BSc Economics

How can we tackle widening economic inequalities? Why does a gender pay gap persist? How can deal with climate change? These are just some of the questions we’ll explore on this wide-ranging programme.

You’ll gain a solid grounding in analytical techniques, statistical theory and quantitative methods and apply your learning to complex real-world problems. Throughout, you’ll take an open-minded and scientific approach to problems, using formal modelling of economic relationships and testing hypotheses against data.

After a core foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, you can select from specialist economics courses and external options from outside the department. You’ll learn how to develop and communicate complex arguments effectively – equipping you with invaluable skills for your future career.

LSE has one of the largest economics departments in the world and our academics lead global thinking and research in the field. Our department is regularly ranked number one (outside the USA) for published research in economics and econometrics.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from all 4 certificate level CIMA modules through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Graduates from this programme will be exempt from the following certificate level CIMA modules:

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

If you'd like to gain further insight into what economists study, we suggest looking at one or more of the following popular books or others like them:

• A V Banerjee and E Duflo Poor Economics: barefoot hedge-fund managers, DIY doctors and the surprising truth about life on less than $1 a day (Penguin, 2012)
• D Coyle GDP: a brief but affectionate history (Princeton University Press, 2014)
• T Harford The Undercover Economist (Abacus, 2007)
• T Harford The Logic of Life (Little Brown, 2009)
• P Krugman End This Depression Now! (W W Norton, 2012)
• S D Levitt and S J Dubner Freakonomics (Penguin, 2007)
• S D Levitt and S J Dubner Superfreakonomics (Penguin, 2010)

Some of these books were launched at LSE. Listen to podcasts of these launches (and many other talks).

It's also a very good idea to have a look at one or more economics textbooks, to have a clear idea of what the serious university study of the subject involves, which will differ from these popular presentations. Although the texts and editions listed below are currently recommended for the first year, other editions of these books and other university-level textbooks are also entirely valid for this first investigation.

• N G Mankiw Macroeconomics (9th edition, Worth Publishers, 2015)
• D Acemoglu, D I Laibson and J A List, Microeconomics (2nd edition, Pearson, 2018)

Applicants are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is mandatory.

LSE is home to one of the top economics departments in the world, with expertise across the full spectrum of mainstream economics.

Our academics and researchers are working at the frontiers of developments in the field and our research has a global impact. Over the past 50 years, this research has influenced almost every major intellectual development within the discipline.

As a department, our academics advise governments and central banks, aid agencies, and private-sector organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world. Our research insights help tackle global challenges such as economic instability, inequality and climate change, often catalysing profound policy shifts.

Past and present faculty members have shaped economic policy at a national and international level and our teaching staff have included a former Bank of England governor and Chief Economist to the World Bank. We count nine Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students.

Within the department, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as doctoral training in economics. Our alumni find high-earning and rewarding roles in government, international institutions, business and finance.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Economics

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• logical thinking
• quantitative skills and the ability to follow complex lines of mathematical reasoning
• a creative and flexible approach to problem-solving
• an ability to think independently
• good communication skills
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and provide feedback within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment is largely through examinations in May to June each year (and occasionally in the January assessment period). This is complemented by other forms of assessment, such as essays, policy reports, research projects and class participation. Our new curriculum has allowed us to introduce a broader range of assessment methods – so you can develop and be assessed on a wider variety of skills.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Get details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

This degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, but we particularly welcome students who want to learn about economics, rather than simply prepare themselves for a prosperous future.

Over the past two decades many of our graduates have chosen to pursue careers in the financial sector, which can include positions involving economics research as well as those in banking or hedge funds. Increasingly, many have also preferred to take up positions as economic or management consultants, to join central banks, their home country’s government economic service or international organisations. Some graduates from the programme pursue quite different careers, whether as professional accountants and auditors, engaging in entrepreneurial activity, marketing or law, or in entirely different fields.

A significant number choose to go on to graduate study, not just in economics but also in finance, management, development, economic history and other fields. Throughout their time at LSE we work to prepare our students who are aiming in this direction to understand the rewards of engaging in economics research and the benefits of interacting with faculty and visitors who are leading economists.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.