About the MSc programmes
These MSc programmes are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to take a more mathematical approach to economics. They have proved popular with mathematicians, statisticians, physical scientists and engineers converting to economics, as well as to graduate economists. Our former students are employed as economists in a wide range of national and international organisations in government, international institutions, business and finance. Approximately one third of students proceed to PhD programmes at LSE or other leading universities.
The structure of the programmes is flexible, and allows you to specialise to some extent in either econometrics or economic theory, or a mixture of the two. The level of the material covered is perhaps higher than for any other master's degree internationally in this area, and the programmes have a long standing international reputation, listing numerous distinguished economists and econometricians among their graduates.
You should have a strong background in economic theory, econometrics, statistics and mathematics at a high level in your first degree.
If you do not have the full range of subject background required, you may apply to take the MSc over two years; please see the section below on the two year route.
All graduates of non-UK institutions must have taken the GRE General Test no more than five years before applying, and must include the test scores with their application. Please see Admissions Enquiries System|. We do not require a specific mark but the test gives us an indication of aptitude for economics. Typically we expect candidates to score over 780 in the quantitative section of the test. A higher score will count in your favour, but other information, such as grades and references will matter more in the overall evaluation. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will present special difficulties and we view your score on that basis.
Students are required to attend the Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics before the main teaching programme starts in October.
Compulsory courses
Options
(* half unit)
Choose a total of two units from the following:
Approved statistics and/or mathematics courses to the value of one unit:
Other courses in statistics or mathematics may be selected with the approval of the programme director.
MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (Research)
The programme of study is identical to the MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, but applicants with an interest in progressing to the MRes/PhD should apply for the MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (Research) and include with their application an outline research proposal. This proposal should be a brief description of the research topic you are considering pursuing during your PhD and should explain why you are interested in this area of research. As your research interests will develop further over the year of your master's training your proposal need only be indicative. An offer for a place on the MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (Research) will include a conditional offer of progression to Track 2 of the MRes/PhD, subject to the attainment of a Distinction grade in the MSc.
MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (two year programme)
The preliminary year of the two year route is designed for students with high academic ability but lacking a sufficient background in economics, econometrics, statistics or mathematics. Its purpose is to enable students to develop their skills to the point where they are eligible for progression to the MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.
The preliminary year consists of compulsory courses in Econometric Theory and Microeconomics, and a further course from a choice of: (a) Mathematical Methods, (b)Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference and (c) Economic Theory and its Applications. Students who successfully complete the examinations in the preliminary year will be awarded a Diploma in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, and those meeting the required standard will be permitted to proceed to the final year of the programme.