| Practice area: | Education and Labour Markets | Higher education |
|---|---|
| Client: | Middlesex University |
| Published: | 22 January, 2026 |
| Keywords: | economics of education higher education 2026 Public Policy |
London Economics were commissioned to assess the economic and civic impact of Middlesex University on its local and national economy, focusing on the 2023-24 academic year.
The total economic impact on the UK economy associated with the University’s activities in 2023-24 was estimated at approximately £994 million. Of this total:
- The value of Middlesex University’s teaching and learning activities stood at £395 million (40%);
- The University’s research and knowledge exchange activities accounted for £54 million (5%);
- The impact generated by Middlesex University’s international students stood at £281 million (28%); and
- The impact associated with the University’s institutional expenditures was estimated at £265 million (27%).
Compared to the University’s total relevant operational costs of approximately £209 million in 2023-24, the total impact of Middlesex University’s activities on the UK economy was estimated at £994 million, which corresponds to a benefit to cost ratio of approximately 4.8:1.
Approximately £574 million of the total economic impact of Middlesex University could be disaggregated geographically, of which approximately £357 million (62%) occurred in Outer London – West and North West, £126 million (22%) was generated throughout the rest of London, and the remaining £91 million (16%) occurred throughout the rest of the UK.
Finally, the report concludes by providing data, insights and examples of Middlesex University’s civic engagement activities, considered through the lens of the seven domains of civic engagement outlined in the Civic University Network’s Civic Impact Framework.
The report is available here.