Course details
- DepartmentDepartment of Government
- Application codeSS-EC260
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Limited spaces available
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Overview
This course enhances a student’s understanding of the characteristics, determinants and consequences of public-policy making in liberal democracies.
It provides theoretical foundations from both economics and political science, whilst developing an expansive knowledge of theoretical and applied areas of political economy.
Does democracy promote economic growth and welfare? What determines the size and evolution of the welfare state? Is regulation done in the interest of consumers? Is there a feasible third way between markets and governments in the delivering of public services? To answer these and many related questions it is necessary to understand the complex relationships between politics and economics.
Governments and political processes define the boundaries of economic relationships and the rules of market interactions. Moreover, governments themselves allocate resources and these allocations reflect complex political bargaining. Understanding the interaction between politics and economics can help us to gain insight into the key questions of public policy making.
Key information
Prerequisites: Introductory microeconomics, basic knowledge of calculus and statistics.
Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs
Fees: Please see Fees and payments
Lectures: 36 hours
Classes: 18 hours
Assessment: One piece of written work and one written examination
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)
Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment
Is this course right for you?
This course is suited to students with a background in introductory microeconomics who wish to better understand the complex relationship between economics and politics. If you are pursuing a career in policy development, research and government you should consider taking this course.
Outcomes
This course enhances a student’s understanding of the characteristics, determinants and consequences of public-policy making in liberal democracies.
It provides theoretical foundations from both economics and political science, whilst developing an expansive knowledge of theoretical and applied areas of political economy.
Content
One of my professors here at LSE opened my eyes to a whole field of research that I wasn't aware of, which has steered me towards a new postgraduate trajectory. A very valuable part of LSE is the close interaction with professors and being able to hear about their research.
Faculty
The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.
Professor Valentino Larcinese
Professor in Public Policy
Professor Torun Dewan
Professor of Political Science
Department
LSE’s Department of Government is home to some of the most internationally-respected experts in politics and government, producing influential research that has a global impact on policy development. The Department ranked 5th in the world for Politics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
With a strongly cosmopolitan character, alumni can be found in the world's leading political science departments, as well as in journalism, commerce, central and local government, and non-governmental organisations globally. A long-standing commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of developments in the field ensures that students within the Department are equipped with the necessary analytical skills to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
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Apply
Limited spaces available
We are accepting applications but places are limited. Don't miss out - apply online now.