MSc Economy and Society

Understanding the complex risks and opportunities facing us today, from climate change to AI, requires a firm grasp of their socio-economic dimensions.

This advanced sociology degree offers a comprehensive sociological study of the economy and economic life, providing a strong foundation to engage in critical discussions on the future of our societies.

You’ll gain the theoretical and methodological skills to analyse and assess economic processes and practices in their broader political, cultural, organisational and technological contexts.

The core curriculum introduces you to debates on the nature of power in the economy, capitalist relations, value, and culture. Optional courses allow you to specialise in areas such as the sociology of markets, material culture and the sociology of consumption. You’ll also complete training in research methods to hone your analytical skills.

The MSc Economy and Society will equip you with the skills to navigate socio-economic challenges in contemporary society. This degree opens the doors to various careers in research, consulting, policymaking and analysis in the public, private and third sectors.

• C Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination (Oxford University Press, 1959)
• Howard Becker, Telling About Society (University of Chicago, 2007)
• Nigel Dodd, The Social Life of Money (Princeton University Press, 2014)
• Neil J. Smesler and Richard Swedberg, The Handbook of Economic Sociology (Princeton University Press, 2005)
• Michel Callon, Laws of the Markets (Wiley, 1998)
• Karl Polanyi, The Great Transformation (Farrar & Rinehart, 1944)
• Kathleen Tierney, The Social Roots of Risk (Stanford University Press, 2014)
• Greta Krippner, Capitalizing on Crisis (Harvard University Press, 2011)
• Viviana Zelizer, Morals and Markets (Columbia University Press, 1979)
• Marion Fourcade, Economists and Societies (Princeton University Press, 2009)

The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.

Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.

We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.

With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.

We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Sociology

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.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

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

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

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.

This programme provides an excellent foundation for graduates seeking careers in academia, government and the civil service, research-oriented industries, and the non-governmental sector.

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.