BSc Economic History and Geography

You’ll examine the impact of economic change on geography, both in today’s world and in the past, and how different processes affect the economic and social geography of modern societies.

We look at questions such as:

• Why are some countries rich and others poor?
• What forces shape inequality?
• What can historical events tell us about current global economic developments and crises?

As you progress, you’ll complete a series of research projects based on primary historical sources. These culminate with a year-long dissertation in your third year where you undertake an original piece of research in historical economic geography.

When you graduate, you’ll have a range of highly transferable skills that will set you up for a career in the City, financial markets, NGOs and the charity sector, the Civil Service, teaching, government or academia.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject, we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

• R C Allen Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• S L Engerman and K L Sokoloff Economic Development in the Americas since 1500: endowments and institutions (Cambridge University Press, 2012)
• J Diamond Guns, Germs and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Past 13,000 Years (Vintage, 1998)
• C Goldin and L Katz The Race between Education and Technology (Harvard University Press, 2008)
• K H O’Rourke and J G Williamson Globalization and History: the evolution of a nineteenth century Atlantic economy (MIT Press, 1999)
• E Glaeser Triumph of the City (Penguin Press, 2011)
• S Chant and C McIlwaine Geographies of Development in the 21st Century: an introduction to the Global South (Edward Elgar 2009)
• P Dicken Global Shift: mapping the changing contours of the world economy (Sage Publications, 2015)
• M Storper Keys to the City: how economics, institutions, social interaction and politics shape development (Princeton University Press, 2013)
• E Moretti The new geography of jobs (Mariner, 2013)
• A O'Sullivan, Urban Economics (Irwin/MacGraw-Hill, 2012)

LSE is home to one of the largest specialist economic history departments in the world, with 25 permanent teaching staff, as well as visiting academics and researchers.

We use social science concepts and theories as a starting point to study the evolution of real economies in their social, political and cultural contexts.

Collectively, our academics have a huge breadth and depth of knowledge, ranging from the Medieval period to the current day, and covering every world economy, from the Americas to Asia, Africa and Europe.

The department’s research interests range from social well-being to technology and finance, and from the history of economic ideas to global trade patterns. Our research has informed decision-making in numerous government departments, NGOs, and international bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Drawing on their research strengths, our academics hold editorial and board membership roles on many world-renowned journals (such as Cliometrica and the Economic History Review) and regularly share their insights in the national and international media.

Currently, the department offers three undergraduate degree programmes and a range of postgraduate degrees and research opportunities. Many of our graduates secure high-profile teaching and research roles in the UK and internationally.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Economic History

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• an equal interest in history and geography and an awareness of the links between history, geography and economic and social change
• a flexible approach to problem-solving
• an ability to think independently
• an ability to apply logic and reason to form balanced conclusions
• great communication skills
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment.

You’ll usually write up to four essays for each economic history course, as well as giving class presentations. The 10,000-word research project counts as one of your four courses in the third year.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

The compulsory second-year course includes a 3,000-word project as part of the final assessment – which is worth 30 per cent of the final mark. Most other economic history courses are assessed through three-hour examinations – although some also include summative essays and presentations.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework submitted as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

Please note that assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course are given in the relevant course guide.

Economic history combines the skills of the economist, the statistician and the sociologist, as well as those of the historian, therefore graduates leave with a portfolio of highly transferable skills that can be applied across a wide variety of employment sectors. Our graduates can be found in senior positions throughout many professions, in the City, financial and market consultancy, NGOs and the charity sector, the civil service, sales and marketing, teaching, government and academia.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.