Programmes

LSE-NUS Double Degree MA Asian and International History

  • Graduate taught
  • Department of International History
  • Application code V1AD
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London, Singapore

This new and exciting two-year master’s program taught by the National University of Singapore and the London School of Economics is designed for students interested in studying Asia from an international perspective. It is also for those interested in decentring international history by studying it from an Asian perspective.

The core course during your first year at NUS will introduce you to a wide range of contemporary historical methods, focusing on major historians, current debates about historical practice, theoretical history and historical interpretation. This will be complemented by a choice of electives covering modern Southeast Asian, Singapore, modern East Asia, China, America and modern Europe as well as imperialism and empire, the Cold War, military history, cultural history, and oral history.

During your second year at the LSE you will be able to choose from a wide selection of International History courses ranging from the Ottoman Empire to twentieth-century Southeast Asia. Thematically, courses cover everything from war and peace to the history of race and gender. While you will have the option to study European, North American, South American, and African History, this degree allows you to centre your studies on Asian history in all its rich variety. These Asian history courses can be further complemented by specialist options on Asia from the Departments of Economic History, Government, Anthropology, and Geography.

You will engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research in the field, and undertake your own research-based term papers and third term dissertation. The dissertation is one of the highlights of this degree, through which you pursue specialist research on a subject with an Asian focus.

Programme details

Key facts

LSE-NUS Double Degree MA Asian and International History
Start date July 2024 in Singapore
Application deadline Apply via LSE by 15 March 2024
Duration 22 months full-time only
Financial support Graduate Support Scheme (for year two at LSE, apply in year one. See 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline
GRE/GMAT requirement None
English language requirements Higher (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  NUS, Singapore (year one), Houghton Street, London, UK (year two)
For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

At NUS, the entry requirements are as follows:

1) NUS honors degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g. a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least an average grade of B) in relevant disciplines such as history and area studies, and disciplinary or interdisciplinary academic programs in the humanities and social sciences that give the major a measure of competence in historical subject matters; or Bachelor’s degree with a relevant Graduate Diploma with a minimum CAP of 3.00; or Bachelor’s degree with a relevant Graduate Certificate with a minimum CAP of 3.00.

2) Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as history and area studies, and disciplinary or interdisciplinary academic programs in the humanities and social sciences that give the major a measure of competence in historical subject matters, with at least two years of relevant work experience.

3) Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the BGS.

4) Applicants whose native tongue and medium of University instruction is not English must complete the TOEFL or IELTS and obtain the results set by the particular program. Exceptions may be allowed on an individual basis. CELC’s Diagnostic English Test and the taking of English Proficiency modules remain as a provision to help establish a student’s level of English and improve his/her language ability.

At LSE, the entry requirements are as follows:

1) Upper second class honors degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline.

2) Non-UK citizens need to fulfil country-specific requirements. If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Assessing your application

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

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

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

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.

Applications are reviewed by both universities, however you apply via the LSE.

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The 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 does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for LSE-NUS Double Degree MA Asian and International History

Home students, first year: SGD $38,192.79 (provisional)
Overseas students, first year: SGD $38,192.79 (provisional)
Home students, second year (provisional): £28,584 (2025/26 at LSE)
Overseas students, second year (provisional): £28,584 (2025/26 at LSE)

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

Funding for the first year, at NUS

There is currently no funding available for the first year at NUS.

Funding for the second year, at LSE

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support SchemeMaster's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. You must apply for these needs-based awards from LSE, during your first year of study. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline: 25 April 2024.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page 

Programme structure and courses

Programme structure

The NUS-LSE double degree MA Asian and International History is a two year master’s degree. The first year is spent in Singapore at NUS where students will take a core course on historiography followed by 9 electives or 7 electives and a dissertation chosen from a broad range of courses covering Asian history, international history, and historical methods. The second year is spent in London at the LSE where students will write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic with an Asian focus as well as taking one international history course, one course on Asia, and a course of the students’ choice from any of the departments across LSE.

First year, at National University of Singapore

Students must take the mandatory core module, "Historiography: Theory and Archive", and either 9 elective modules or 7 elective modules plus a 10,000-word thesis. Only candidates with an average 4.0 and above CAP (A- & above) at the end of the first semester are permitted to write the thesis.

Second year, at LSE 

At LSE, you will complete three full units in addition to the dissertation.

At least two of these three units must be chosen from the wide range of "international history" and "Asian history, politics, and society" course offerings. You may complete a third unit in another department at LSE, provided that both the academic tutor at LSE and the teacher responsible for the course approve.

