If you’re interested in business, entrepreneurship, finance, public policy, or international relations, economics is a subject worth exploring early. It helps explain how markets work, why businesses make certain decisions, how governments influence economic activity, and what drives many of the trends shaping society today. Economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students can help you explore the subject in greater depth through structured academic learning and real-world discussion.

Imagine spending your summer exploring questions that economists tackle every day: Why do prices rise? What causes recessions? Should governments regulate markets? How do incentives shape behavior? Through discussions, case studies, and data analysis, you’ll discover that economics is less about memorizing concepts and more about understanding how people, institutions, and economies interact.

Why should you study economics in the UK?

The UK occupies a distinctive place in the history and practice of economics. Many foundational economic ideas were developed, debated, and refined through British institutions, and the country continues to play an important role in economic research, policymaking, and finance.

That intellectual tradition is reflected in the programs available to students. Many economics courses in the UK emphasize discussion, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning rather than rote memorization. Students are often encouraged to evaluate competing arguments, analyze data, and think carefully about how economic theories hold up in practice.

At the same time, the UK provides access to a living laboratory of economic issues, from international finance and trade to housing, taxation, labor markets, and public policy. For students interested in seeing how economic ideas operate beyond textbooks, few places offer a more compelling setting.

To help you explore your options, we’ve curated a list of 15 economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students worth considering!

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online economics program.

15 Economics In-Person Programs in the UK for High School Students 

1. Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School

Location: London, Oxford, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students from all around the world aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

As one of the most immersive economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students, Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School gives you a focused, two-week introduction to economic theory and real-world applications, taught by expert tutors associated with top universities and academic institutions. The programme aims to deepen your understanding of fundamental economic principles, global markets, and policy-making. Across lively seminars, workshops, and discussions, you’ll explore core concepts such as market behaviour, inflation, trade, inequality, fiscal and monetary policy, and how these forces shape global economies.

Beyond the classroom, excursions and cultural activities help you connect lessons to the world around you, while living and studying alongside peers from around the globe adds an international perspective. Completion earns you a certificate of achievement and, in some cases, optional UCAS points if you’re looking toward UK university applications. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It blends concentrated academic development with an immersive international summer experience, helping you deepen your economics knowledge while engaging with peers in diverse cities worldwide.

2. LSE Summer School: Introductory Microeconomics

Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of £60 plus the programme fee varies by how many sessions you attend; scholarships are available
Dates: Session One: June 22nd – July 10th; Session Three: August 3-21
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: The level 100 courses are open to recent high school graduates from anywhere in the world who have an offer letter to a university

Offered by the London School of Economics and Political Science’s economics department, this is one of the more academically focused economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students, helping you understand the financial decisions made by individuals, households, and firms. You will learn how different factors, such as scarcity or surplus, can influence economic behaviour.

It will also familiarize you with microeconomic theory and give you an in-depth understanding of how to use microeconomics to solve real-world problems. For this purpose, the program will dive into concepts such as consumer choice theory, the theory of production and costs, the economics of time, and the impact of market failure and government intervention. 

Why it stands out: The program will engage you in a series of interactive activities, like discussions and classroom exercises, and offer feedback for your participation.

3. LSE Summer School: Introductory Macroeconomics

Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of £60 plus the programme fee varies by how many sessions you attend; scholarships are available
Dates: Available in Session Two: August 13-31
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: The level 100 courses are open to recent high school graduates from anywhere in the world who have an offer letter to a university

Introductory Macroeconomics is another course offered by LSE’s economics department, and it helps you understand the answer to questions like what leads to inflation, unemployment, or economic growth in different states. In doing so, you learn the process that goes into monetary and fiscal policies. It can also guide you in running a company, as you will have the knowledge needed to tweak your business to thrive in different global markets.

Precisely, this program can be quite useful for students who wish to take leadership roles in public or private sectors. It will introduce you to some global issues and educate you on the different ways macroeconomics can effectively solve them. Additionally, you will study the recent changes in the field of macroeconomics with the help of graphic analysis and simple algebra. 

