MSc admissions FAQs

We have a formal application process, which is centrally administered by the LSE Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants must submit a complete formal application to the Graduate Admissions Office via the online form.

Please read Graduate Admissions’ description of The Admissions Process.

The online application form and links to other required application information are on the Prospective Students page. See How To Apply and guidance on Supporting Documents.

We encourage you to explore the full range of Graduate Admissions guidance on their Graduate Knowledge Base - if you do not find the answer to your question there, please follow the “I Need Help” link which allows you to contact the Graduate Admissions Office by email or Live Chat.   

Please note that questions about the mechanics of the application process should be submitted to the LSE central Graduate Admissions Office (rather than to the Department of Economics). See how you can Contact Graduate Admissions.  

Early application is always advised. See When to Apply / Deadlines.

On Graduate Admissions' Available Programmes webpage, the availability status of individual programmes - i.e. Open / Limited Availability / Closed - will be displayed throughout the admissions cycle.

For MSc programmes offered by the Department of Economics, we operate a rolling admissions process, i.e. there is no specific application deadline and each MSc programme will close when it becomes full (NB: there may be a brief window of time as a programme begins to approach capacity, when the programme status may show as “Limited Availability” but sometimes a programme may transition directly from “Open” to “Closed” status). We regret that it is not possible to predict exactly when a programme will close, hence early application is always advisable. 

Our academic selectors wish to get a full picture of your academic profile when they read your application. They will want to see all the modules you have studied/ are studying (in your main degree as well as any other courses such as exchange programmes/summer courses/non-degree courses). 

The selectors will want to see your modules with results as well as modules where results are still pending.  If any module results are still pending, you should still include those module names in your application - either listed within the transcript or in a separate university-generated document (e.g. screen-shot of your university account). 

Along with your degree results, other relevant elements of your application will also be considered by our academic selectors, using a holistic and contextual approach.

Your formal application should consist of:

-   Transcripts for all (degree and non-degree) study which makes up your academic profile. This includes relevant exchange / summer-school / non-degree transcripts.
[UoL students please see note below**]

-   A list of all Pending modules (if any);  if pending modules are not listed on your transcript, please include (for e.g) a screen-shot of your university account listing those pending modules.

-   Statement of academic purpose

-   Two academic references [also see FAQ 9]

-   CV

-   GRE scores (see advice further below)

-   Evidence of your command of English, if required. See English language requirements. 

-   The appropriate application/administrative assessment fee

** When filling the application form, students or graduates of University of London programmes worldwide should state "University of London" as their Institution, not the local teaching centre (if any). This includes UoL students undertaking study under LSE academic direction. You should also clearly state if your degree is via Online study only. 

All UoL students should submit transcripts and a certified copy of the syllabus, issued by the University of London - please use this guidance. We are unable to accept transcripts/syllabi issued by local host institutions. 

All applicants should read Graduate Admissions’ detailed guidance regarding Supporting Documents.

 The LSE online application system is set up to accept only two references, and we typically do not allow a candidate to submit a third reference unless the academic selectors request it. 

We encourage candidates to use their good judgement to approach two referees who will write the most detailed and relevant letters, to support their candidacy.

If you have exceptional reason for submitting a third reference please consult the admissions team at econ.pgadm@lse.ac.uk

See the prospectus “Entry Requirements” for each MSc programme offered by the Department of Economics: 

• L1U1: MSc Economics  (1-year programme)
• L1U2: MSc Economics (2-year programme)
• L1UB: MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (1-year programme)

Note that each programme has its own particular GRE requirements.

Applicants may be exempt from submitting GRE scores if they meet very specific criteria - for more details on programme-specific criteria for GRE exemption, see  Graduate Admissions guidance on GRE, including section on “Exceptions”. Where an applicant may claim exemption from submitting GRE scores, the Department reserves the right to request such scores if our academic selectors deem it necessary to make a final decision on the application. 

-  You should take the GRE General Test (you are not required to take the GRE Subject Test).

-   You should arrange for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send official scores to the LSE Graduate Admissions Office. See GRE > How to send us your scores.

-   Your test scores should be less than five years old on 1 October 2025. 

-   MSc Economics (1-year and 2-year programme): we typically expect candidates to score at least 161 in the quantitative section of the test.

-   MSc Econometrics & Mathematical Economics: we typically expect candidates to score over 163 in the quantitative section of the test.

-   A higher score will count in your favour, but other information, such as examination results and references will also matter in the overall evaluation. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will be more demanding, and we view your score on that basis.

-   The Department cannot accept GMAT scores in substitute for the GRE.

-   For details of how to take the GRE General Test, see the ETS website.

-   The Department of Economics will accept scores from the GRE General Test taken at home. If you cannot access a test centre, you should consider taking this Home test rather than claiming a GRE exemption. 

-   The GRE has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical. You should include your test scores in the relevant section of the application form, stating the full and percentile scores obtained for all three sections of the test. Scores submitted for each section must be from the test taken in one sitting, ie: not across multiple test dates.

