The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review.
First year
In the first year you will take Introduction to Political Science and Introduction to Political Theory. You will choose two history courses from a choice of three. In addition, you will take the unassessed course Thinking Like a History and LSE100, which is taught in the Lent term only. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review.
(* denotes a half unit course)
Introduction to Political Theory
Examines the foundations of Western political thought, followed by modern political theory.
Introduction to Political Science
Examines the comparative analysis of a range of political phenomena, including the forms of states and regimes, theories of elections and voting, political ideologies, the causes and consequences of democracy, and the management of the economy.
Two from:
From Empire to Independence: the Extra-European World in the Twentieth Century
Offers an introductory survey of events outside Europe in the twentieth century.
International History Since 1890
Explores the history of international relations from the 1890s through the 1990s.
Faith, Power and Revolution: Europe and the Wider World c.1500-1800
Introduces the international political, religious, military and economic history of the early modern period.
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. Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
Second year
In the second year you will choose two history options (either national or internationally-focussed) and two government options from an approved list. You will also continue to take LSE100 in the Michaelmas Term only. Please note that the format of the LSE100 course is under review.
Government options to the value two units
History options to the value two units
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. Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
Third year
In the third year, you can take more advanced courses in political science and history, including some which are taught in small group seminars and one assessed by a dissertation.
You will take one advanced history option and one advanced government option. You will choose between a range of options in both Departments, one of which is a Dissertation, and outside options.
Government options to the value of one unit
History options to the value of one unit
Either
Government options to the value of one unit
Or
History options to the value of one unit
Or
An approved outside option
Either
Government dissertation
Or
History dissertation
Or
One further government option
Or
One further history option
Or
One outside option
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the Language Centre webpages.
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 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.