Economics

Entry requirements

One-year programme:

First class honours degree in economics or equivalent with concentration in economics and quantitative subjects. Successful candidates will typically have achieved very good examination results in university-level two-semester length courses in [a] mathematics (both advanced calculus and linear algebra), [b] econometrics and statistics, [c] intermediate macro and microeconomics.

If your first degree is not in economics, you should apply to take the MSc Economics (2 year) programme. Candidates with a technical degree and a strong quantitative background might wish to consider applying to MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.

GRE is required for applicants without a UK undergraduate degree in economics. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will be more demanding and we view your score on that basis.

Two-year programme:

First class honours degree or equivalent with two semesters of university-level mathematics.

GRE is required for all applicants. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will be more demanding and we view your score on that basis.

Months of entry

August, September

Course content

About this MSc programme

This programme is intended to equip you with the main tools of the professional economist, whether you intend to work in government, central banking, international organisations or private sector firms such as economic consultancies.

The advanced and technically rigorous nature of the programme also serves as an excellent foundation for PhD programmes and other research-focused roles.

There are two routes: the one-year or two-year programme.

One-year programme

The one-year route is for students with a strong undergraduate degree in economics and a solid quantitative background, while the two-year route is designed for students who have a sound quantitative background but lack the necessary economic theory and knowledge in quantitative techniques for the one-year route.

The degree concentrates on the core elements of economic theory, macroeconomics and econometrics. The extensive use of mathematics is intended as a tool in order to facilitate analysis, with the primary objective of the programme being the provision of a formal training in - and in-depth understanding of - core economic models and methods.

Two-year programme

The two year route for the MSc Economics is designed for students who have a sound quantitative background but lack the necessary knowledge in economic theory and quantitative techniques for the one year programme. You should have a strong academic qualification with an emphasis on quantitative subjects such as mathematics and statistics.

The preliminary year will provide you with a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative techniques and develop your skills to the point where you become eligible to join the main MSc Economics programme.

Department of Economics

The Department of Economics has expertise across the spectrum of mainstream economics. It has a long-standing commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of developments in the field, which has ensured its lasting impact on the discipline as whole. Almost every major intellectual development within Economics over the past fifty years has had input from members of the department, which counts ten Nobel Prize winners among its current and former staff and students.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees - 1-year programme and 2-year programme.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.