-   You are unlikely to score well if you take the test without preparing for it. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and the type of questions it asks, and practise answering sample GRE test questions within the time allowed before you take the test. See the section on how to prepare for the GRE General Test. 

You are not required to submit English test scores at the point of application (although it is strongly recommended that you do so). If you are offered admission to an LSE programme, then proof of your English proficiency may be requested at that point. See Graduate Admissions’ detailed guidance on English Language Requirements for clarification on accepted tests and required scores.

Many of our candidates are in the final year of a degree programme when they apply so can only supply an interim transcript. This is acceptable, although applicants must be in a position to supply final results (for individual modules as well as overall degree result) and proof of their degree award by the date of MSc registration.

When reviewing your application, the Department’s academic selectors expect to see a transcript showing the full list of modules which will contribute to the award of your final qualification. Occasionally, if making an offer, selectors may sometimes set specific grade conditions on certain pending modules.

In case you have no transcript available for an ongoing course of study when submitting your application, the LSE online system allows you to upload a document where you may state that no transcript is yet available. It is, however, important, even in such cases, that you upload a list of all modules – past, current and future – which will contribute to the award of your current qualification.  The information should include full module titles and module codes. Where module results are already available, a transcript with the results must be included with the application. Where module exams are yet to be taken or results are still pending, a list of those modules showing full titles and codes should be submitted - the Department may accept a screen-shot/scan from your university account for application review purposes.

Applicants undertaking summer/exchange programmes at another university should include a separate transcript for such programmes/courses.

Yes. Candidates may include relevant syllabi and/or an additional note highlighting their coverage of the Economics core subjects and/or their study of quantitative topics. Candidates may combine this extra information into a single pdf and upload it with their main application. NB: Multiple document uploads are not technically permitted. 

It is worth remembering that academic referees often provide useful detail about individual courses - and the student's performance in the same - in their reference letters (candidates may wish to discuss this with their referees). All applications will be reviewed contextually; our academic selectors will review all the information on file to assess every applicant’s quantitative skills and potential to cope with the technical rigour of the specific MSc course/s to which the candidate has applied.

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university, a vision the Department of Economics fully supports. We believe strongly in expanding the diversity of our graduate student body and invite you to share your experiences, values, perspectives, and/or activities that shape you as a Masters candidate and align with these commitments, as part of your statement of academic purpose.

Should a candidate submit diversity considerations as part of their statement of academic purpose the information provided will help our academic selectors to contextualise the application; however, it will not play a part in assessing a candidate’s suitability for our Masters programmes.

See the Graduate Admissions’ Fees and Funding page for information on tuition fee amounts, fee status classification, fee reductions as well as living costs. This page also provides guidance on funding for Taught Master’s programmes.

Tuition fee amounts for individual programmes are stated in the Table of Fees – please ensure you check the relevant academic year.

See the Graduate Admissions’ Fees and Funding page for advice on funding for MSc programmes. 

After you submit your application, you will be allocated your Graduate Applicant Portal (GAP) account which will include a link to the online application form for the LSE Graduate Support Scheme.

Please note that MSc funding is decided centrally and does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Department.

Visit the Accommodation office web pages for information on types and availability of accommodation as well as guidance on how to apply for a place in LSE halls of residence.

Please note that the Department does not handle accommodation matters but you are welcome to seek advice from the dedicated team handling LSE Residential Services.

See the individual prospectus page for each MSc programme – section “Programme Content”.

• L1U1: MSc Economics  (1-year programme)
• L1U2: MSc Economics  (2-year programme)
• L1UB: MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (1-year programme)

Also see the LSE Academic Calendar for all Taught Masters at LSE, where clicking on “Programme Regulations” and “Graduate Course Guides” will give you detailed insight into the topics covered in each programme of study.

See also LSE's Teaching Methods.

Our MSc programmes are offered only on a full-time basis, with in-person teaching on campus.

Applicants can identify suitable part-time programmes at LSE using Search Courses page. You can also explore LSE Online Courses, LSE Executive Education as well as the LSE Summer School

Also see various study options offered by the University of London. 

LSE is unable to accept credit transfers to its graduate programmes, from any other institutions. There is no possibility for your formative studies to be mapped on to the courses of any of our taught graduate programmes. Please refer to the current LSE Programme Regulations. Also see information about the “Bologna Process”. 

Research Assistant (RA) roles may be available in the Department on an ad-hoc basis but tend to be allocated primarily to our PhD students. RA opportunities are, however, sometimes circulated in the Department by the MSc Tutor. Additionally, MSc students may get in direct contact with faculty who are working in their specific field of interest to find out whether there are research opportunities. If/when considering taking up a RA role, students should remember that the MSc programme is intensive, fast-paced and challenging, with a demanding timetable of taught courses.

See our Faculty Research pages and information about Economics Research Centres. 

Yes.  Each MSc programme has different compulsory course requirements at the start and/or end of the academic year.  These pre/post sessional courses aim to equip students with the key concepts and techniques required to prepare them for their next phase of MSc study.   

