As one of the world’s leading universities Cambridge has a duty to consider its position of influence in economics education. So, we, the Cambridge Society for Economic Pluralism (CSEP) decided to take the initiative to determine whether the Cambridge curriculum is fit for purpose. Since our inception in 2011 we have become a major presence in the Cambridge economics community which makes us natural candidates to investigate this issue.
This report is the outcome of data collected via a survey of 324 undergraduate economics students at Cambridge with a preface from Lord Adair Turner.
Results show that the Cambridge economics curriculum is falling short of students’ needs. It is not offering adequate means to understand the real-world economy nor providing reasonable opportunities for engagement with related disciplines and other schools of thought. It is not equipping students sufficiently with key skills they will need in their careers and to fully address these issues will require a comprehensive review.