Courses

Optional courses to the value of three units

Watch our HY course videos

Dissertation

You will also take the year-long Dissertation course which is designed to help you research and write your dissertation and to think about where you would like to take your career after your time at LSE has finished. It provides a specialised forum for discussion and debate on what it means to write history and to be an historian.

The dissertation is an exercise in using primary sources to write on a precise topic in International and Asian History. The only formal limit on the choice of subject is that it must fall within the syllabus. - i.e. it has to be a topic in International History with an Asian angle, and the dissertation has to be a study in the discipline of history.

Students must pass the dissertation to receive a degree.

While in London, students preparing dissertations can take advantage of numerous world-class research libraries and archives. These include the National Archives (formerly the Public Record Office), the British Library, the libraries of specialised schools of the University of London such as the Institute for Historical Research, the School of Oriental and African Studies, and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, and the LSE's own library, the British Library of Political and Economic Sciences. The LSE's archive also contains much valuable research material, as do the collections of the Imperial War Museum, the Warburg Institute and many others.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

At NUS

Teaching

At NUS, the graduate curriculum is based on the modular system. Workloads are expressed in terms of modular credits (MCs), and academic performance is measured by grade points on a 5-point scale. Candidates read 1 core and 9 elective modules to earn a total of 40 MCs, and obtain the degree. Each module is worth 4 MCs and generally requires 10 hours of work a week, including participating in lectures, seminars, and workshops, and completing assignments and readings. Those who obtain a cumulative average point (CAP) of 4.0 and above after the first semester of study can opt to take 2 less elective modules and write the 10,000-word thesis, which is worth 8 MCs. The programme is taught by a combination of full-time and adjunct members of the faculty. From time to time, the Department may also engage guest lecturers, retired policymakers, visiting professors, and working professionals to instruct classes. More information about the programme can be found here.

Assessment

The majority of the taught modules at NUS adopt the continuous assessment method to assess the progress of the candidates. Instructors may require candidates to craft research essays, deliver seminar presentations, participate actively in class discussions, submit book reviews or opinion pieces, or take quizzes. These assignments will be graded and the scores will add up to 100 percent of the final grade of the module. In some classes, instructors may require candidates to sit for a final examination. The score obtained at the finals is worth a percentage of the overall grade. Finally, candidates writing the MA thesis will need to complete and submit their projects by the end of the second semester for examination.

Academic Support

Candidates can approach the Department’s graduate or programme coordinator if they need assistance on academic or personal matters while they are at NUS. They can also contact the module instructors or thesis supervisors for guidance. Finally, they may seek the help of the staff at the Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, to address any issues they may encounter. Other useful information can be found here [PDF].

At LSE

Contact hours and independent study

At LSE you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar  within the Teaching section of each course guide.

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research. 

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

The programme will be delivered largely through a two-hour seminar in which all students will be expected to contribute to discussion of the weekly topics and readings. Small group work will also be undertaken in seminars, the material allocated for that week will be examined and views fed back to the wider class. The seminar presentations offer a chance to ask questions and clarify issues suggested by reading, or for students to disagree over and debate particular points and interpretations. The stress throughout will be on participation and inquiry. Engagement in such seminar-based discussion is a way for students to develop the critical thinking skills that are important to the learning outcomes, as well as to accumulate a knowledge base in the major historiographical arguments. The small group will help students to learn from each other's insights and will foster the engagement with primary sources which is also one of the key learning outcomes. The dissertation project will provide the opportunity for students to develop skills in planning and implementing independent research.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is 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.

Essays provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have grasped the range of intellectual issues raised by the course and can express sophisticated arguments relating to the topics in writing. Presentations allow students to demonstrate that they have grasped the complex issues raised by their topic, to prioritise the most important information to cover and arguments to make, and to express themselves eloquently and with confidence in front of an audience.

Exams are held between mid-May and late June. Exams assess a student's ability to assemble an argument and support it through the use of evidence under timed conditions.

For this programme, dissertations are submitted in September and assessed in accordance with LSE’s MSc criterion.

Academic support

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns. You will meet the mento at least twice a term - as many times as need be - to discuss any aspect of your life at the LSE. The mentor is the first point of contact if you have any worries about your time in London and at LSE. The Department also has a Masters Programme Tutor, who oversees the Graduate programme and he is also available to meet students. Graduates can also approach the Postgraduate and Research Programme Manager, Mrs Nayna Bhatti. Finally, there are graduate representatives on School committees and the Graduate Staff-Student Committee and we value their input.

The Department of International History is committed to the idea that graduate teaching should be done in small groups. In order to meet this commitment, and to ensure that students can work with their teachers in an environment where real dialogue and interchange is possible, the number taking some courses does have to be controlled. This means that it becomes very important to indicate in advance to the Department what options the incoming students wish to take. 

