Economics and Economic History

The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. 

First year

In your first year you will take introductory courses in economic history, and in quantitative methods in mathematics, statistics and economics, as well as LSE100.

(* denotes a half unit course)

The Internationalisation of Economic Growth, 1870 to the Present Day
Focuses on the inter-relationships between the development of the international economy and the growth of national economies since the late nineteenth century.

Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)*
An introductory-level course designed to develop mathematical tools necessary for study in the social sciences. 

Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
An introductory-level course designed to develop the elementary statistical tools necessary for study in the social sciences. 

Microeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Macroeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Pre-Industrial Economic History
Surveys long-term processes of growth and development in late medieval and early modern Europe (fourteenth to eighteenth centuries).

LSE100*
A half unit, running across Michaelmas and Lent Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems through research-rich education.

Second year

In your second year you will take one compulsory economic history course, and four half unit economics courses. You will also choose one economic history option. 

Microeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Macroeconomics  II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.

Econometrics I*
Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.

Econometrics II*
Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics and the practice of empirical research in economics.

Theories and Evidence in Economic History
This course combines practical and theoretical approaches to conducting, evaluating and interpreting research in economic history.  Students will learn to use primary sources and design their own research project. It also introduces students to critical interpretation and analysis of primary sources and research methodologies, and the nature of historical knowledge. 

One economic history option

Third year

In your third year you will select from a selection of advanced economics courses. You will also take an advanced economic history option and an outside option. In addition, you will submit a 10,000 word research project. 

An advanced economics course

One advanced economics option or an approved outside option

One advanced economic history option

Dissertation in Economic or Social History

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.

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Economic History

Median salary of our UG students six months after graduating: £37,500

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services
• Accounting and Auditing
• Consultancy
• Education, Teaching and Research
• Information, Digital Technology and Data

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2018-19 were the second group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

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

Vikram Pappachan

BSc Economics and Economic History, 2012
Analytics, Bloomberg

At university my interest in economics developed into an interest in financial markets, which was my starting point for looking for a career. On the LSE Careers website I saw an advertisement for a week's work experience at Bloomberg – I applied and got onto it. From there I was offered the summer internship and then a full-time offer for the graduate scheme.

While at LSE, I developed strong analytical skills, learned how to manage my time efficiently and practised my presentation skills, and these skills have been crucial to working effectively. Very few of the people who started work with me were new graduates, some had just finished a master's, and others had a few years' work experience, but my education at LSE allowed me to compete with people with more experience.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.