15 Economics Programs for High School Students in the UK
- Stephen Turban
- 3 minutes ago
- 12 min read
In high school, structured programs can be a great way to move beyond the textbook and explore your interests. Through such programs, you can dive into advanced topics, learn from experts, and prepare for your future career and education. If your interests lie in economics, a program in the field can offer structured exposure to how people, businesses, and governments make decisions about resources and national and global policy. Economics programs also combine case studies and theoretical instruction with the practical application of core concepts in real-world scenarios related to finance, public policy, and business.
Why should I join an economics program in high school?
Joining an economics program while you are in high school is an opportunity to explore the field at leading universities/colleges or workplaces, going far beyond the classroom. In the process, you will also gain exposure to the UK university system and specialized fields in economics, such as behavioral economics, economic policy, and econometrics. You will build technical skills, such as using software to analyze economic data, as well as professional skills, such as communication and presentation. These programs often offer opportunities to attend guest lectures and workshops featuring industry professionals. The experience can also boost your profile, highlighting your willingness and ability to pursue advanced economics coursework early on.
To make it easier to find the right opportunity, we have compiled a list of 15 economics programs for high school students in the UK.
Location: Imperial College London’s South Kensington Campus, London
Cost: Free; financial assistance provided to cover the cost of travel by public transport to and from the summer school
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: July 14 – 17 | July 21 – 24
Application deadline: March 5 (applications open on January 12)
Eligibility: Year 12 students in England or Wales or Year 13 in Northern Ireland or S5 in Scotland attending state-funded schools or colleges (non-fee paying) in the UK who are under 18 years old at the start of the program; course-specific requirements vary.
Imperial College London’s Sutton Trust Summer School is a four-day, three-night residential program designed to offer high school students exposure to life on a college campus and Imperial’s academics. It offers a variety of courses in STEM, the social sciences, and other fields. The Economics, Finance, and Data Science Course focuses on the role of data analysis, highlighting it as a critical component of economic policies. Here, you will participate in workshops and work on actual case studies using analytical tools. In the process, you will build skills relevant to your future studies and career with support from faculty, the Sutton Trust, undergraduate student mentors, and alumni. You will earn a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Location: Various sites, including Cambridge, London, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 – 18
Immerse Education’s Economics summer school is a two-week academic program for high school students. As a participant, you will study core economic principles focused on markets, incentives, and policy, and apply them to understand contemporary global issues. Classes run in small groups and include discussions, case studies, and presentations. You will also complete research tasks, learning how to analyze an economic question and present your insights to your peers. Tutors will provide individual feedback on your arguments, structure, and use of evidence. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and earn a certificate of completion. You can learn more about the application here.
Location: Université Paris Dauphine–PSL’s London campus, Pentonville, London
Cost: £220 (USD 299); discounts available for students from partner schools
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 40 students/camp
Dates: July 7 – 9 (summer) | October 28 – 30 (autumn)
Application deadline: Open till spots fill
Eligibility: Students in Years 11 – 13, gap year students, and students entering the last two years of IB/finishing any other high school diploma who are 16 – 19 years old
The pre-university camps at the Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) London campus provide high school students an opportunity to explore economics and/or management while getting a glimpse of academic life on campus. During the three-day camp, you will learn basic economic concepts, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and how globalization affects economic systems. You will also develop an understanding of finance and marketing aspects under the mentorship of university students from the finance summer school. You will find opportunities to strengthen communication, teamwork, and presentation skills, and develop computer skills, especially in Excel. You will also participate in workshops and receive advice on university programs and career paths from academic experts.
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London
Cost: £60 (USD 81) non-refundable application fee + £4,450 (USD 6,068) for one session | £3,350 (USD 4,568) for full-time students currently enrolled at a university/college; discounts and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Typically, 20 students/class
Dates: June 22 – July 10 | August 3 – August 21
Application deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: High school students who have an offer of a place at a university and a working knowledge of math (including elementary calculus); applicants should preferably have a grade of around B+ (GPA 3.3).
The London School of Economics and Political Science Summer School's Introductory Microeconomics Course is an undergraduate-level course designed for students who have not previously studied economics. Here, you will learn the basic theories of microeconomics through faculty-led lectures and class-based exercises. You will also gain insight into the application of microeconomics to real-world problems and its relevance to economic policies. At the end of the program, you will receive an electronic transcript and an attendance certificate. You can opt to take an assessment if you want to earn credits for college admissions.
