New report cites SOAS’s progressive approach to economics as “fit for the 21st Century”

A new nationwide report from Rethinking Economics International reveals that SOAS University of London is one of the top two institutions providing undergraduate Economics programmes fit for the 21st Century.

The report assesses the landscape of economics education across the UK, to better equip students of the present and the future to overcome the political shifts of the economy and its effect on society as a whole.

Supported by Professor Ha-Joon Chang, Research Professor at the Department of Economics at SOAS, and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation (CSST), the study looks at economics programmes across 20 universities in England, Scotland and Wales to gather the bigger picture on the current practices of economics education.

By assessing each institution in its ability to provide a broad, critical education that supports students in addressing real-world challenges, the aim of the report was to provide a new set of principles for the next generation and continue the conversation among both students and academics in search of reform.

An unorthodox and burgeoning approach to the study of economics, and multifaceted, climate-conscious economics programme.

SOAS was noted for its unorthodox and burgeoning approach to the study of economics, and multifaceted, climate-conscious economics programme. SOAS students can engage with the discipline through the lens of contemporary socio-economic challenges and in a critical manner – acting as a form of inspiration for institutions looking to improve their teaching and encourage students who are actively campaigning for change.

Speaking on the purpose of the report, Professor Ha-Joon Chang said:

"Economists are considered the ultimate defender of ‘rationality’. It is increasingly recognised that everyone—not just students studying economics in universities but computer programmers, plumbers, pensioners, and all other citizens—should be aware of how economists are trained. 

'This report uncovers the way economists are educated and sets about the how best to rethink economics teaching around the world."

Taking a global perspective of economies across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as expertise on Europe and Latin America, the SOAS BA/BSc Economics programmes reflect the pivotal roles that the department has in addressing issues within climate justice, gender, race, and other socio-economic inequalities.

Discover more about SOAS’s Department of Economics, with the report being available in full via the Rethinking Economics International website.