MSc Political Economy of Europe

"It is hard to describe what I appreciate the most about studying Political Economy of Europe at the European Institute: whether it is the close contact with internationally recognized professors inside and outside class, the amazing speakers coming to the Institute every Monday and Friday afternoon, the specialized career advisors giving us valuable tips for our next step after the LSE or the international active student community, always ready to debate the topics of our course around a drink.

On top of all that, I was so lucky to get elected as President of the LSESU European Society, which allowed me not only to organise study related debates, visits and events but also to get close contact with people from other programs and even universities. All those special experiences is what makes LSE truly unique to me. And if I can give you one advise: do seize all the opportunities offered to you because this one year will pass by more quickly thank you think!" 

"LSE is an incredible institution. The environment is extremely multicultural and stimulating. I strongly believe that what really makes the difference is the overall environment not just the concepts you learn by taking the courses. I wanted a relevant international experience and I couldn’t have expected anything better than this. I had the opportunity to build long lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

Furthermore, LSE broadened my perspectives. The most important skill I acquired during this experience is to formulate solid arguments grounded on data and economical reasoning. Having an economic background, I learned how difficult it is making the decision to implement a particular policy. During one presentation at the beginning of the year I was impressed by a quote from a professor:

“In social sciences it is difficult to work out a clear answer to some problems. In contrast with a physic that studies ‘natural phenomena’, the social scientists have to deal with human beings”.

During the MSc Political Economy of Europe programme I also had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of relevant issues that are currently being debated among economists and policy makers, such as the fragility of the EMU, the changing nature of European Welfare States and the need for European Social Policy to address new challenges.  

I hold a Masters in Accounting, Financial Management and Control and I already have some working experience. I chose this subject at LSE for the prestige of the School and because I wanted to expand my knowledge in this specific area. I took this course as I want to work in the Central Banking sector and as a result I have successfully secured a job at the European Central Bank. This July I will move to Frankfurt to begin this new adventure."

"I can still recall the study-intensive but international and welcoming atmosphere that I felt from the first moment being on campus while attending a public lecture with my school class some years ago. This experience made LSE my first choice when applying for a master degree. I chose the Political Economy of Europe degree because for me the EU has always been an exciting institution. Considering all the current issues and crises, there are plenty of reasons to study the EU. This year has taught me not to take conventional views for granted and to be confident about challenging existing views. After undertaking an internship at the BBC, I am planning to apply for employment in their business affairs department."

"After finishing my Bachelor programme in Economics, I felt that I was missing an essential multidisciplinary part of my education. The MSc Political Economy of Europe at the LSE offered me precisely this: a multi-angled approach to European political and economic developments and contemporary issues. The vibrant academic climate at LSE further supported my personal and intellectual developments. The pro-active and supportive team of lecturers and support staff, as well as a wealth of public lectures and other events, allowed me to get the most out of my year at LSE. I was surprised by the dedication shown by the staff in supporting you all the way – often causing the one-on-one meetings with teachers turning from 15 into 50 minutes, because they genuinely wanted to make sure that you are helped with the questions that you had. Lastly, the supportive attitude among fellow students was for me one of the most valuable assets this year. A serious dedication to our studies allowed us to support each other along the way, while frequent social events during the evenings and weekends allowed us to relax and make the many friends that we have made this year. I believe that this genuine ‘work hard, play hard’ atmosphere is one of the things that makes a year at LSE so unique. The LSE has truly been an eye-opening experience that I can recommend to everyone without any reservations. Next I will go back to the Netherlands to start a two-year research programme in Economics, equipped with the knowledge and experience that I have gained at LSE – an experience that I have come to believe to be indispensable."

"After graduating from the MSc Political Economy of Europe in 2012, I started working at the European Commission, in Directoral General for Enlargement. This degree programme was key not only for my work at the European Commission but also for my overall understanding of the ways of working of such an institution. The MSc strengthened my knowledge about the EU and its neighbouring countries, namely the Western Balkans. At LSE I had the opportunity to meet high-profile academics and excellent professors that changed the way I envisaged political economy in Europe. My own views were constantly being challenged, either by the professors or by my peers, which triggered my capacity to build up strong, coherent and well-grounded arguments for my ideas. I learned how to think critically and engage in debates and discussions, putting forward consistent arguments. This skill proved to be essential in several meetings, discussions and reports I had to produce in a work context.

Throughout the MSc we were always encouraged to think outside the box and to consider different explanations for a given fact. Discussing issues and exchanging ideas often continued after class, over a pint at The George, and it was thrilling to have the chance to do so with such a multidisciplinary and multicultural group of people. This dynamic environment is, in my opinion, what makes LSE unique. I feel that my time at LSE’s European Institute is constantly opening new doors in the job market and proves more and more helpful as my career evolves. I will now start a position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and I am absolutely sure that, once again, what I learnt whilst at LSE will be essential for the success of my performance in this new position.”

