Independent report reveals Middlesex University contributes nearly £1 billion every year to UK economy

New report by London Economics also highlights MDX’s civic impact including training more than 2,000 graduates for essential public service roles

Middlesex University contributes nearly £1 billion every year to the UK economy through graduate earnings, research impact, and employment, which is nearly five times its running cost, according to new independent research.

Middlesex commissioned London Economics to explore the economic and civic impact of the University’s activities between 2023 and 2025.

The resulting report by London Economics, one of Europe's leading independent specialist economics and policy consultancies, outlines how Middlesex University is training thousands of graduates for essential public service roles including nurses, police officers and teachers, as an anchor institution in north and north west London. It also demonstrates how the University supports social mobility, with 98% of its London students coming from underrepresented backgrounds, including ethnic minority and low-income communities.

The report found that:

• Middlesex contributes nearly £1 billion annually to the UK economy which is nearly five times its running costs
• It generates £394.7 million through graduate earnings and for every £1 invested in research there was a return of £2.41 in economic output.
• Economic impact in London is £483.1 million, with over 73% locally in north and north west London
• The University trains more than 1,500 student nurses and midwives, 400 trainee social workers and 275 trainee teachers each year.
• International students at Middlesex contribute £177.9 million to the local economy – supporting business and services across north and northwest London through accommodation, living costs, travel, and course-related purchases.

Middlesex has a new and dedicated Business and Civic Engagement Directorate, which will ensure it continues to work effectively with local employers, organisations, and education providers.

“By embracing its role as an anchor institution, dedicated to meeting the education and skills needs of the communities it serves and fostering pride in place through civic collaboration and economic renewal, Middlesex is fulfilling its mission to support and sustain its local region, through education and knowledge exchange."

Middlesex University's Economic and Civic Impact report

Commenting on the findings in the London Economics report, in her foreword Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, said: “Middlesex University exists to serve our communities. Our positive impact on the region is significant, measurable and we are committed to increasing it.

“In our early days, teachers, engineers, technicians, scientists and designers all emerged from our doors to serve north London, and we have been an intrinsic part of our civic society for nearly 150 years.

"Our mission is to ensure that education is accessible to all those who can benefit from it, regardless of their circumstances or family backgrounds. By providing access to education and supporting graduates’ success, Middlesex contributes to fighting poverty, tackling inequality, and supporting better life outcomes.

“In partnership with local people and organisations, we not only serve our communities but draw strength from them. We work together to build a fairer, more sustainable, productive and prosperous society for all.”

Read the Economic and Civic Impact of Middlesex University report in full, which explains in detail how we worked out these figures.