BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics

Econometrics uses statistical and mathematical methods and theoretical models to help us understand real-world economic issues and predict future trends. In industry and government, there is a real need for graduates who understand econometrics. So, this BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics equips you with in-demand skills.

The programme provides a solid grounding in micro and macro economics and econometrics. You’ll learn how empirical methods are used to test economic theories and gain hands-on experience in statistical programming.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be taught by academics who are advising government, business and the finance sector on policy. So, your learning will be informed by real-world thinking and applications. Our department is regularly ranked number one outside the US for published research in economics and econometrics.

Please note: students are rarely admitted to the programme in the first year, as this is too early to commit to a research career in economics. A limited number of students transfer to this programme from other LSE programmes in the third year to complete the dissertation in quantitative economics.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from all 4 certificate level CIMA modules through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Graduates from this programme will be exempt from the following certificate level CIMA modules:

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

If you'd like to gain further insight into what economists study, we suggest looking at one or more of the following popular books or others like them:

• A V Banerjee and E Duflo Poor Economics: barefoot hedge-fund managers, DIY doctors and the surprising truth about life on less than $1 a day (Penguin, 2012)
• D Coyle GDP: a brief but affectionate history (Princeton University Press, 2014)
• T Harford The Undercover Economist (Abacus, 2007)
• T Harford The Logic of Life (Little Brown, 2009)
• P Krugman End This Depression Now! (W W Norton, 2012)
• S D Levitt and S J Dubner Freakonomics (Penguin, 2007)
• S D Levitt and S J Dubner Superfreakonomics (Penguin, 2010)

Some of these books were launched at LSE. Listen to podcasts of these launches (and many other talks).

It's also a very good idea to have a look at one or more economics textbooks, to have a clear idea of what the serious university study of the subject involves, which will differ from these popular presentations. Although the texts and editions listed below are currently recommended for the first year, other editions of these books and other university-level textbooks are also entirely valid for this first investigation.

• N G Mankiw Macroeconomics (9th edition, Worth Publishers, 2015)
• D Acemoglu, D I Laibson and J A List, Microeconomics (2nd edition, Pearson, 2018)

Applicants are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The test is mandatory.

LSE is home to one of the top economics departments in the world, with expertise across the full spectrum of mainstream economics.

Our academics and researchers are working at the frontiers of developments in the field and our research has a global impact. Over the past 50 years, this research has influenced almost every major intellectual development within the discipline.

As a department, our academics advise governments and central banks, aid agencies, and private-sector organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world. Our research insights help tackle global challenges such as economic instability, inequality and climate change, often catalysing profound policy shifts.

Past and present faculty members have shaped economic policy at a national and international level and our teaching staff have included a former Bank of England governor and Chief Economist to the World Bank. We count nine Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students.

Within the department, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as doctoral training in economics. Our alumni find high-earning and rewarding roles in government, international institutions, business and finance.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Economics

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 (see "entry requirements" for programme-specific information)
• subjects and subject combinations (see "entry requirements" for programme-specific information)
• your personal statement (see tab for our tips to help you with this)
• 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.

Please note: students are rarely admitted to the programme in the first year, as this is too early to commit to a research career in economics. The intake below reflects this. A limited number of students transfer to this programme from other LSE programmes in the third year to complete the dissertation in quantitative economics.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• logical thinking
• quantitative skills and the ability to follow complex lines of mathematical reasoning·
• a creative and flexible approach to problem-solving
• an ability to think independently
• good communication skills
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative unassessed coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and provide feedback within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

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

Summative assessment is largely through examinations in May to June each year (and occasionally in the January assessment period). This is complemented by other forms of assessment, such as essays, policy reports, research projects and class participation. Our new curriculum has allowed us to introduce a broader range of assessment methods – so you can develop and be assessed on a wider variety of skills.

You'll also receive feedback on any summative coursework you're required to submit as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on the final version of submitted dissertations). You'll normally receive this feedback before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Get details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods

This degree provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers, but we particularly welcome students who want to learn about economics, rather than simply prepare themselves for a prosperous future.

Almost all students on the BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics programme progress to do a graduate degree (often a PhD) and have careers in research and/or teaching in academia, central banks around the world, think tanks or government.

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.