Alumna 2011-2012. 

"I graduated from the European Institute’s MSc Political Economy of Europe in 2012. I chose to study this programme as previously my academic background had been based solely on political science and I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the more technical aspects of economic policy. However, the quality of teaching and the timing of course - when Europe was suffering a deep political and economic crisis - made it a far more enriching and thought-provoking course. It allowed me to develop questioning and analytical skills which have served me greatly in my working life.

Since completing the programme, I have been working for the British Government as a Tax Professional at HM Revenue and Customs, the non-ministerial department working closely with HM Treasury. I am currently enrolled in a four-year training programme which allows me to specialise in the technical aspects of taxation, as well as to engage in policy and Parliamentary discussions. My current work projects vary from consulting on the European Union Savings Directive to dealing with complex issues on tax cases dealing with large, and usually international, companies. My experience at LSE provided me not only with a great academic foundation and understanding of complex political and economic issues, but it also provided the opportunity for debate. Whilst hosting an extensive profile of public lectures with global thinkers, its uniquely diverse and multicultural range of students also proved to be a great source of knowledge and an inimitable tool for engagement.”

Alumna 2011-2012

"It was during my MSc in European Political Economy that I considered doing a PhD, but didn't pursue this when I graduated in the summer of 2009. For some months I worked as a freelance political consultant with a think-tank in Berlin, on a global research project on budget transparency and for my regional parliament in Germany. Coincidentally, through the research project, I got in touch with a professor from Singapore, who suggested I should apply to her university. So, I did apply and ended up starting a PhD at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore in August 2010.

The PhD programme is in public policy which builds on my degree at LSE and my undergraduate studies in social sciences but also extends into economics as well as public policy and administration issues which I have not studied much before. Unlike most places in Britain or the rest of Europe, the programme is more in line with the US, with a fixed curriculum in the first two years - and a strong emphasis in preparing me for academic life. I quite enjoy this perspective even though it means a different trajectory from my pre-LSE work in the European Parliament and a few internships in consulting and finance. It's great to realise the value of my education at LSE - from which I can draw heavily in my current programme - and it also seems that the reputation of LSE is truly global, potentially opening many doors."

Alumnus 2008-2009

"I graduated from the European Institute's MSc in European Political Economy: Transition in 2003 and returned to work for a management consultancy firm where I spent time working on projects at GCHQ, at the Cabinet Office and others.  I'm now working for a leading political and security risk consultancy, Control Risks, based in Dubai. 

As a politico-security risk consultant I advise companies on risks associated with investments and projects in emerging markets around the Middle East, most recently on projects in the West Bank, in Syria and in Saudi Arabia.  My work entails considering and analysing political economy fundamentals, including economic trends, regime stability, non-state actors such as armed factions and terrorist groups, organised criminals and other factors to determine the nature and extent of risks a particular client is exposed to, and then working closely with the client organisation to develop practical and cost-efficient risk response strategies.  My study at LSE was instrumental in securing the role as a political risk consultant with Control Risks initially. The analytical rigour and other skills that I acquired on the degree course has stood me in good stead since."

Alumnus 2002-2003

"I graduated from the MSc European Political Economy: Transition in 2002. In 2003 I joined Shell Oil as a Business Analyst in the Lubricants Supply Chain Europe, working mainly on cost modelling. In 2004, I moved to the Bank of Greece as an Economist in the Economic Research Department, where I have been working ever since. During this period, I was seconded at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt for 2 years (2009-2010) at the External Economic Developments Division. My main tasks at the European Central Bank involved the analysis of cross-border financial flows, the impact of price and cost competitiveness on trade and the macro-economic surveillance of countries in the euro area.

Currently, I am responsible for providing high-level economic analysis to Bank of Greece's senior management on issues relating to: (i) the Greek economy, such as tax evasion and other structural reforms under the Memorandum of Understanding and (ii) the European Union in general, such as the new economic governance framework. Studying at LSE offered me a unique opportunity to interact with high-profile academics as well as actual policymakers. In my opinion, LSE goes beyond the definition of an excellent university that provides the knowledge and practical tools one needs to be employable in the job market. LSE is the place where modern thinking is shaped through leading research and public debate, a dynamic institution that responds creatively and rapidly to a changing global environment. The capacity for adaptability and strong, out-of-the-box reasoning, were the two most valuable assets I inherited from my LSE times. Living in London was also a pleasure on its own!"

Alumna 2001-2002