BSc Economics (study online)
Understand how economies work and apply economic reasoning to real-world challenges. The online BSc Economics degree combines economic theory, quantitative analysis and practical application with LSE’s globally renowned social science perspective.
Develop your understanding of economics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics. You will learn to analyse economic data, evaluate policy issues and apply rigorous reasoning to contemporary economic problems.
Key information
- Qualification: Undergraduate Degree (BSc)
- Duration: 2 - 6 years (Graduate Entry) | 3 - 6 years (Standard Entry)
- Type of study: Online
- Intakes: February, May, August & November
- Awarding body: University of London
- Academic direction: The London School of Economics and Political Science
Why choose LSE Global Programmes?
- Access a world-class education – wherever you are
Ranked #1 in the UK (Complete University Guide 2027) and #5 globally for social sciences and management (QS World University Rankings 2026), LSE is a world-leading university, specialising in social sciences. - Study online on your terms
Complete your undergraduate degree flexibly over 2 to 6 years, allowing you to balance your learning with work and other personal commitments, all without the added expense of relocating. - Earn a globally respected qualification
Your degree is awarded by the University of London (UoL), recognised internationally by employers and graduate schools. Many graduates progress to master’s study at LSE and other leading institutions. - Gain skills for real-world impact
Build analytical thinking, global perspectives, and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges across sectors and borders. Join a global alumni community driving change worldwide.
Start your journey with LSE Global Programmes – wherever you are
Interested in learning more or starting an application? Complete the form below and a member of the team will provide further information about studying this course online.
Why study Economics?
Economics helps explain how individuals, organisations and governments make decisions, and how these choices shape markets and economies. This degree combines economic theory with quantitative analysis, helping you understand and evaluate real-world economic and policy issues.
- Build quantitative capability
Develop knowledge in mathematics, statistics, economic analysis and econometrics. - Understand how economies work
Explore microeconomics, macroeconomics, markets and the wider forces shaping economic activity. - Apply economics to real-world issues
Use economic reasoning and quantitative techniques to analyse data, policy questions and contemporary economic problems.
Academic direction from LSE
LSE Global Programmes are all UoL qualifications. LSE is a federation member of UoL and provides academic direction for the Global Programmes portfolio. This means that LSE is responsible for:
- Planning the structure and content of each programme
- Developing and writing the study materials
- Setting assessments and marking
- Determining the academic regulations
Your final degree will be from UoL and will identify LSE as having developed the syllabus and curriculum and provided assessment.
Meet the Programme Director
Dr Francesco Nava is the Programme Director for BSc Economics within LSE Global Programmes, as well as Academic Director of LSE Global Programmes and an Assistant Professor of Economics at LSE. His research interests include economic theory, social networks and industrial organisation.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago and brings extensive experience in economics research and teaching to the programme.
Upon graduating from these degrees, students will have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a wide range of graduate careers or in further academic study. Our aim is to produce a cohort of leaders that can make a positive difference worldwide.
Programme structure
The BSc Economics degree is available through the Standard Route or Graduate Entry Route.
| Route | Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Route | 12 full courses | 360 credits |
| Graduate Entry Route | 9 full courses | 270 credits |
Students are advised to study around three full courses, or 90 credits, per academic year. The maximum registration period is six years, although students are encouraged to complete the programme within three to four years.
Students aiming to finish in three years should plan to take four full courses or equivalent each year.
The curriculum combines economic theory with mathematics, statistics and quantitative analysis, developing the analytical skills needed to understand economic behaviour, analyse data and evaluate real-world policy issues.
The table below shows a suggested sample course sequence for students taking the programme through the Standard Entry Route over three years.
| Year One | Year Two | Year Three |
|---|---|---|
| MT1186 Mathematical Methods | EC2066 Microeconomics | EC3099 Industrial Economics |
| ST104A Statistics 1* | EC2020 Elements of Econometrics | FN2191 Principles of Corporate Finance |
| ST104B Statistics 2* | EC2065 Macroeconomics | EC3115 Monetary Economics |
| EC1002 Introduction to Economics | EC2199 The World Economy from the Industrial Revolution to the Present | Open Choice (300 level)** |
| MN1178 Business and Management in a Global Context or AC1025 Principles of Accounting or FN1202 Introduction to Finance |
For more detailed information about individual courses, including course content and assessment, please visit the Course Information Sheets.
