York vs Southampton for Economics (aiming for Quant Masters — which is better?)
Hi, I’ve received offers from both York and Southampton for Economics, and I’m aiming to do a quantitative master’s afterwards (like econometrics, quantitative finance, or a top MPhil/MSc at LSE, Imperial, etc.).
Does anyone know which university is stronger for quantitative/econometric preparation? York seems more theory/econ-maths oriented, but Southampton is Russell Group with good applied econometrics.
Thanks for the help.
Does anyone know which university is stronger for quantitative/econometric preparation? York seems more theory/econ-maths oriented, but Southampton is Russell Group with good applied econometrics.
Thanks for the help.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 1
Hey!
Congratulations on having two great options - that's amazing news! 🥳
At York, also a proud Russell Group university (🌟), Economics is deliberately built with a strong theoretical and mathematical core. You’ll see more emphasis on formal modelling, proofs/derivations, and the kind of intermediate–advanced micro/macro/maths sequence that quantitative master’s programmes expect applicants to be comfortable with. Our econometrics teaching is also robust and thorough, with the option to take more technical modules in later years if you enjoy that side of the subject.
Where York tends to particularly help students aiming at elite postgraduate programmes is:
Southampton is also a respected department, especially in applied econometrics, but its degree structure is generally a bit more applied/empirical than theoretical. That’s great for students who want hands-on applied work or policy-oriented roles, but if you’re already thinking ahead to very quantitative master’s programmes, the more theory-intensive environment at York is often a better match.
Ultimately, both can get you where you want to go, but if your priority is being as well-prepared as possible for high-level quantitative study, York’s more mathematical orientation usually gives students a slight edge, and we'd love to see you on campus one day!
To get a really strong feel for your options, I'd recommend our Open Days or Post Offer Visit Days - they're a great way to meet our York academics and students who are already immersed in the subject, and to ask as many questions you like about life at York, as well as opportunities that best align with your desired study trajectory! Find out about post offer visit days!
Best of luck ☺️
-T
Congratulations on having two great options - that's amazing news! 🥳
At York, also a proud Russell Group university (🌟), Economics is deliberately built with a strong theoretical and mathematical core. You’ll see more emphasis on formal modelling, proofs/derivations, and the kind of intermediate–advanced micro/macro/maths sequence that quantitative master’s programmes expect applicants to be comfortable with. Our econometrics teaching is also robust and thorough, with the option to take more technical modules in later years if you enjoy that side of the subject.
Where York tends to particularly help students aiming at elite postgraduate programmes is:
•
A solid mathematical foundation - the curriculum pushes students further on theory and econ-maths compared to a lot of UK departments.
•
A clear pathway into quantitative electives (e.g., advanced econometrics, mathematical economics).
•
Good preparation for postgraduate study - students targeting MSc/MPhil routes often benefit from the grounding in proofs, optimisation, and probability/stats that runs through the programme.
Ultimately, both can get you where you want to go, but if your priority is being as well-prepared as possible for high-level quantitative study, York’s more mathematical orientation usually gives students a slight edge, and we'd love to see you on campus one day!
To get a really strong feel for your options, I'd recommend our Open Days or Post Offer Visit Days - they're a great way to meet our York academics and students who are already immersed in the subject, and to ask as many questions you like about life at York, as well as opportunities that best align with your desired study trajectory! Find out about post offer visit days!
Best of luck ☺️
-T
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- undergrad degree for quant?
- LSE vs UCL for Quant
- What university courses are good to break into Quant finance?
- What Undergrad Course should I take?
- Economics at uni without further maths A level
- UCL natural sciences- lucrative career options?
- Quant finance from Nottingham/Bristol?
- Quantitative analyst degree
- Understanding the W in COWI
- Alevels
- international management at UCL vs E&M at Warwick
- What degree do I do?
- University and course choice help!
- BSc Accounting & Finance or BSc Financial Maths?
- Warwick vs Oxbridge/Imperial for Quant - Gap Year Advice?
- PS LSE Financial Math and Stats
- Lancaster Vs York
- Degree choice
- Becoming a Quant in the UK
- Best degree to study for finance
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 weeks ago
LSE BSc Economics and Economic History (VL31) 2025 ApplicantsLast reply 5 months ago
PPE/ Politics and Economics - Oxford, KCL, Bath, Warwick, ExeterLast reply 5 months ago
URGENT - Econ unis - should i drop fm - URGENTLast reply 6 months ago
is applying aspirationally to UCL/LSE/KCL realisticLast reply 7 months ago
LSE and Oxford admissions - GCSE gradesLast reply 7 months ago
Do I have a chance in Bristol and Bath for economics?Last reply 7 months ago
What is better for career prospects? Management at Warwick or Economics at NottinghamLast reply 7 months ago
Should I go for a better uni without accreditations or a worse uni with accreditationLast reply 7 months ago
Is Economics (( or Finance )) degree worth it??
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