Why it stands out: The course ensures that you form a practical understanding of the subject through real-world examples such as the European Monetary Union, the European Crisis, and the Great Recession.

4. LSE Thrive: Years 12-13

Location: Online plus four in-person sessions at the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
Cost: Free
Dates: February 25th – October; in-person sessions held on February 25th, March 25th, June 24th, and a date in October
Application Deadline: Typically in autumn
Eligibility: Year 12 students who have always attended a UK state school or college, live within a commutable distance from LSE, identify as having one of the heritages listed in the programme’s eligibility criteria, and meet additional academic and other criteria

LSE Thrive specifically supports students of Black heritage who want to become undergraduates at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Joining the program when you are in your Year 12, you will spend ten months participating in both online and on-campus events that let you get to know LSE while simultaneously networking with the students and staff there.

Through these sessions, you will receive advice regarding university choices, student finance, applications, and wellbeing. The program also lets you explore subjects of interest, helping you learn what to expect in your undergraduate studies. The curriculum includes economics as well. 

Why it stands out: You will get support with your personal statement while getting to meet with LSE’s admission committee. 

5. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College, London, England
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of £65 plus tuition, which varies depending on whether you are taking one, two, or three courses and whether you are a commuter or residential student
Dates: July 6-10 (Session 1); July 13-17 (Session 2); July 20-24 (Session 3); July 27-31 (Session 4)
Application Deadline: April 10th (original deadline) and April 27th (extended deadline)
Eligibility: 16- and 17-year-old students from anywhere in the world who are enrolled or about to enter the first three years of high school

With four sessions offered over July, the King’s Pre-University summer school can be an excellent way to explore one subject at a university level by attending just one session or trying out more than one through multiple sessions. The program lists various courses, including those options that can be useful for students who are interested in studying economics, with one example being Business Management.

During the five days of your participation in the program, you will immerse yourself in lectures, group discussions, seminars, role plays, simulation games, and more. You will take university-level tests that give you practice in taking such assessments and help you determine if you fully understand the concepts taught to you. Moreover, upon completing your tests, you will get detailed feedback on your performance that helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses in the subject. 

Why it stands out: By performing well in the program, you will receive the King’s Certificate of Completion, and by not having any absences, you will earn the King’s Participant Confirmation of Participation. 

6. King’s College London K+

Location: King’s College, London, England
Cost: Free
Dates: 2 years
Application Deadline: May 24th
Eligibility: Year 12 students who live or attend a school in either Greater London or one of King’s target regions, attend a non-selective state school, have 8 GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English and Maths, with a minimum of five grades 6-9, and are first-generation degree seekers with some exceptions

Also offered by King’s College, K+ stands out among economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students because it is a two-year programme designed to prepare you for undergraduate study. It focuses on the academic, social, and cultural aspects of university life. As for the academic side, the programme offers multiple pathways to choose from. The one that will best suit your interest in economics is the Social Science & Public Policy (SSPP).

In this pathway, you will dive into topics such as political economy, international development, PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics), and more. The program will not only give you a taste of what studying at the university’s social science & public policy department entails, but it will also support you in completing your college applications. Throughout the program, you will meet with academics, current students, graduates, businesses, and university staff, who all assist you in different ways.

Why it stands out: Once you complete the program, King’s College will offer you additional perks such as a two-grade reduced offer and a £1000 bursary in the first year if you enroll in the university. 

7. University of Warwick Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, England
Cost: Free
Dates: July 28-31
Application Deadline: March 7th
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland, or equivalent, who attend and have always attended a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college

Part of the University of Warwick’s Widening Participation initiative, this program allows you to get a taste of life at university, especially as a first-year undergrad student there. As a participant, you will be able to attend sessions focused on a particular subject or stream. You are more likely to find the Philosophy, Politics & Economics stream more engaging than the others.

No matter which subjects you explore in the program, you will be involved in interactive lectures and seminar-style group-work sessions. Plus, you will have the benefit of taking classes taught by expert academics and postgraduate students. Note that you will be invited to participate in three online events that will take place before the on-campus cohort of the program. 

