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Undergraduate
UCAS code:L101
Department of Economics

BSc Economics

Learn to apply economic theory and practice to real-world issues. Study with the best – LSE is often UK's top-ranked university for economics research.

Overview

Introduction

How can we tackle widening economic inequalities? Why does a gender pay gap persist? How can deal with climate change? These are just some of the questions we’ll explore on this wide-ranging programme.

You’ll gain a solid grounding in analytical techniques, statistical theory and quantitative methods and apply your learning to complex real-world problems. Throughout, you’ll take an open-minded and scientific approach to problems, using formal modelling of economic relationships and testing hypotheses against data.

After a core foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, you can select from specialist economics courses and external options from outside the department. You’ll learn how to develop and communicate complex arguments effectively – equipping you with invaluable skills for your future career.

LSE has one of the largest economics departments in the world and our academics lead global thinking and research in the field. Our department is regularly ranked number one (outside the USA) for published research in economics and econometrics.

Entry requirements

Here, you can check our entry requirements for GCSEs, A-levels (please read them alongside our information about subject combinations) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We also consider applications from students with a range of other UK qualifications and from overseas. Please select the overseas button below and choose your country from the dropdown list to find the equivalency to A-levels of your qualification.

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We welcome students from all walks of life at LSE. We want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation. So, whatever your background, please do apply. Get all the details on our general entry requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is high. We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you’re predicted or achieve our standard entry requirements.

Our standard offer requirements are intended only as a guide and, in some cases, you’ll be asked for different grades.

Programme content

On this programme, you’ll study 12 units over three years, plus LSE100.

You’ll have the chance to apply for a year abroad with one of our global exchange partners.

Year 1

You’ll gain a firm foundation in economics and develop essential quantitative skills before moving on to introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Then, you’ll choose one option from a broad range of courses offered outside the department, along with LSE100.

Students can opt to take Mathematic Methods in place of Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra and the Winter Term outside option.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

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.

Your application

Overview

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

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.

3617
Applications
179
Intake
20:1
2022 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for each year of your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

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£9,250

Home student fee per each year of your programme

This is the 2025/26 tuition fee. The home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

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.

Over the past two decades many of our graduates have chosen to pursue careers in the financial sector, which can include positions involving economics research as well as those in banking or hedge funds. Increasingly, many have also preferred to take up positions as economic or management consultants, to join central banks, their home country’s government economic service or international organisations. Some graduates from the programme pursue quite different careers, whether as professional accountants and auditors, engaging in entrepreneurial activity, marketing or law, or in entirely different fields.

A significant number choose to go on to graduate study, not just in economics but also in finance, management, development, economic history and other fields. Throughout their time at LSE we work to prepare our students who are aiming in this direction to understand the rewards of engaging in economics research and the benefits of interacting with faculty and visitors who are leading economists.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our undergraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£45,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Financial and Professional Services
Accounting and Auditing
Consultancy
Information, Digital Technology and Data
Government, Public Sector and Policy
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

Discover Uni

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Programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you're interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.

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