6 reasons to study Economics at Kent, the UK’s European university

As one of the UK’s leading academic institutions that consistently produces world-class research, the University of Kent is rated internationally excellent, and currently leads the way in many fields of study.

Its status as a forward-thinking, research-intensive university means Kent is fully committed to the transformative power of experiential education, as well as to the social, personal and intellectual development of all its staff and students.

With reputed study centres across Europe, as well as strong European links in both teaching and research, Kent is perfectly positioned to serve as a global gateway to the continent. The institution’s inclusive international community means it attracts a remarkably high percentage of overseas students and staff who come together to create a friendly atmosphere of creative and cultural exchange.

Economics at Kent

Kent’s School of Economics is ranked highly in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching quality. A passion for the subject and a research-led approach to teaching ensures students receive a first-class academic experience, as well as building personal skills and enhancing career prospects. The School’s cosmopolitan academic and student community, coupled with a thriving research culture, creates an inspiring and challenging environment to study economics.

Here are 6 reasons why international students choose to study Economics at the University of Kent:

1. Kent’s School of Economics is outward-facing in both teaching and research…

Kent’s globally-recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are part of what makes it a popular study destination for international students around the globe. Kent’s School of Economics offers flexibility and choice throughout its degree programmes – many of which are taught by leading academics in their respective fields. Many staff members serve as academic advisers and experts to UK, European and international agencies, enabling them to bring real-life examples and scenarios into their teaching, ensuring it is up to date and relevant.

Ranked 17th in the UK for the power of its research output, Kent boasts world-leading research in all academic disciplines, with an impressive 97 percent of its findings deemed of international quality.

2. With nearly 400 links to institutions worldwide, Kent is making waves as a global higher education hub…

Kent’s Internationalisation Strategy infuses internationally-focused values in the heart of Kent’s education, research outputs and student experience. With 33 partners in North America, 53 in the Asia-Pacific, nine in South America, one in Africa, and a further 169 in the European continent, Kent undoubtedly fosters a curriculum with internationally-relevant features, created for and led by internationally-centred minds.

3. An exciting and engaging international student experience…

Kent is a major favourite for international students, and it is no wonder since the University is ranked in the UK Top 20 for student experience, was shortlisted for the THE’s University of the Year Award and was given the fourth-highest score for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2016. Cecilie says:

“The Professors have been so helpful throughout my 3 years at Kent. They always had an open door and never hesitated to answer questions. This has definitely played a huge part in my success at Kent.” Cecilie Wendt, First Class BSc Economics and Econometrics

At Kent’s School of Economics, not only do you have the chance to study with highly regarded economists drawn from every continent, but around 15% of Economics undergraduate students and over 50% of postgraduate students are from overseas. So you study within a multicultural environment, where students can bring their personal experiences for the benefit of everyone.

4. Kent’s state-of-the-art campus in Canterbury…

Economics students at Kent benefit from a wealth of facilities at Kent’s Canterbury campus. The campus is built on 300 acres of park land, half-an-hour’s walk from Canterbury city centre. Residential, teaching and administrative buildings are surrounded by green open spaces, fields and woods. It is a vibrant, friendly and cosmopolitan campus, with excellent study, sports and social facilities including a theatre, cinema and nightclub. The Canterbury campus houses over 4,300 students in rooms, flats and houses and has excellent transport links with London and continental Europe.

5. Study abroad opportunities…

Upon gaining admission to the University of Kent, you’ll become part of a diverse global community, with an impressive 25 percent of Kent’s 17,000 students coming from countries overseas, and many, many more opting to study abroad as part of their course.

Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability. Economics students on four-year undergraduate degree programmes can spend a year at universities in France, Germany, Greece or Spain.

6. Kent Economics graduates are among the most employable in the UK…

Economists are in great demand in business, banking, finance and the public sector, as well as in national governments and international institutions. The School of Economics at Kent has an excellent record for employability, with graduates going on to get good jobs in the private and public sectors, or moving to further study. The School is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects, according to The Guardian University Guide 2017, with 93% of students finding graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation.

It is important that you not only get a good degree in Economics, but that you also get yourself ready for life after university. In addition to one-to-one advice from the Economics employability team, the School of Economics at Kent offers a structured programme of workshops and talks from alumni, employers and staff.  The School also encourages and supports all students to gain work experience while at university; whether it’s a spring week, a longer summer internship, or a year working in industry as part of their degree. The Year in Industry programme greatly enhances your career prospects by providing you with relevant, practical experience and often students are offered a job for after graduation.

In 2014, 100% of students who pursued Year in Industry were employed or in further study six months after graduation.

Kent’s placement opportunities paired with its strong international network and its outstanding reputation, come together to make Kent graduates among the most employable in the world – and pay testament to the fact that their starting salaries are within the nation’s Top 20 percent.

All images courtesy of the University of Kent

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