BSc Economics

What caused the 2008 economic crisis and what was the right policy response? How can we design policies to tackle the widening inequalities observed within and across countries, or the challenge of climate change? Why does a gender pay gap persist? 

Why, as economies grow richer, are people often not any happier? Economics considers broad-ranging real-world issues such as these. In this programme, you will take an open-minded and scientific approach to issues like these, using formal modelling of economic relationships, and testing hypotheses against data.

Our new LSE economics undergraduate curriculum is designed specifically for students on economics programmes. You will develop a thorough grounding in analytical methods and apply them to a diverse range of problems, addressing important social issues and policy questions. 

You will also learn to construct complex arguments and to communicate these effectively, developing wider employability skills within a lively, diverse community.

The LSE Department of Economics is one of the largest in the world, with expertise at the cutting edge of developments across the spectrum of mainstream economics. It is regularly ranked number one outside of the USA for its published research in economics and econometrics and as an undergraduate student you will have the chance to learn from economists at the cutting edge of their field.

Entry Requirements:

• GCSEs
• A strong set of GCSE grades including the majority at A (or 7) and A* (or 8-9)
• Your GCSE (or equivalent) English Language and Mathematics grades should be no lower than B (or 6).
• We also consider your overall GCSE subject profile
• A-levels*
• A*AA with an A* in Mathematics
• Please also see subject combinations regarding Further Mathematics requirements.
• We also consider your AS grades, if available.
• Contextual admissions A-level grades**
• A*AB with an A* in Mathematics
• IB Diploma
• 38 points overall (and above) including 766 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.
• Contextual admissions IB grades**
• 37 points overall including 765 in higher level subjects, with 7 in Mathematics.
• *Read our A-level subject combinations information below.
• **Read our UG Admissions Information to learn more about contextual admissions.
• A-level subject combinations
• We consider the combination of subjects you have taken, as well as the individual scores.
• We believe a broad mix of traditional academic subjects to be the best preparation for studying at LSE and expect applicants to have at least two full A-levels or equivalent in these subjects.
• For the BSc Economics we are looking for students with a strong mathematical ability, and A-level Mathematics or equivalent is therefore required.
• Further Mathematics at A-level is also desirable, and is acceptable for entry in combination with Mathematics and one other A-level. In these cases we would prefer that the third A-level should be an essay-based subject. It is acceptable to take Further Mathematics to AS-level only, in which case you will be required to achieve grade A. If you take four or more full A-levels, you will be expected to achieve A* A A (with A* in Mathematics), and a pass in the fourth A-level. We understand however that not everyone has the opportunity to follow a Further Mathematics programme, and you will not be disadvantaged because of this. Therefore it is helpful if you and/or your referees can indicate whether or not your school or college offers Further Mathematics classes. 
• For programmes requiring A* in Mathematics A-level, an A* in Further Mathematics in addition to an A grade in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative.
• In addition to Mathematics, we are looking for subject combinations which indicate that you possess both analytical and writing abilities. Subjects which appear as common post-16 choices are Economics; Physics; History; Chemistry; English and Government and Politics, of which Economics, History, English and Government and Politics are good indicators of writing ability.
• Although many students on the programme have studied A-level Economics or equivalent it is not required.

Programme Structure And Courses:

• The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. You will also have the opportunity to apply for a year abroad at one of our global exchange partners. 
• First year
• In Autumn Term of the first year of the programme you will gain an essential foundation in economics and learn the necessary quantitative skills. In Winter Term you will take introductory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will also choose an outside option course from a rich array of courses from other departments – this can be a whole unit course or two half unit courses in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively. In addition, you will ?also take LSE100.
• Autumn Term
• Economic Reasoning (0.5)
• Principles economics course to introduce students to traditional and topical economic questions and how both established and new economic approaches can deal with them.
• Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (0.5)*
• This is an introductory level course for those who wish to use mathematics seriously in finance or economics.
• Elementary Statistical Theory (0.5)
• The course provides a precise and accurate treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques. 
• Outside option
•  
• Winter Term
• Microeconomics I (0.5)
• This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.
• Macroeconomics I (0.5)
• This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of established and new approaches.
• Econometrics I (0.5)
• Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.
• Outside option
• *Students can opt to take Mathematical Methods (1.0) in place of Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (0.5) and the Winter Term outside option (0.5).
• LSE100*
• A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.
• Second year
• The second year of the programme builds on the Year 1 courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You will develop a firm grasp of core analytical methods and apply them to a range of problems. You will also choose one outside option from another department (a whole unit or two half units in Autumn Term and Winter Term, respectively).
• Microeconomics II (1.0)
• This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.
• Macroeconomics II (1.0)
• This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges, and evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches and student projects.
• Econometrics II (1.0)
• Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics, the practical problems of empirical research, and how to do empirical research themselves in a student project.
• Principles of Finance or optional course (1.0)
• Third year
• In the third year there are specialist options in all the main fields of economic enquiry, and you can choose your courses according to your interests. One of these courses could be from an approved list of relevant courses offered outside the Department.
• Four options from economics or closely related subjects