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London
Cost: £60 (USD 81) non-refundable application fee + £4,450 (USD 6,068) for one session | £3,350 (USD 4,568) for full-time students currently enrolled at a university/college; discounts and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Typically, 20 students/class
Dates: July 13 – July 31
Application deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: High school students who have an offer of a place at a university and a working knowledge of math (including elementary calculus); applicants should preferably have a grade of around B+ (GPA 3.3).
This course is a three-week in-person introduction to the field of macroeconomics. You will attend lectures led by faculty who teach full-time degrees at LSE to explore the causes of global macroeconomic change, how to use analytical tools to interpret such changes, and how local markets are affected by them. You will also learn about labour market flows, the determination of frictional unemployment, and the design and impact of monetary and fiscal policy on economic outcomes. You will additionally learn how to apply macroeconomic models using real data to test economic theories. At the end of the program, you can earn three to four credits (US) or 7.5 ECTS points (EU).
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London
Cost: £60 (USD 81) non-refundable application fee + £4,450 (USD 6,068) for one session | £3,350 (USD 4,568) for full-time students currently enrolled at a university/college; discounts and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Typically, 20 students/class
Dates: August 3 – August 21
Application deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have an offer of a place at a university and preferably have a grade of around B+ (GPA 3.3)
This course dives into economic history and introduces you to economic trends. Through lectures and exposure to research, the course covers the origins of economic and social structures before industrialization. You will gain insight into changes in the standard of living over a period of time and develop critical reasoning skills while learning how to analyze the role of different factors in creating economic growth in different societies. Just like other LSE summer school courses, this track is equivalent to an undergraduate degree course and offers the opportunity to earn three to four credits (U.S.) or 7.5 ECTS points (EU).
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London (hybrid program)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 13 – October/November (10 months)
Application deadline: November 10 (tentative based on a previous cohort)
Eligibility: Students in Year 12/the first year of A levels or equivalent who meet the academic prerequisites, who have always attended non-fee-paying UK state schools or colleges, and who live outside of London and the South East of England; check detailed requirements here.
The London School of Economics and Political Science's Springboard Program is an access program that offers students a glimpse into university-level teaching and learning at LSE over 10 months. The program combines campus visits thrice a year during the school term with online learning modules. You will explore five subjects while attending lectures led by Ph.D. tutors, and engage in information sessions covering details like university applications, drafting a personal statement, and student finance. During campus visits, you will attend workshops and undertake a tour of the campus, gaining insight into student life in London and the academic rigor of studying economics at LSE. You will participate in a simulation activity to collaborate with peers, brainstorm, debate, and present a solution to a challenge. At the end of the program, you may be considered for a contextual offer for admission to a degree program at LSE.
Location: Hybrid, with campus days at the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Explore Extra is limited to 30 students
Dates: April 27 – May 7 (online taster events in economics) + three in-person events in June
Application deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Students currently in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (N Ireland), or S5 (Scotland) who have always attended non-fee paying UK state schools/colleges/sixth forms; for Explore Extra, eligible students should be located within a three-hour travelling distance of the LSE campus.
This program is designed to offer Year 12 students an introduction to the academics within LSE’s departments, such as Anthropology, Management and Economic History, International History, and International Relations. As a participant, you will attend online and on-campus taster events to develop a broader understanding of economics and LSE's approach to it. The program offers lectures on economic history, Q&A sessions with department staff, and peer insights from student ambassadors. You can also attend information sessions covering LSE programs and the admission processes. On campus, you will get to meet LSE faculty and students and get a glimpse into campus facilities.
Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London (hybrid program)
Cost: Free + travel reimbursements available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February 25 – October (four campus days on Wednesdays during the school term)
Application deadline: November 15
Eligibility: Students in Year 12/the first year of your A levels or equivalent who are of Black heritage, reside in or close to London, are interested in applying to study at LSE, and have always attended non-fee-paying UK state schools or colleges; check detailed requirements here.
LSE's Thrive Program offers high school students of Black Heritage the opportunity to explore what it’s like to pursue an economics major. During the 10-month hybrid program, you will experience campus academics and life while attending workshops, and prepare for college through information sessions on university applications, student finance and budgeting, and personal statements. Additional guidance sessions will cover potential careers and revision skills to help you boost college and career readiness. On campus days, you will participate in a range of interactive workshops to explore college programs in economics and other disciplines, while hearing from internal and external speakers. You will also receive mentorship from LSE undergraduate students and staff.
Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: £5,250 (USD 7,141) + £50 (USD 68) non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 24
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students who will be 16 – 17 years old during the program and are considering applying to a university
This course, a part of the University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School, provides foundational knowledge and skills in economics and finance. As a participant, you will study basic concepts and theories in economics and finance, with a special focus on game theory and behavioural economics, as well as the impact of political and social contexts on economic outcomes. Introductory modules also cover the basics of accounting, business, management, and entrepreneurship. In addition to classes, you will attend guest lectures, participate in social and cultural activities, and take a trip to Oxford. At the end of the program, you will receive a University of Warwick Certificate of Attendance.
Location: King’s College London, London
Cost / Stipend: £3,195 (USD 4,172) for one week – £9,375 (USD 12,243) for multiple weeks
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 6 – 10 | July 13 – 17 | July 20 – 24 | July 27 – 31
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students ages 16–17 | About to start the final three years of high school
This pre-university program offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses in STEM and humanities, each running for one week, with the option to extend attendance across multiple sessions. As a participant, you will explore economics through tracks in international relations and business/finance, attend university-style seminars, and live on King’s College campus. Extracurricular activities and trips in London are part of the experience. All the courses are taught by King’s College faculty and emphasize creative problem-solving. You will also engage in discussion groups, role play, simulation games, and Q&A sessions with guest speakers during the program.
Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland; University of Oxford, Oxford
Cost: University of St Andrews: £5,950 (USD 8,103) | University of Oxford: £6,995 (USD 9,527)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: University of St Andrews: July 11 – 25 | University of Oxford – July 5 – 18 (Session 1); July 19 – August 1 (Session 2)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 – 18
ISSFT’s Global Leadership Program offers high school students an introduction to economics and leadership. As a participant, you will gain exposure to economic and political analysis and the impact of economics on government policies through case studies, discussions, and workshops. You will also attend skill development sessions to build communication and debating skills. The program also focuses on leadership skill-building and offers insights into how leaders make decisions that shape the world.
Location: MPW London/MPW Cambridge campuses
Cost: MPW London: £4,500 (USD 6,122) for residential students; £2,400 (USD 3,265) for day students | MPW Cambridge: £4,200 (USD 5,710) for residential students; £2,150 (USD 2,925) for day students
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Typically 8 students/fewer than 10 students
Dates: June 28 – July 11 | July 12 – 25 | July 26 – August 8
Application deadline: Open till spots fill
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 17
The Business, Finance, and Economics course offered by MPW Summer School provides high school students with exposure to the world of business with a focus on economics. As a participant, you will learn about planning and developing a business, branding and marketing, and examining supply and demand. You will also learn about the UK academic system as well as British culture and values. Additionally, you will participate in social and cultural activities and undertake field trips to a local business and a university for a campus tour and lecture. You will receive a certificate of completion and a personalized progress report from the academic stream teacher at the end of the program.
Location: Various schools in the UK
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies
Dates: Dates are set by schools; sessions typically run for an hour
Application deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Students in Year 10/S3 of state schools/FE colleges and Year 12/S5 students of state schools/FE colleges that do not currently offer economics
The Royal Economic Society's Discover Economics Workshops are outreach programs for high school students who want to develop a broad understanding of economics and get a peek into the work of professional economists. The sessions will be scheduled at your school either as part of the regular class in math, business studies, or geography, or as a standalone session delivered to multiple classes at one go. The workshops are led by undergraduate students from the University of Glasgow, the University of Warwick, and other prominent universities. As a participant, you will gain insight into studying economics at the A Level or degree level and learn about economics careers and apprenticeships. You will also learn about topics like economic growth, the cost of living crisis, and the gender pay gap.
Location: The University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost: £5,250 (USD 7,144)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 10
Application deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Students in the penultimate or final year of high school, ages 16 – 18; students whose first language is not English should have an English language ability equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component.
The University of Edinburgh's Pre-University Summer School of Social Sciences provides high school students with opportunities to expand their understanding of social sciences subjects, including economics, before college. In this residential program, you will attend introductory lectures led by specialists in economics, social policy, politics, and social anthropology. You will participate in tutorial sessions and discussions led by a course teacher and find opportunities to develop skills in critical analysis and research. The program also offers access to Q&A sessions with the university admissions team to learn about the university application process. You will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the program.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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