LSE-Leipzig Double Degree in Global Studies and Economic History

This is a wide-ranging academic programme which combines global economic history, international studies, area studies, and social science approaches to the study of globalisation processes. You'll spend the first year of the programme at our partner institution. Students attending LSE follow the MSc in Global Economic History based in the Department of Economic History.

Courses consider the origin and outcomes of distinct patterns of economic growth in various times and parts of the world. The programme also seeks to explain the rise in international economic inequality since the nineteenth century, why the economic growth impulse in modern times was strong in some world regions and weaker in others, and why large parts of the world are still trapped in poverty, stagnation and instability.

Year 1 at Leipzig

For information on courses taken at your chosen partner institution, please see the Leipzig University’s website.

Year 2 at LSE

Please note: starting from 2025/26, EH401 will transition from a half-unit to a full-unit course. This change is already reflected below and will soon be updated in the School’s programme regulations, where the courses listed below are linked.

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.

Department of Economic History

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

Details on how to apply

Admission decisions are made upon the following criteria:

• study results (academic excellence) and quality/recognition of home institution having awarded the first degree
• motivation and academic potential
• match of previous degree(s) with the content of the Global Studies programme
• work experience/professional qualifications
• students will be required to meet the LSE English Language requirement.

Data sharing

Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the EU and EEA and in an adequate country. Standard contract clauses will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.

Year 1 (at Leipzig, 2025/26):

Home students: visit Leipzig website

Year 2 (at LSE, 2026/27):

Home students: £19,300 (provisional)

Other fees apply for the time spent at the partner institution.

Year 1 (at Leipzig, 2025/26):

Overseas students: visit Leipzig website

Year 2 (at LSE, 2026/27):

Overseas students: £30,400 (provisional)

Other fees apply for the time spent at the partner institution.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

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 this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.