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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:V5F1
Department of Economic History

MSc Financial History

Provides students with a historical and interdisciplinary perspective on the main challenges facing the global monetary financial system, and capital markets.

Overview

Introduction

The MSc Financial History provides students with a historical and interdisciplinary perspective on the main challenges facing the global monetary and financial system and capital markets. In the last decade, the field of financial history has experienced considerable growth globally. Fifteen years of financial turmoil have led to a revival of questions and debates about money and finance and stakeholders as well as have realised how a deeper knowledge of financial history can help to better inform and guide the current policy debate.

The programme will allow students from various academic backgrounds (history, finance, economics or any related discipline) to acquire a deep understanding of the functioning of capital markets and of the conduct of monetary affairs through a historical approach. It'll train you, through the study of financial history, to think critically and deeply about monetary and financial problems.

Having successfully completed the MSc Financial History programme you will be able to:

  • apply theories of money, banking and finance to concrete historical case studies from a broad range of countries
  • identify the causes of monetary and financial instability and crises through a combination of quantitative and qualitative historical methods
  • assess the effects of monetary and financial policies on the economy and capital markets through a historical analysis taking account of the broader economic, social, and political context
  • draw parallels between various historical episodes of credit booms, financial market bubbles, inflations, and crises and identify what can be learned from them
  • understand the historical origins of today’s global financial and monetary architecture
  • reflect critically on the main policy debates in the areas of money and finance and on the trade-offs they involve, for example with regard to financial regulation, quantitative easing, exchange rate regimes, and capital controls
  • put current monetary and financial problems into a long run perspective and analyse them with the eye of a financial historian.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

You'll take courses in financial history and economic history to the value of two units, choose one half unit finance course delivered by the Department of Finance and one half unit course on quantitative research methods delivered by the Department of Economic History. You'll also complete a dissertation in financial history.

Year 1

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

LSE is home to one of the largest specialist economic history departments in the world, with 25 permanent teaching staff, as well as visiting academics and researchers.

We use social science concepts and theories as a starting point to study the evolution of real economies in their social, political and cultural contexts.

Collectively, our academics have a huge breadth and depth of knowledge, ranging from the Medieval period to the current day, and covering every world economy, from the Americas to Asia, Africa and Europe.

The department’s research interests range from social well-being to technology and finance, and from the history of economic ideas to global trade patterns. Our research has informed decision-making in numerous government departments, NGOs, and international bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Drawing on their research strengths, our academics hold editorial and board membership roles on many world-renowned journals (such as Cliometrica and the Economic History Review) and regularly share their insights in the national and international media.

Currently, the department offers three undergraduate degree programmes and a range of postgraduate degrees and research opportunities. Many of our graduates secure high-profile teaching and research roles in the UK and internationally.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

265
Applications
30
Intake
9:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

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

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, 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.

Home

£28,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Economic history graduates can be found in management and administration in the public and private sectors; banking; journalism; economic consultancy; and library and museum services, to mention just a few.

Further information on graduate destinations for economic history graduates

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Information, Digital Technology and Data
Financial and Professional Services
Education, Teaching and Research
Consultancy
Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities
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.

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