Economics - Who we are

Whether we know it or not, we take economic decisions every day of our lives. In turn, we are affected by the decisions of other people and institutions, nationally and internationally. Studying the way economic processes work and how economic decisions are made helps us understand our society.

Economics at Southampton at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels is challenging and exciting. We are a young and truly international community of academics and students, proud of our vibrant and collegial environment.

Our aim is to conduct high-quality, original research which has international impact and relevance for both the discipline and policymakers. With 16 nationalities represented in the group, our international composition ensures that findings are disseminated worldwide, with members contributing to conferences, seminars and institutions, government and non-governmental bodies, throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. We run weekly departmental  divisional seminars, where we invite leading academics from around the world.

Many of our doctoral programme graduates are successful academics in universities in the UK and Europe. We are excited about our current postgraduate research students our recent PhDs and alumni.

Athena Swan

The Bronze Award is in recognition of the positive culture within the School that values gender equality, as well as the comprehensive plan to address areas where we need to improve gender equality and balance.

Key facts

Our research strengths lie in econometric and microeconomic theory, with macroeconomics and applied economics also extremely strong. Our teaching also receives consistently high scores.  

Economics at Southampton is part of the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP) run by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the Universities of Brighton and Portsmouth. As part of this partnership, the SCDTP offers 36 scholarships funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Allocation of these scholarships is on a competitive basis for successful candidates offered entry into the PhD programmes participating in the SCDTP.