This joint degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. It allows you to study some of the central questions of philosophy alongside core courses in economics. The Philosophy of Economics course, taken in the third year, links the two subjects.
First year
In your first year, you take a compulsory course in economics and a compulsory course in philosophy (you will take Economics A or Economics B, depending on your economics background. Economics B is only for students with A level Economics or equivalent). You can then take either two half course units of mathematics and statistics (in order to master the basic skills that you will need for core second and third year economics courses), or a full unit of mathematics and a full unit of statistics (in order to provide yourself with a more comprehensive basis for advanced economics courses in your later years). If you choose to take the two half unit courses of mathematics and statistics, you complete your first year by taking Logic (or the more demanding Formal Methods of Philosophical Argumentation). You will also take LSE100 in the Lent term.
(* denotes a half unit course)
Either
Economics A
Provides a foundation in economics, primarily to those without significant background in the subject.
Or
Economics B
An introductory course in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy
Provides an introduction to analytical philosophy by using classic and contemporary texts to study a selection of philosophical problems.
Either
Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)*
Provides the basic mathematical knowledge and develops the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in economics.
And
Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
Provides the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics with an emphasis on the applicability of the methods to management and economic problems.
Along with either
Logic
Introduces the basic system of modern formal logic, including propositional logic, predicate logic and the theory of identity.
Or
Formal Methods of Philosophical Argumentation
Combines the logic with probability theory and makes these formal methods relevant to the analysis of arguments and the study of scientific reasoning. This course is offered as a more demanding alternative to Logic.
Or
Mathematical Methods
An introductory-level course for those who wish to use mathematics extensively in social science.
And
Elementary Statistical Theory
Provides a precise treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques.
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist.
Second year
In the second year you take either Formal Methods of Philosophical Argumentation (if this course or Logic has not already taken in your first year) or an approved philosophy option. You then have the choice of either Microeconomic Principles I or Microeconomics Principles II. You will also choose one from three different economics courses, depending on your first year course selection. You also study an approved philosophy option and take LSE100 in the Michaelmas term.
Either
Macroeconomic Principles
Examines economic growth, consumption, investment, unemployment, inflation, monetary and fiscal policy, financial markets and international macroeconomics.
Or
Introduction to Econometrics
Provides an introduction to econometrics; it aims to present the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.
Or
Principles of Econometrics
Provides a more advanced introduction to econometrics; it aims to present the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.
Either
Formal Methods of Philosophical Argumentation
Combines the logic with probability theory and makes these formal methods relevant to argumentation analysis and the study of scientific reasoning.
Or
One approved philosophy option
Either
Microeconomic Principles I
Studies the economic behaviour of individuals and firms.
Or
Microeconomic Principles II
Studies the same topics employing more formal methods.
One approved philosophy option
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist.
Third year
In the third year, you take the compulsory course, Philosophy of Economics as well as one approved economics option, one approved philosophy option and one further approved outside option.
Philosophy of Economics
Covers topics in the philosophical and economic analysis of public policy, including fair distribution, cost-benefit analysis, individual rights and the moral limits of markets. It also addresses questions about the methodology of economics and its status as a science.
Either
One approved outside option
Or
One approved economics options
Or
One approved philosophy option
One approved economics option
One approved philosophy option
You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.