Master's · LSE Economics
LSE's MSc Economics is a 10-month, full-time course for 2027/28 aimed mainly at those with a strong undergraduate degree in economics and a solid quantitative background. Its page asks for a first-class honours degree and requires the GRE from anyone without a UK undergraduate degree in economics. There is no fixed deadline, only rolling admissions, and the page points applicants to two other programmes that may fit better.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Economics (application code L1U1, academic year 2027/28) and read on 2 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
The entry requirement is a first-class honours degree in Economics or equivalent, with a concentration in economics and quantitative subjects. Successful candidates will typically have very good results in advanced calculus and linear algebra, econometrics and statistics, and intermediate macro and microeconomics.
Applicants without a UK undergraduate degree in economics are required to take the GRE. No specific mark is required, but a quantitative score of at least 164 is typically expected. Other information, such as examination results and references, also matters.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full. To be considered for funding, applicants must submit by the funding deadline.
The Statement of Academic Purpose answers set questions in no more than 200 words each, including a favourite topic, model or paper in economics. Two academic references are also assessed.
The Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics begins in August 2027, before the core courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics and Applied Economics.
The page says to consider the two-year MSc Economics if your theory and quantitative preparation is short, and the MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics if you firmly intend to pursue a PhD.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Economics (application code L1U1, academic year 2027/28), which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific entry table, the English language requirements page, the funding deadlines, the fees and the course lists were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The programme page sets out how to choose between three options in its own words. This section reports it before adding anything of Avandy's.
For a career as an economist in the public, private or international sectors, or in finance or technology, while retaining the flexibility to pursue a PhD in the future.
For applicants who have not previously studied the level of economic theory and quantitative techniques required for the one-year course but have strong quantitative skills.
For applicants with a firm intention to pursue a PhD. The page says not to apply to both this programme and that one, that selectors may offer a different programme from the one applied for, and that an unsuccessful application here may also indicate the other is unsuitable.
Decision
Whether the GRE applies depends on your degree, not your nationality. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not LSE's.
The page requires it if you do not hold a UK undergraduate degree in economics. It must be no more than five years old on 1 October 2027 and include full and percentile scores for all three sections. The page says the verbal section is viewed in light of whether English is your first language.
No specific mark is required, but at least 164 in the quantitative section is typically expected, and a higher score counts in your favour. The page stresses that examination results and references also matter.
The quantitative record the page lists is specific: advanced calculus, linear algebra, econometrics and statistics, and intermediate macro and microeconomics, each in two-semester courses. Map your transcript to that list before choosing between the one-year and two-year programmes.
Application
The page lists the items assessed: academic achievement, the statement, two academic references, the CV and the GRE or GMAT.
Answer only the set questions, with no introductory paragraph, in no more than 200 words each. They ask for your reasons for applying, a favourite topic, model or paper in economics and what you like about it, your career goals, and any circumstances that merit explanation.
There is no fixed deadline, and applications close once the programme is full. The page says funding consideration requires submission by the funding deadline, which this guide does not state.
Rolling admissions favour a complete early application. A named paper you can discuss with precision is a stronger answer to the favourite-topic question than a famous one you cannot.
Planning
The page describes the 2027/28 academic year, and the rules here belong to that year.
Check your degree against the first-class standard and the listed courses, plan the GRE if it applies, draft the five statement answers and brief two academic referees. Re-read the page before submitting, because LSE says programmes and fees can change.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Yes if you do not hold a UK undergraduate degree in economics. The page says no specific mark is required, but a quantitative score of at least 164 is typically expected.
A first-class honours degree in Economics or equivalent, with a concentration in economics and quantitative subjects.
No. The page says applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full, but funding consideration needs submission by the funding deadline.
The page says not to apply to both. Applicants with a firm intention to pursue a PhD are advised to consider the MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.
The page suggests that applicants who lack the required level of economic theory and quantitative techniques, but have strong quantitative skills, consider the two-year MSc Economics.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
