Departmental website: lse.ac.uk/europeanInstitute
Number of graduate students (full-time equivalent)
Taught: 147
Research: 18
Number of faculty (full-time equivalent): 19
REF: 85 per cent of the Institute's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent
Location: Cowdray House
About the Institute
The LSE European Institute (EI) was established in 1991 as a dedicated centre for the interdisciplinary study of processes of integration and fragmentation within Europe. It is internationally recognised as a leader in the study of contemporary Europe and, comprised of scholars from the fields of politics, economics, geography, history, political economy, law, philosophy, sociology and international relations, sports an unrivalled disciplinary range. It offers a first class programme of public events and lectures, featuring leading policy practitioners across Europe, which adds an important dimension to its teaching. Its vibrant and well-networked environment offers a unique student experience and a strong launchpad for future careers.
The EI focuses on the study of processes of integration and fragmentation in contemporary Europe. To this end it has prioritised the following themes: governance and democracy in the European Union; political economy in Europe, European society, and Europe beyond the EU. With its pan-European focus and multidisciplinary perspective, the EI relates each theme to the big questions facing Europe’s decision-makers today.
MPhil/PhD European Studies
Visiting Research Students
We welcome applications for this programme for inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research on Europe in one of the Institute's four broad research themes: governance and democracy in the European Union; political economy in Europe; European society; and Europe beyond the EU. You can pursue the doctorate in a wide variety of disciplines which include politics, law, economics, political economy, economic geography, philosophy and political sociology.
In preparation for your own research, as part of the MPhil, you will follow the Research Workshop in European Studies course, and you will also take at least one research methods course from the European Institute or another Department.
The School has a long history of research expertise, having won the prestigious UACES doctoral prize for the best PhD in European Studies four times. Besides having access to outstanding academic facilities, you will have the added advantage of being situated in a world class social science institution with a powerful public profile. The European Institute alone typically offers 120 public lectures or events per year.
There are Erasmus doctoral research exchanges with the Central European University, Budapest; and the European University Institute, Florence.
Taught programmes
Other programmes with a focus on Europe, or which (through options) provide an opportunity to study related topics: