Program Overview

MSc Economy and Society

The MSc Economy and Society programme at the London School of Economics (LSE) 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.

Introduction

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 equips students with the theoretical and methodological skills to analyse and assess economic processes and practices in their broader political, cultural, organisational, and technological contexts.

Preliminary Readings

• 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)

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, preferably in sociology/social science.
• English language requirements: Higher.

Programme Content

• Year 1:
  • Economic Sociology
  • MSc in Economy and Society Dissertation
  • One of the following half-unit courses:
    • Quantitative Social Research Methods
    • Qualitative Social Research Methods
  • Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options

Why Study with Us

• 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're committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant.

Your Application

• We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form.
• You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £19,300
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,400
• 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, bursaries, and loans: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Within your programme, you will take a number of courses, often including half-unit courses and full-unit courses.
• 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.
• Academic support: You'll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work.

Graduate Destinations

• 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.
• Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £32,000
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy
  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Health and Social Care
  • NGOs and Charities
  • FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail

Related Programmes

• MSc Development Management (Political Economy)
• MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
• MSc Economic History
• MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions
• MSc Local Economic Development
• MSc International Political Economy
• MSc Finance and Economics
• MSc Finance and Risk
• MSc Human Resources and Organisations
• MSc Political Science (Political Science and Political Economy)
• MSc Operations Research and Analytics

About LSE

• The London School of Economics and Political Science is a world-class centre for its concentration of teaching and research across the full range of the social sciences.
• LSE is a private company limited by guarantee, registration number 70527.