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Faculty

Programme Director

Ingleson

 Dr Elizabeth Ingleson

Assistant Professor
Department of International History

Class profile

The NUS-LSE double degree MA Asian and International History aims to cater to a) students from Europe, the United States and elsewhere who are interested in specialising in all areas of Asia for future employment prospects in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office or diplomatic services of other countries, think tanks or private enterprises with interests and involvement in Asia and b) students from Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia but also South Korea, Japan and China who would like to study Asia in combination with Global History, and from a global history perspective. Students will develop knowledge of historical events and debates, engage in critical reflection, learn to devise their own research questions and conduct independent research. They will develop skills in formal academic writing, oral presentations, time-management and work-planning as well as hone their ability to work effectively with others.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Careers

Graduate destinations

Through an MA History degree, students develop highly transferable skills that are valued by employers and can be used and put in practice in numerous roles and sectors, and listed below:

  • research skills and different research methods, intellectual rigour and independence,
  • ability to select and organise information, critical reasoning and analytical skills, including the capacity for solving problems and thinking creatively
  • communication skills including writing skills and presentation skills, the ability to construct an argument and communicate findings in a clear and persuasive manner
  • ability to discuss ideas in groups, and to negotiate, question and summarise
  • capacity to think objectively and approach problems and new situations with an open mind
  • manage large quantities of information, different expert options

LSE International History postgraduate destinations are broad and include the following sectors: academia and research, education and teaching, public sector in the UK or abroad, interest groups, international organisations and NGOs, charities, public affairs, as well as a wide range of other sectors, including journalism and media, museum, heritage and archive, consultancy, environment, creative arts, HR, retail, business, investment banking.

LSE history students continue to have one of the best rate of employability and earnings after graduation in the UK. The Complete University Guide 2020 places History at LSE 6th overall for job prospects. Guardian's University League Tables 2019 places History at LSE in 8th place. The latest 2019 report on Graduate Outcomes Subject by Provider from the Department for Education places History at LSE top of the table with earnings superior to any other university in the UK with 2010-11 LSE graduates' median salary at £43,200 5 years after graduating.

A report on relative labour market returns, also from the Department for Education, which calculated the difference in earnings by subject and university choice throughout Britain five years after graduation, ranked History at LSE number 1 in June 2018. The report illustrates the average impact the different universities and subjects would have on the future income of an individual. History at LSE averaged a lifetime earnings boost of £14,000 for men and £15,000 for women when compared with studying history at any other university in the UK, including Oxford, St Andrews, Cambridge, KCL and UCL.

Support for your career

At LSE, the department is committed to supporting students' options after graduation in the world of work or futher studies by organising a careers programme tailored specifically to International History students with the help of LSE Careers. Also, many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.

Why study with us

History at NUS

The Department of History is one of the oldest and yet most vibrant departments in the National University of Singapore (NUS). From its genesis as Raffles College from 1929 and after a series of transformations through various subsequent university mergers, the Department has developed and maintains a global reputation for research and teaching excellence. It also has an impressive track record of producing successful graduates who make their mark in the professional world. The Department’s research and teaching expertise lies primarily in the history of Southeast, South, and East Asia. Over the years, its faculty members have also produced cutting-edge research in American, European, and military history, as well as the history of art, business, religion, science, and technology.

Library

Candidates who study at NUS have access to one of the best resourced libraries in Asia. The University's Central Library has extensive holdings on Southeast Asia written in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, and Spanish. It likewise has a large microfilm collection containing archival materials from the UK National Archives, and from other American and European collections. Candidates can further pursue their research at the library of the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, and the Singapore National Archives.

Singapore

Another reason to study at NUS is that candidates will pursue their learning in Singapore—one of the most dynamic cities in the world. A high-tech hub and global financial centre, Singapore is a salad bowl of cultures with rich built, cultural, and natural heritage. It is a base of operations for some 7,000 multinational corporations, and 41 major international organizations including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat and the World Intellectual Property Organization. It hosts over 50 private and public museums and heritage galleries (a number of which are located in NUS), which narrate the island’s and the region’s history dating back centuries. It boasts of its famously cosmopolitan and delicious hawker culture, which hawks some of the most inexpensive Michelin-starred food in the world. It is also home to 4 of the world’s 50 best bars. In addition to receiving a world-class education at NUS, therefore, candidates will be immersed in a vibrant sociocultural environment that furthers their professional networks and enriches their lived experiences.

