Economist

You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:

• statistics
• mathematics
• business studies
• finance and accounting

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.

Your university course should include both macro and microeconomics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start a Professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, or a Senior Professional Economist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to get into this career.

Employers set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, which are likely to include maths at GCSE and A level. They may ask for a first degree in economics, or a similar subject, to start the Level 7 apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications

You could start as an economic research officer or analyst in the private sector and work your way up.

You could apply for a place on the Government Economic Service Fast Stream programme , starting out as an assistant economist.

You'll need a degree in economics or a combined degree, with at least 50% economics. A postgraduate award in economics may be acceptable.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can find professional development training and networking opportunities with the Royal Economic Society and The Society of Professional Economists .

Further Information

You'll find advice about working as an economist at Discover Economics.

As an economist, you could:

• research information and analyse statistics
• create models to forecast economic developments
• advise on the potential economic impact of policies and commercial decisions
• monitor past and present economic issues and trends
• write reports and present findings

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an economist to be a green job, you could:

• work for an environmentally friendly company
• design tax breaks to encourage renewable energy investment
• develop systems like carbon taxes so businesses reduce emissions

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office or at a university.