BSc Economic History

Why are some countries rich and others poor? What forces shape inequality? What can the past teach us about current and future economic crises?

This BSc Economic History degree looks at the historical development of economies in social, political and cultural contexts. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, you’ll apply concepts and theories from across the social sciences to explore real-world issues.

Our department is world-leading for research and teaching in economic history – and one of only a few of its kind in the world. We offer a huge range of economic history courses covering virtually every global region and historical period. You can also study thematic courses covering financial and monetary history, the history of technology and innovation, slavery, historical economic geography and more.

As you progress, you’ll acquire wide-ranging, transferable skills that are sought-after by employers. Our graduates progress to highly paid and rewarding careers in the City, consulting, the Civil Service, government, NGOs and the charity sector, teaching and academia.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject, we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

• R C Allen Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• R C Allen The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective (Cambridge University Press, 2009)
• G Clark A Farewell to Alms: a brief economic history of the world (Princeton University Press, 2007)
• N F R Crafts and P Fearon The Great Depression of the 1930s: lessons for today (Oxford University Press, 2013)
• S L Engerman and K L Sokoloff Economic Development in the Americas since 1500: endowments and institutions (Cambridge University Press, 2012)
• C Goldin and L Katz The Race between Education and Technology (Harvard University Press, 2008)
• J Humphries Childhood and Child Labour in the British Industrial Revolution(Cambridge University Press, 2010)
• D C North, J J Wallis and B Weingast Violence and Social Orders: a conceptual framework for interpreting recorded human history (Cambridge University Press, 2009)
• S Ogilvie Institutions and European Trade: merchant guilds, 1000–1800(Cambridge University Press, 2011)
• K H O’Rourke and J G Williamson Globalization and History: the evolution of a nineteenth century Atlantic economy (MIT Press, 1999)
• K Pomeranz The Great Divergence: China, Europe and the making of the modern world economy (Princeton University Press, 2000)
• C M Reinhart and K S Rogoff This Time Is Different: eight centuries of financial folly (Princeton University Press, 2009)
• B Yun-Casalilla and P K O’Brien The Rise of Fiscal States: a global history, 1500–1914 (Cambridge University Press, 2011)

LSE is home to one of the largest specialist economic history departments in the world, with 25 permanent teaching staff, as well as visiting academics and researchers.

We use social science concepts and theories as a starting point to study the evolution of real economies in their social, political and cultural contexts.

Collectively, our academics have a huge breadth and depth of knowledge, ranging from the Medieval period to the current day, and covering every world economy, from the Americas to Asia, Africa and Europe.

The department’s research interests range from social well-being to technology and finance, and from the history of economic ideas to global trade patterns. Our research has informed decision-making in numerous government departments, NGOs, and international bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Drawing on their research strengths, our academics hold editorial and board membership roles on many world-renowned journals (such as Cliometrica and the Economic History Review) and regularly share their insights in the national and international media.

Currently, the department offers three undergraduate degree programmes and a range of postgraduate degrees and research opportunities. Many of our graduates secure high-profile teaching and research roles in the UK and internationally.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Economic History

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:

• an interest in history and an awareness of the links between history, economics and social change
• flexibility and creativity in problem solving
• an ability to think independently
• logical thinking and reasoning
• great 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. Generally, you’ll submit four essays for each course, as well as giving class presentations. The 10,000-word research project counts as one of your four courses in the third year.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and give feedback within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

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

• Most courses are assessed with three-hour examinations. Some also include summative essays and presentations.
• The compulsory second-year course includes a 3,000-word project as part of the final assessment, worth 30 per cent of the final mark.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework submitted for individual course assessments (except for final submitted dissertations). Generally, feedback is given before the examination period.

Please note that assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Read about 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.

Economic history combines the skills of the economist, the statistician and the sociologist, as well as those of the historian, therefore graduates leave with a portfolio of highly transferable skills that can be applied across a wide variety of employment sectors. Our graduates can be found in senior positions throughout many professions, in the City, financial and market consultancy, NGOs and the charity sector, the civil service, sales and marketing, teaching, government and academia.

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.