be the right choice.

How competitive is housing in Bristol, and when should I start?

Bristol can be competitive, especially for well-located and reasonably priced rooms. If you want university accommodation, apply as soon as you’re eligible. If you want private renting, start researching areas and typical rent ranges early, then view quickly once you arrive.

How do employers view an Economics degree from University of Bristol School of Economics internationally?

A good UK university brand is an aid but skills evidence matter the most to the employers. Econometrics skill, data work, and the ability to communicate clearly will make you a positive flag and not the sole selling point creating the Bristol name.

How intensive is the academic workload for University of Bristol School of Economics students?

The Bristol economics courses are rigorous, particularly because of the quantitative nature. Problem sets, independent reading, data analysis and exams should be expected regularly. Time management plays an important role and especially to international students settling in the UK education system.

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