Curriculum Overview
This programme consists of courses worth 4.0 credit units. In the first term, you will take the core course in Psychology of Economic Life and an overview course in Psychological and Behavioural Science (1.0 credit). In the second term, you will take two electives of your choice (each worth 0.5 credits). In the last term, you will complete an empirical research dissertation (1.0 credit). Over all three terms, you will receive training in Methods for Social Psychological Research (1.0 credits).
In addition to these courses, all students are free to audit lectures at LSE upon the approval of the respective course conveyer.
All courses at LSE consist of lectures, which teach the theory, and seminars, which are conducted in smaller groups and are more applied.
Compulsory core courses (3.0 credits)
Psychology of Economic Life (PB403)
This course teaches key social science and social psychological theories; you will learn how to use them to address economic life in a novel and powerful manner.
Methods for Social Psychological Research (PB411)
A module of 3 courses, providing method training in quantitative research methods (MY465), qualitative research methods (MY421M), and research design. More advanced courses can be selected or audited if relevant to dissertation.
Dissertation (PB410)
An independent research project of up to 10,000 words on a topic of your choice, involving empirical research and supervised by a member of faculty.
Examples of previous PBS dissertations can be found on our Postgraduate Prizes page.
Elective courses (two at 0.5 credits each)
The following electives are aligned towards the core themes of this Master. For other possible electives, please refer to the Programme Regulations below.
Social Psychology of Economic Life: Advanced Topics (PB431)
PB431 presents how social psychology (broadly interpreted to include micro-sociology, cultural anthropology and social neuroscience) is the key to understanding real-world economic life by taking into account cognitive, affective and social processes, and also to contributing to better solutions to societal problems.
Consumer Psychology (PB417)
The course will address the psychology of consumption at different levels of analysis: individual, group and societal. It will try to ground this psychology in fundamental theories that will allow students to develop a mental model of human behaviour as it relates to consumption.
Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options
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.