Research in the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics is structured into three dynamic research clusters, fostering an environment of focused collaboration and exploration.
We maintain a regular seminar series featuring presentations from leading experts, ensuring our community stays at the forefront of economic thought.
Rankings
The Department's dedication to excellence is evident in its outstanding achievements. We were ranked second in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and over 88% of our research output was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the recent Research Excellence Framework 2021. This recognition places us among the top economics departments globally, demonstrating our commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research.
Research clusters
The Applied microeconomics research cluster has a particular focus on the determinants and implications of migration, and the interaction between migration, political dynamics and development. It has also developed a theme relating to human capital accumulation and its links with health, education and welfare.
The Behavioural, experimental and theoretical economics (BET) cluster has particular expertise relating to heterogeneity and ambiguity in strategic thinking and decision-making, peer influences on decision-making, and the implications of consumer indecisiveness. It employs experimental methods to investigate human motivation and behaviour, judgment and decision-making. The cluster also considers the analysis of regulation and taxation in relation to firms, labour markets and the environment.
The Macroeconomics cluster has distinctive research strengths relating to the role of financial market imperfections in macroeconomic dynamics – in particular the role of international financial markets in transmitting macroeconomic shocks and policy impacts. There is also a strong focus on expectations and learning – with researchers working on both the macro and micro implications of bounded rationality and learning.