• MSc Economics students take EC400: Introductory course in Mathematics and Statistics, starting in late August/early September.  This is a 3-week non-credit course of teaching, followed by exams.
• MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics students take EC451: a special Introductory course for MSc EME, covering core Economics topics.  Starts in late August/early September.  This is a 3-week non-credit course of teaching, followed by exams.
• MSc Economics (2-year) students will be required to take the pre-sessional non-credit course - EC2A0: Introductory Course in Microeconomic Principles in early September before the main first year teaching programme starts. Additionally, at the end of their Preliminary Year (in late August/early September), they undertake a post-sessional course -  EC400: Introductory course in Mathematics and Statistics - a 3-week non-credit course of teaching, followed by exams.  

Applicants are encouraged to do detailed research on our website in order to find the required information. If you still have a specific question about the actual programme content or structure, you may contact the Department of Economics programmes team. If you have already been allocated an Applicant ID number by that time, please state it - along with your full name - in the subject header of your email. 

Our MSc is a long-standing and prestigious degree, highly regarded by employers and by academic departments across the world. In recent years, our graduates have gained employment in leading investment banks (like Goldman Sachs, Bank of America etc), consulting firms (like McKinsey, BCG etc), international organisations (like the IMF, World Bank etc) as well as in the public sector. The overriding reason for our strong placement record is that we train our MSc students to think deeply and rigorously about economic problems, imparting technical skills that are highly prized by employers across the board.

The advanced and technically rigorous nature of the MSc programmes also serves as an excellent foundation for PhD programmes and other research-focused roles.

See some of the Department of Economics MSc Alumni Profiles as well as the LSE’s Careers Service website. In exploring “What do LSE graduates do?” you can filter on Department and Degree to obtain more specific information on graduate destinations of our MSc students. You can also explore learning opportunities beyond the classroom with LSE Student Futures. 

Yes, the advanced and technically rigorous nature of all the Department’s MSc programmes mean that our graduates have excellent preparation for progressing on to top PhD programmes, in the US and across the world, e.g. MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Chicago to name but a few. Our MSc programmes are also designed to prepare students for LSE’s own MRes/PhD in Economics.

Starting with the 2024/5 academic cycle, there is no longer any automatic and direct progression from an LSE programme into our MRes/PhD Economics.  Students registering on an MSc in our Department of Economics, who wish to continue on to our MRes/PhD Economics after MSc graduation, will need to submit a standard full application package by the deadline published in the MRes/PhD Economics prospectus.  All applicants - including LSE students - will be given equal consideration, as part of the MRes/PhD Economics' standard process for admission as well as funding. 

See LSE information for International Students which provides “Country-specific information” as well as advice on Visas & Immigration and guidance for applicants who are Refugees, Forced Migrants or Displaced Students.

We regret that LSE faculty members and current students are unable to answer queries from prospective applicants. Instead we ask applicants to contact the Department of Economics admissions team with specific concerns which may not be addressed by our webpages. Applicants who receive an offer from LSE will have some opportunity to communicate with nominated student ambassadors within the Department during the period leading up to MSc registration.

In the first instance, please read the above FAQs and/or the Department of Economics webpages. If you cannot find the answer…

• If your query is about entry requirements for our MSc programmes, please contact the Department of Economics admissions team. Please note that we are not able to provide an informal assessment or comment on suitability of academic profile / chances of admission.
• If your query is about the MSc programme content/structure, please contact the Department of Economics programmes team.
• If your query is about funding your MSc study, please read the Fees and Funding page or contact the Financial Support Office.

• If your query is about the logistics of submitting an application / supporting documents, please search for the answer first on the Graduate Knowledge Base where you can also follow the “I Need Help” link to contact the Graduate Admissions Office by email or Live Chat.  You may also contact Graduate Admissions.

Any offer of admission and acceptance of a place at LSE would be for the specific degree programme that is named in the offer letter. LSE will normally not allow a successful applicant to transfer from one programme to another after enrolment, unless it considers that exceptional circumstances apply. New students must be fully registered (i.e. campus enrolled) before requesting a programme transfer. 

Important:  Entry to one programme by no means guarantees transfer to another programme.  Each programme has its own prerequisites and standards for entry. Furthermore, programmes may be too full to accept transfers after registration.  All transfer decisions will be decided case-by-case, with a formal review process, and approval given by Directors of both the current programme as well as the new target programme.  Procedurally, students who have previously applied to and been rejected for an MSc programme during the current admissions round cannot be reconsidered for a transfer to that programme.  Overseas students should note that programme transfers may also be constrained by visa restrictions, for which they must first seek immigration advice.

Local Rules:  Academic departments may have local rules in place to decide if a transfer can be allowed, e.g. the Department of Economics will normally not permit students to transfer out, to another programme which has an equally challenging quantitative component.  We might, however, exceptionally permit transfers to a mathematically less demanding programme.  Also, the Department will normally not permit a student in the Preliminary Year of our MSc Economics (2 year) to transfer to a different programme for their 2^nd year of study, instead of following their normal progression route into Year 2 – they must then formally withdraw and apply to their new target programme, following standard application procedure.