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Department of Economic History

Economic History uses concepts and theories from the social sciences as a starting point for studying the development of real economies and understanding them in their social, political and cultural contexts.

We are the largest specialist department in the UK, and home to a huge range of expertise from the Middle Ages to the current century, covering every major world economy.

Welcome 2025

We're looking forward to meeting out new students! Here's where to find departmental welcome events and more.

Research Highlights

European Business Cycles and Economic Growth, 1300-2000

What can a long-run analysis of business cycles tell us about economic growth?
Crowd of traders on a trading floor, staring at electronic boards and gesticulating

The Irish in London

Documenting 200 years as an economic underclass
19th century engraving showing a crowd of families on a dockside waiting to embark on a passag to America

The Market for Skill: Apprenticeship and Economic Growth in Early Modern England

Patrick Wallis on how apprenticeship shaped the English economy
Cover of The Market for Skill by Patrick Wallis, showing historic images of tradesman

Programmes, People and Research

Discover the range of our programmes and our research and teaching community

Study Economic History at LSE

We offer a range of programmes from undergraduate to PhD
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People

A rich research community of faculty, research students and visiting academics
People in a seminar taking notes

Research

From pre-industrial economic history to global financial crises
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Events and news

Keep up to date with our public events, workshops, seminars, publications and more

Stay connected with us

How you can keep in touch and support the department

Support Us!

Help us develop our work and support students
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Economic History Alumni

Be a part of our global community
students throwing caps in air at graduation