International History at LSE

The LSE was founded in 1895 originally as an institute of higher education for graduate students. The Department of International History reflects this tradition and takes its responsibility for graduate teaching and research supervision very seriously. We admit nearly as many masters students as undergraduates, with a critical mass of graduates usually numbering over 150 in a year. Consequently our graduates never feel on the margins of the department or an after-thought which often can be the case at some other London institutions geared more for undergraduate teaching. We have one of the most cosmopolitan graduate communities in London and for international history in the UK and it is therefore one of the most vibrant and dynamic. You will have use of our library, famous for being the best university library in London. In addition, we have an IT network and training facilities that are acknowledged to be leading the field.

LSE History rankings

The department has consistently performed well in the QS World University Rankings. In the QS World University History Subject Table for 2020, History at LSE ranked 5th overall in the world ahead of Stanford, Berkeley, Princeton and UCLA. In the UK and in Europe, History at LSE ranked third, behind Oxford and Cambridge, but ahead of KCL, Edinburgh and UCL.

Research in the Department

The department offers a number of established and well-respected taught programmes which give students a range of core and specialist topics, the latter enabling our staff to teach topics which form their current research projects (which also saves you money as you don't have to buy the book later on!). While on the subject of research, the department is divided into five research clusters covering a wide range of subjects taught in the Department. We have our own blog, LSE International History Blog, where students and non-LSE historians contribute historically-informed perspectives on contemporary affairs. We also have our own podcast, Our Histories, with each episode devoted to the research conducted by one of our faculty members.

LSE and departmental events

Graduate students in the Department of International History have a research seminar with guest speakers and there are guest lectures. We organise a weekend away at Cumberland Lodge, Great Windsor Park once a year. This is designed to enable graduates to get to know each other better and to develop their ideas about a particular topic. Additionally throughout the year, students can take advantage of the great LSE tradition of inviting famous (and infamous) figures from the world of politics, business, media and international affairs. Please see the Department's Public Lectures and Events for a good range of history events hosted by us during the academic year as well as the  LSE Public Lectures and Events. This helps make the LSE a particularly fertile and exciting place to be studying international history. There is an almost bewildering range of societies and clubs engaging with international politics, single issues, the 'third world', social justice problems or just dedicated to sport, music, dance and a whole range of pursuits which we lecturers haven't got a clue about. We highly recommend our students join the LSE Student Union History Society. We have a gym and squash courts on site and one of the largest student shops on campus. There is also a large student bookshop owned by Waterstone's selling new and used books.

London

We are very fortunate at the LSE in being so centrally located in the capital. We are in walking distance of the British Library, Covent Garden, the Royal Courts of Justice, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the West End theatres as well as Trafalgar Square, the Barbican, Buckingham Palace, River Thames and the London Eye. Much of our graduate accommodation is located in prime real-estate sites in central London. Our graduate students can take advantage of all the intellectual resources that this capital is home to, including the National Archives south of the river at Kew and the world's largest newspaper archive in North London. Not surprisingly our students are able to produce dissertations of the highest quality benefiting from such easy access to a range of primary sources and people willing to help.

Preliminary reading

General reading

  • Antony Best, Jussi Hanhimaki, Joe Maiolo, and Kirsten Schulze, International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond (Routledge, 2014 3rd edition)
  • Kristina Spohr, Post Wall, Post Square, How Bush, Gorbachev, Kohl, and Deng Shaped the World after 1989 (YUP, 2020)
  • O. A. Westad, The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times (2011)
  • Mark Mazower, Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century (1999)

Subject specific recommendations

  • Jeremy Friedman, Shadow Cold War: The Sino-Soviet Competition for the Third World (2015).
  • Elizabeth Economy, The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State (2019).
  • Sunil S. Amrith, Unruly Waters: How Mountain Rivers and Monsoons have shaped South Asia’s History (Penguin 2018)
  • Sunil S. Amrith, Crossing the Bay of Bengal: The Furies of Nature and the Fortunes of Migrants (Harvard University Press, 2015)
  • Antony Reid, A History of Southeast Asia: Critical Crossroads (Wiley-Blackwell, 2015)
  • M.C. Rikleffs (et al), A New History of Southeast Asia (Red Globe Press, 2010)
  • C. Tsuzuki, The Pursuit of Power in Modern Japan 1825-1995 (Oxford, 2000)
  • K.W. Larsen, Tradition, Treaties, and Trade: Qing Imperialism and Choson Korea, 1850-1910 (Cambridge, MA, 2008)
  • Frederick W. Mote, Imperial China, 900-1800 (Harvard University Press, 1999).
  • Frederic Wakeman, Jr. The Great Enterprise: The Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China (University of California Press, 1985).
  • J.D. Spence, The Search for Modern China (3rd edition, New York, 2013)

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With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions page.

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the department's Graduate Admissions Advisor.

Anna Cant

Dr Anna Cant
Assistant Professor in International History
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