Why it stands out: This is a residential program that involves you in extracurricular activities, in addition to just focusing on education, and helps you experience different aspects of university life. 

8. Discover Bath

Location: University of Bath, Bath, England
Cost: Free
Dates: August 10-12; the economics session is held on these dates
Application Deadline: Typically closes in the winter months
Eligibility: Year 12 or equivalent students who are academically able to study at Bath in their chosen subject and meet the university’s widening participation criteria

For those students who have plans to study at the University of Bath, this summer program lets you experience what a first-year undergrad being there is like. This means, similar to the freshman students in the university, you would take part in academic sessions like lectures, seminars, and workshops while simultaneously being involved in some social activities. Given that you already have a rough idea of the subject you would like to major in, which is economics, the program can also be useful for you to get a taste of studying that particular subject at the university.

However, you should keep in mind that to study economics at Discover Bath, you must meet certain additional requirements. These include being enrolled in at least three A-level subjects, out of which one is math, and you should have the chance of meeting the entry requirements for one of the economics courses at Bath. 

Why it stands out: The program provides you with certain skills that are considered crucial in your university life, with some examples being research skills, independent study, and teamwork.

9. Dauphine London Pre-Uni Camps

Location: Université Paris Dauphine (London campus), London, England
Cost: £220; discounts available for students who attend the university’s partner schools
Dates: July 7-9 (summer cohort) and October 28-30 (autumn cohort)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in Years 11, 12, and 13; students entering the last two years of International Baccalaureate (IB), finishing another high school diploma, or on a gap year and aged 16-19

Hosted twice every year, the Dauphine London Pre-Uni Camps are meant for students who are planning to seek degrees in economics and management. If you are one of them, the three-day camp can provide you with an outlook on what studying these subjects at a higher education level entails. The program will achieve this by having you participate in workshops, activities, and lectures. By the end of the camp, you will know how to think like a business person.

You will also become familiar with economics and management theories that you will use later in college and your career. Some of the economic theories that you will learn in the program include microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the economic aspects of globalization. Plus, in management, you will explore general management, accounting, the history of management, and more. 

Why it stands out: The program will also teach you essential technical skills, such as Excel, for economics-related careers.

10. UNIQ: Economics and Management

Location: University of Oxford colleges, Oxford, England
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: December 15th – January 13th
Eligibility: Students must be studying A-level Maths or the equivalent and meet UNIQ’s general selection criteria listed here

If you aspire to study at the University of Oxford, then you will certainly benefit from this initiative that is organized by the university. UNIQ has more than 30 subject options for you to choose from, and the Economics and Management course will be the best pick for you. In the Economics and Management course, you will explore how both subjects can be crucial in understanding global issues.

You will sit in lectures and seminars that teach you about economic crises, markets, pricing, banking reforms, and more. In these classes, you will also try to answer questions such as whether economists can predict economic crashes, whether it is possible to save the world by saving resources, and more such questions. 

Why it stands out: This particular UNIQ course is hosted by the Department for Economics and the Saïd Business School, thus having professors from the department engage you in activities that give an outlook on studying in the department. 

11. The University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School: Social Sciences

Location: The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost: £5,250
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: January 6th – May 19th
Eligibility: Students from anywhere in the world who are in their penultimate or final year of high school and are aged 16-18

This pre-university program is for students who want to explore different areas across social sciences, including economics, politics, social policy, and social anthropology. In this course, you will study how research is used to address social issues like climate change, war, and inequality. The curriculum is structured in such a way that high school students like you can get a taste of studying a subject at the university level.

Sessions typically start with lectures that professors who have taught in the field for several years lead. Following this, you will be sorted into a small group, and you will participate in a tutorial to ensure that you have fully understood all the concepts covered during the lectures. Plus, the program gives you the opportunity to visit sites like the Adam Smith special collection, the Scottish Parliament, and more. 

Why it stands out: The program intends to make your transition from high school to college smooth and give you a taste of studying at The University of Edinburgh. 

12. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School: A Taste of Business, Economics, and Finance

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, England
Cost: A non-refundable assessment fee of £50 and a course fee of £5,250
Dates: July 14-24
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Students from anywhere in the world who are 16 or 17 years old during the programme and are considering applying to university

The University of Warwick welcomes high school students to explore different pathways and get an outlook on studying their favorite subject selection at the university level. This initiative allows you to choose from five different sessions, and A Taste of Business, Economics, and Finance best matches your interests and goals.

The course will dive into various aspects of economics, including the role it plays in individual and collective choice and how they connect to primary economic problems, plus how different political and social situations influence economic outcomes. You will also touch on additional topics in game theory, behavioral economics, finance, the stock market, and more. Upon completing the program, you will be handed a University of Warwick Certificate of Attendance.

Why it stands out: By the end of the program, you will have gained the knowledge and confidence to think like an economist. 

13. Sutton Trust Summer School – University of Cambridge

Location: University of Cambridge, UK
Cost: Free; includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities
Dates: Typically one week in summer
Application Deadline: Midday on 12 February
Eligibility: Restricted to Year 12 students attending UK state-funded, non-fee-paying schools; not open to international students

The Sutton Trust Summer School at Cambridge gives you the opportunity to experience university-style academics through subject-specific teaching delivered by Cambridge faculty and researchers. Depending on the subject you select, you will participate in lectures, seminars, and small-group sessions that emphasize independent thinking, analytical discussion, and academic curiosity. The program is designed to mirror elements of the Cambridge supervision system, helping you understand how teaching and learning operate at highly selective universities.

Alongside academic sessions, you will attend application workshops covering personal statements, course selection, and student life, giving you practical insight into the admissions process. Living in a Cambridge college allows you to experience the structure, expectations, and independence associated with undergraduate study while building connections with peers who share similar academic goals.

Why it stands out: Provides an authentic taste of Cambridge’s academic environment at no cost, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to envision and pursue higher education aspirations.

14. Wharton Global Youth Program – Strategy and International Management (Cambridge, UK)

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost: $9,599; $100 non-refundable application fee; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Session 1: July 4-17; Session 2: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28th; final deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally; international applicants are welcome

This two-week residential program immerses you in university-level business education, with a focus on strategy, international management, and ESG principles. You’ll participate in lectures, case studies, and group projects supervised by Wharton faculty to learn how organizations navigate global marketplaces and organizational issues.

The program stresses critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills, preparing you for future academic endeavors in business or economics. Living in Cambridge will expose you to the academic milieu of a historic university city, helping you better grasp international business environments.

Why it stands out: Offers a rigorous exploration of global business strategies within a historic academic setting, providing insights into international management practices.

15. Wharton Global Youth – Cambridge, UK: Public Finance and Society

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost: $9,599; includes tuition, housing, two meals per weekday, excursions, and activities
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28th; final deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international students are welcome

As one of the more internationally focused economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students, this intensive two-week programme immerses you in the study of public finance and its role in shaping societies. You’ll engage in small group discussions, analyse policy solutions from various countries, and develop your own proposals reflecting your values and ideals.

The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application, culminating in a final presentation where you’ll pitch your policy system for a vote. Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience Cambridge’s rich academic environment and connect with peers from around the world. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion, enhancing your academic profile.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic exploration with practical policy analysis, offering a unique opportunity to study economics within a global context at one of the world’s leading universities.

Make the Most of Studying Economics in the UK

You gain much more from economics when you study it where finance, policy, trade, and public debate shape daily life around you.

The economics in-person programs in the UK for high school students listed here give you direct exposure to lectures, tutorials, simulations, policy discussions, and university-style learning.

As you study in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Bath, or Edinburgh, you also start learning how to manage academics, independence, and new cultural experiences.

Want to feel ready for every part of that journey? Read our Student Life and Cultural Immersion blogs for guidance on studying, accommodation, budgeting, wellbeing, and adapting to life in the UK.