BA Hons Economics

Economics undergraduates at Cambridge benefit from a rich array of experiential learning opportunities that complement their coursework. The program and its environment encourage students to extend learning beyond the lecture hall through research projects, engagement in societies, and utilization of special resources:

• Undergraduate Research Projects: Cambridge’s Economics course actively integrates research-oriented work. In Year 3, every student undertakes a compulsory dissertation of about 7,500 words, which is a substantial independent research project on an economic topic of their choosing. Under faculty supervision, students formulate a research question, conduct literature reviews, gather or analyze data (if applicable), and present arguments and conclusions in a scholarly manner. This capstone project allows undergraduates to experience the process of economic research firsthand, refining skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and academic writing. Additionally, the curriculum includes smaller-scale research components; for example, the Econometrics paper in Year 2 involves an applied project where students analyze data using statistical techniques learned in class​. These projects give practical experience in empirical research methods. Through such assignments, students develop the ability to apply economic theory to real-world evidence – a key experiential learning outcome of the Cambridge course.

   

• Internships and Practical Experience: While the Economics BA is a full-time three-year program without a built-in placement year, students are encouraged to gain practical experience during the long vacations. Many Cambridge economics undergraduates pursue summer internships in sectors like finance, consulting, government policy, or research. The University’s Careers Service assists students in finding and securing internships and work experience opportunities relevant to their field. This support includes access to internship listings, application guidance, and networking events. For instance, economics students often take up internships with financial institutions or economic research organizations to apply their skills in a professional setting. Such experiences, though obtained outside of the term, are strongly supported and can be integrated with academic development – students return with real-world insights that enhance their understanding of economics in practice.

• Economics Society and Academic Enrichment: Cambridge has a vibrant student-run economics society, The Marshall Society, which provides significant extracurricular learning opportunities for Economics undergraduates. Founded in 1927 and named after famed economist Alfred Marshall, the Marshall Society is the official economics society of the University. It organises talks and lectures by distinguished visiting speakers, including leading economists and public figures in finance and policy, giving students exposure to current economic debates and research beyond the standard . These informal lectures and speaker events allow students to engage with cutting-edge economic issues and to network with experts. The society also hosts social events, panel discussions, and an annual essay competition, fostering a community of passionate economics students outside the classroom​. Participation in the Marshall Society or related clubs helps students develop a broader perspective on economics and build professional connections. Besides the Marshall Society, students can get involved in college economics societies or related clubs (like investment clubs or politics and debate societies), which further enrich the learning experience through debates, trading games, or policy discussions.

• Specialized Resources and Facilities: Economics students at Cambridge have access to excellent resources that support experiential and self-directed learning. The Marshall Library of Economics is a dedicated library for economics and related fields, holding a comprehensive collection of books, academic journals, historical economic documents, and statistical publications. This extensive repository is invaluable for students doing research – for example, when working on their dissertations or projects, they can easily access data sources, past research, and reference works. In addition, the Faculty of Economics provides access to a wide range of statistical databases and specialized software for data analysis. Undergraduates can use these resources for coursework and independent research (such as econometric projects), gaining hands-on experience with the tools of professional economists. Cambridge’s broader facilities, including the main University Library, are also at students’ disposal. Together, these resources ensure that learning isn’t confined to lectures: students are encouraged to delve into empirical data, explore economic literature, and conduct analyses much as graduate researchers would. The presence of world-renowned economists on faculty (several Cambridge economists have been Nobel Prize winners or advisors to bodies like the Bank of England and the United Nations) further enhances experiential learning – guest lectures and insights from these experts often find their way into the student experience, tying theoretical education to real-world economic policy and research​

   

   

A Cambridge Economics degree is not only academically prestigious – it also offers excellent prospects for employability and career development. Economics graduates from Cambridge are highly sought after in a variety of sectors, and the university provides robust support to help students transition to the world of work or further study:

• Graduate Employability and Outcomes: Cambridge’s Economics undergraduates have a strong track record of moving swiftly into employment or advanced education after graduation. According to recent data, about 84% of Cambridge Economics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing the course. This is a very high rate, indicating that the vast majority secure opportunities soon after graduating. Moreover, Cambridge economics graduates command competitive salaries – the average annual earnings for Cambridge Economics alumni 15 months post-graduation is around £51,000, reflecting the value employers place on the analytical and quantitative skills developed during the degree. These outcomes underline the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market and beyond. (Many of the remaining graduates not immediately working are often pursuing further degrees such as MSc/MPhil or PhDs, given Cambridge’s strong academic orientation, or other professional qualifications.)