* Half course
** Choose one 300-level course, or two half courses, from the Programme Specification, or two LSE Summer School courses.
You will study through a combination of flexible online learning, live interactive classes and academic support.
- Your digital campus
Access study materials, reading lists and peer discussion areas through the Virtual Learning Environment, as well as e-books and journal articles through the Online Library. - Live interactive classes
Join live online sessions to collaborate with class teachers and peers, evaluate ideas and solve problems together. - Comprehensive support
Receive academic guidance from class teachers, progression advice from a Student Success Advisor and tailored employability support through the Careers Service.
Programme specification
View the BSc Economics Programme Specification for full details on programme structure, learning outcomes, assessment and regulations.
Course outcomes
By the end of the BSc Economics degree, you will have developed analytical and quantitative skills for understanding economic issues and evaluating evidence.
You will be able to:
- apply fundamental principles of economic analysis
- analyse economic data using quantitative techniques
- formulate logical economic arguments
- critically evaluate economic ideas and evidence
- apply economic reasoning to policy issues
- analyse and draw conclusions from relevant data and sources
Entry requirements
For access to the BSc Economics degree, you will usually meet the following criteria:
- Age 17+ by 30 November in the year of registration.
- Satisfy our General entrance requirements (see below).
- Demonstrate competence in mathematics at least equivalent to UK GCSE/GCE O-level at Grade C or equivalent.
We accept qualifications from around the world. To check your country equivalent, please contact our enrolment advisors.
If you do not already hold the relevant mathematics qualification, you may wish to consider completing LSE Maths Essentials. A mark of 50 per cent or above will fulfil the mathematics requirement for this programme.
If you already hold qualifications with similar learning outcomes to our degree modules, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Your entry requirements may vary depending on your age and previous qualifications:
- Age 20 or younger: you will usually need qualifications equivalent to three UK GCE A-levels at grades EED or above, or one year of university-level study.
- Age 21–26: you may qualify through Reduced/Mature Entry with one UK GCE A-level at Grade C or above, or an acceptable equivalent. Relevant work experience may also be considered.
- Age 27 or older: you may qualify through Reduced/Mature Entry with one UK GCE A-level at Grade E or above, or an acceptable equivalent. Relevant work experience may also be considered.
We accept qualifications from around the world. To check your country equivalent, please contact our enrolment advisors.
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case. View English language requirements.
You may apply for Graduate Entry if you hold an acceptable undergraduate or postgraduate award. The awarding programme must be full time, at least one year in duration and considered at least comparable in level to a UK undergraduate degree. We will consider other undergraduate, postgraduate, professional membership and professional qualifications on an individual basis. You must also satisfy English language and mathematics requirements for your chosen degree.
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need to be able to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
Tuition fees
The following fees apply to the August 2026, November 2026, February 2027 and May 2027 registration windows.
| UK residents* | Non-UK residents | |
|---|---|---|
| Half module/course fee (10 weeks) | £740 | £1,100 |
| Full module/course fee (20 weeks) | £1,470 | £2,190 |
| Indicative total programme fee | £17,640 | £26,280 |
The indicative total programme fee is based on completing 12 full modules/courses in the minimum study period without resits. Fees may be subject to an annual increase of up to 5%.
*UK residents include those eligible for UK Tuition Fee Loans from Student Finance England on the same basis as UK nationals.
How to apply
Applications to our online degree programmes are made online, through the University of London's application portal. Applications are specific per programme, and separated into standard and graduate entry.
View application linksYou can view the application deadlines for upcoming intakes in the table below.
| Intake | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| 9 November 2026 | 2 October 2026 |
| 1 February 2027 | 1 January 2027 |
| 24 May 2027 | 23 April 2027 |
If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact our team via email at online.degrees@lse.ac.uk.
Careers
The BSc Economics degree develops economic, analytical and quantitative skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries and organisations. Graduates may go on to careers and further study in areas including:
- Economics
- Banking and Financial Services
- Economic Consultancy
- Government
- International Organisations
- Research and Think Tanks
- Business and Industry
- Policy Analysis
Dedicated career support
- Careers service: Access tailored employability support, online resources, expert-led webinars and employer networking events whether you are starting, developing or changing your career.
- Global alumni network: Automatically join a lifelong community of over one million University of London graduates across 180+ countries.