3 leading European schools of economics in preparing graduates for global success

Economists are the unsung heroes of our society, wielding the power of understanding human behaviour and decision-making to optimise businesses, craft policies, and navigate complex global issues. They are more than just number-crunchers; they are the architects of efficiency, the shapers of markets, and the writers of a better future.

From understanding consumer patterns to shaping tax laws, insights by economists increasingly influence everything we do. Their ability to analyse data and predict behaviour empowers businesses to thrive, governments to enact effective policies, and international organisations to forge equitable agreements.

The role of an economist is constantly evolving, demanding advanced skillsets and adaptability. With a changing world and complex challenges like climate change and rapid technological advancements, economists must be equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to make informed decisions that benefit both people and the planet.

Investing in your education with a postgraduate degree from a top university can equip you with the necessary expertise and credentials to become a successful economist. Here are three leading universities that nurture economic graduates for global success:

Renowned for rigorous training and an outstanding student experience, the Department of Economics at the University of Warwick transforms students into graduates highly sought after by employers worldwide. Source: University of Warwick

University of Warwick

The Department of Economics at the University of Warwick is one of Europe’s most successful departments of economics. It’s ranked first in the UK (The Good University Guide 2024), 22nd globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), 29th globally (2023 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects) and second in the UK for research excellence (REF 2021). The majority of postgraduate taught students (91%) are satisfied with the quality of the course — with 96% saying that they would recommend the University of Warwick.

The MSc programmes in Economics, Economics and International Financial Economics, and Behavioural and Economic Science are taught on a safe community based campus with access to green spaces and modern accommodation. We believe it’s important to invest in the whole student experience and you will be joining a diverse community of talented, hard-working and ambitious staff and students. We foster an environment of respect and inclusion in which all staff perform to the highest standard and students are able to enjoy a world-class learning experience.

Our MSc courses stand out for their advanced, internationally-focused education, career and skills development, and research-led teaching ensuring that students learn from some of the best-known and most original academics in the subject. These are researchers who push the boundaries of discovery, finding solutions with a far-reaching impact on society and the economy.

As these world-class academics expand the limits of their cohort’s academic curiosity, students here develop sought-after skills in analysis, computing, problem-solving, and data handling. Skills gained from the MSc degrees in Economics include economic analysis and techniques, and an analytical approach to thinking about national and international economic problems, policies and decision-making. Students also sharpen their research, numeracy, quantitative, IT and communication skills.

Such competencies pave the way to various career paths — a process eased further by the vast range of opportunities to develop links with employers and network with the university’s international community of alumni during the MSc course. Nine out of 10 of the 2020/21 cohort of graduates, the most recent report available, went on to graduate-level work or graduate-level study within 15 months of successful completion from Warwick in 2021. Typically, they choose careers in banking, finance, civil service, economics and business consultancies.

Discover the Department’s MSc programmes and check out Warwick Economics’s Instagram page.

Bocconi is a leading European university of international standing in economics, management and legal studies. We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, and have built a strong reputation for research in areas that also include business, finance and political science, as demonstrated by improving placements in top international rankings. Source Bocconi University

Bocconi University

Nestled in the heart of Milan, Bocconi University has been a launchpad for enterprising minds across generations. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and executive programmes, Bocconi beckons those aspiring to transcend boundaries and become leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.

At the core of Bocconi’s excellence lie its world-renowned economics, management, and finance programmes. Notably, the subjects of economics and econometrics stand tall, ranking fourth in Europe and 16th worldwide. At the postgraduate school, students have the option to pursue various economic programmes, including an MSc in Economics and Management in Arts, Culture, Media, and Entertainment, MSc in Economics and Management of Government and International Organisations, MSc in Economic and Social Sciences, and MSc in Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology.

The MSc in Economic and Social Sciences equips students with a robust foundation of quantitative methods and economic theory. Its distinctive strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, allowing for an academic journey tailored to one’s interests and research areas.

Interactivity thrives at Bocconi, with students benefiting from close engagement with faculty and research centres. The campus itself, situated in the vibrant heart of Milan, exudes a safe and multicultural ambience. Historic buildings blend seamlessly with modern spaces, creating an active environment pulsating with university life.

The success stories emanating from Bocconi are as compelling as its academic offerings. As many as 94.7% of graduates find employment within a year of completing their studies. Career paths for MSc in Economic and Social Sciences graduates include roles in corporations, international organisations, research centres, consulting firms, and regulatory authorities.

The university, commonly known as Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich or Poly for short, has based its success on Swiss traditions of cherishing fundamental principles of freedom, individual responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit and open-minded approach to education. It remains a European research pioneer, which tries to offer practical solutions, which address worldwide challenges. Source: ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich

ETH Zürich needs no introduction when it comes to academic excellence. It is ranked seventh among the world’s top universities by the latest QS World University Rankings and sits at the 11th spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024. Home to the Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (D-MTEC), its Business & Economics subject was ranked 16th worldwide by THE World University Rankings 2024.

Here, students can pursue the Master of Science in Management, Technology, and Economics — a four-semester, full-time programme designed for ambitious minds with bachelor’s degrees in engineering or the natural sciences. This programme builds upon students’ existing knowledge and lays a robust foundation for crafting systemic solutions to the intricate challenges faced in the professional realm.

The MSc programme goes beyond traditional education paradigms, aiming to equip students with the skills to develop innovative solutions. The curriculum, spanning three semesters of lecture courses, an industrial internship, and a final master’s thesis, covers vital skill areas such as General Management, Human Resource Management, Strategy, Markets & Technology, Information & Operations Management, Quantitative & Qualitative Methods, Micro & Macroeconomics, and Financial Management.

What sets this programme apart is its emphasis on real-world applicability. With strong ties to business and public governance decision-makers, students engage in practical case studies on key subjects like digital transformation, sustainability, and strategy. The result is a dynamic educational experience that prepares graduates to lead in technology-driven organisations, with a global perspective fostered by an international student body, peer-to-peer learning, mentoring programmes, and industrial internships.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International