Economics at Cambridge
Our course provides a sound understanding of core, pure and applied economics. However, while you study economics in considerable depth in this specialised degree, you employ ideas and techniques from many other disciplines too; including history, sociology, mathematics and statistics, and politics. Therefore, our graduates are extremely well qualified for a wide range of jobs and further courses.
Teaching and resources
Past and present Faculty members, such as Alfred Marshall and John Maynard Keynes, have played a major role in the subject’s development and several have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics (Sir John Hicks, James Meade, Sir Richard Stone, Sir James Mirrlees and Amartya Sen). The present Faculty remains committed to using economics to improve public policy and recent staff have been active on, among other bodies, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England and the Competition Commission, and advise international agencies such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.
Other benefits for Cambridge Economics students include access to an extensive range of statistical databases and software, and the Marshall Library of Economics, which holds a comprehensive collection of books, journals and other papers in economics. The student-run Marshall Society organises social events and informal lectures from distinguished visiting speakers.
Additional course costs
Year 1
- A University approved scientific calculator - Estimated cost £20
- Printing and binding of project - £5
Year 2
- Printing and binding of dissertation work - Estimated cost £5
Year 3
- Software for and printing and binding of project work - Estimated cost £15
Details about the course options can be found on the Faculty website and please contact the Faculty for advice about optional costs.
Changing course
It's possible to combine Economics with another subject, for example by taking one or two years of Economics and then transferring to another subject such as Law or Management Studies. You can also study another subject such as Mathematics for one year before transferring to Part IIA Economics. Several students make such changes each year.
To be able to change course, you need the agreement of your College that any change is in your educational interests, and you must have the necessary background in the subject to which you wish to change – in some cases you may be required to undertake some catch-up work or take up the new course from the start/an earlier year. If you think you may wish to change course, we encourage you to contact a College admissions office for advice. You should also consider if/how changing course may affect any financial support arrangements.
Careers and research
At Cambridge, you develop skills in understanding complex arguments, analysis of practical issues and of data, and effective communication. Such skills are valuable in many careers, but particularly in professional, financial and managerial occupations. They also provide an advantageous foundation for numerous Masters degree courses.
Many graduates go on to professional training in chartered accountancy, actuarial work and similar fields. Others are employed by financial institutions, or as professional economists in industry, government and management consultancy.