• Career Paths and Sectors: Graduates from the BA Economics program enter a wide range of industries and roles. A significant number choose to continue training in professional finance and accounting qualifications – for example, many alumni go into chartered accountancy or actuarial work right after graduation (often joining major accounting firms or insurance/financial services companies). Another common path is to become professional economists: Cambridge Economics graduates take up roles as economic analysts in financial institutions (banks, investment firms), in industrial or tech companies, in government departments, or economic consulting firms. Public sector and policy-oriented careers are well-represented – for instance, Cambridge economists frequently join the Government Economic Service, central banks like the Bank of England, or regulatory agencies such as the Office for National Statistics or industry regulators (e.g. Ofcom)​. Many also enter management consulting, using their problem-solving and data skills to advise businesses. Other fields where economics graduates find employment include investment banking, asset management, marketing analytics, and international organizations (like the World Bank or IMF) (reflecting the global perspective many Cambridge students have). Some students each year also decide to pursue academic careers or research – they might undertake a master’s degree (often the Cambridge MPhil in Economics or Finance) or join research institutes, aiming eventually for roles as economists in think-tanks or academia. In short, the sectors employing Cambridge economics graduates span finance, consulting, government, academia, and beyond, with job titles ranging from analyst and economist to consultant and researcher​. This diversity is facilitated by the transferrable analytical skills and prestige of the Cambridge degree.

   

• Career Support and Recruitment Activities: The University of Cambridge provides dedicated career support for its students, and Economics undergraduates benefit from both general and field-specific initiatives. The Cambridge Careers Service offers one-on-one career counseling, CV and interview workshops, and maintains a jobs/internships portal (Handshake) accessible to all students. For Economics students in particular, the Careers Service each year holds an Economics Careers Fair (usually every autumn) that attracts a range of top employers looking specifically for economics graduates. At this fair, students can meet recruiters from economic consultancies, finance and banking firms, public policy organizations, government agencies, and professional services firms, among others. (Employers in past events have included well-known consulting companies, central government departments, the Bank of England, economic research firms, and Big Four accounting firms, to name a few.) These on-campus recruitment events provide networking opportunities and often lead directly to interviews and job offers. Beyond fairs, many companies also visit Cambridge to give presentations or run recruitment programs for economists. The faculty and the Marshall Society may also host career-oriented talks (for example, alumni speaking about their jobs in economics or finance). Importantly, the Careers Service supports students seeking internships or work experience even during their studies, helping first and second-year students find summer internships that often pave the way to graduate job offers. This comprehensive career support means that by their final year, Cambridge Economics students are well-prepared for job applications. The university’s reputation and alumni network (Cambridge has a global alumni community) further bolster recruitment – many employers actively target Cambridge for its high-caliber graduates.

• Notable Destinations: While specific companies can vary by year and individual preference, Cambridge Economics graduates commonly find positions at major financial institutions (investment banks like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan, economic consulting firms like Analysis Group or NERA, and asset management firms), consulting and professional services firms (e.g. McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Big Four accounting firms such as Deloitte or PwC in economics divisions), government and international agencies (UK Government departments through the Civil Service Fast Stream or Economist Fast Stream, international bodies like the OECD or United Nations), and tech or data-oriented firms (where economic data analysis is valued). Some graduates also launch careers in academia or think tanks, contributing research on economic policy. Cambridge itself notes that many of its Economics graduates proceed into “professional, financial and managerial occupations” leveraging their ability to analyze complex arguments and data. The skillset – quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication – is broad, so Cambridge economists have succeeded in fields as varied as journalism, law (after further study), and entrepreneurship, as well. The academic rigor and prestige of the Cambridge Economics BA thus open doors to numerous career paths, and employment outcomes for this program are among the strongest of any undergraduate degree in the UK.

Cambridge’s BA (Hons) Economics program not only provides an outstanding education but also a springboard into ambitious careers. With strong support systems in place (career fairs, guidance for internships, and an active alumni network) and an array of employers eager to recruit Cambridge economists, students in the program can be confident about their transition to the professional world or higher studies. The combination of analytical training, research experience, and Cambridge’s reputation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to excel in whatever path they choose – be it in finance, public policy, academia, or other fields at the forefront of economic decision-making.