First-class honours degree in Economics or equivalent, with a concentration in economics and quantitative subjects.
You must have achieved excellent examination results in university-level two-semester length courses in (a) mathematics (both advanced calculus and linear algebra), (b) econometrics and statistics, (c) intermediate macroeconomics and microeconomics.
If you don’t hold a UK undergraduate degree in economics, we require you to take the GRE. See more information below under "Additional tests".
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you. Kindly note these are broad guidelines which may be superseded by department-specific entry requirements, as stated above.
Search for a country Additional tests GRE/GMAT requirement
If you don’t hold a UK undergraduate degree in economics, we require you to take the GRE. Your test must be no more than five years old on 1 October 2027 and must include your full and percentile scores for all three sections.
Typically, we expect you to score at least 166 in the quantitative section of the test. A higher score will count in your favour, but other information, such as examination results and references will also matter in the overall evaluation. We recognise that if your first language is not English, the verbal test will be more demanding and we view your score on that basis.
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
This internationally recognised MSc programme is designed for those with a strong quantitative background in economics who wish to pursue further study in economics and econometrics at graduate level, with a particular focus on preparation for research. LSE is ranked sixth globally and first in Europe for Economics and Econometrics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 .
You’ll begin by exploring the essential principles of macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics before moving on to advanced study in your choice of two of these three areas. You’ll also choose courses from a range of economics field courses, as well as from a list of courses in finance, data science, methodology and geography. You can take up to one full unit – 25 per cent of the programme – from courses outside economics. This allows you to shape aspects of your studies around your academic interests and professional aspirations.
The technical level of material covered in this degree is very demanding, so you’ll need to demonstrate a strong quantitative background.
The programme is specially designed for those with a solid quantitative background in economics who wish to pursue further study in economics and econometrics at graduate level, particularly in preparation for research, PhD study or a career as a quantitative economist in industry, government, central banking, international organisations or private sector economic consultancies.
Around a third of our graduates have progressed to PhD study at LSE and other universities, including MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and the University of Chicago. Others have pursued careers in organisations including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Credit Suisse, the IMF and the World Bank.
Discover more about our students and department.
LSE is home to one of the top economics departments in the world, with expertise across the full spectrum of mainstream economics. We're ranked 6th in the world for the study of economics and econometrics, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 .
Our academics and researchers are working at the frontiers of developments in the field and our research has a global impact. Over the past 50 years, this research has influenced almost every major intellectual development within the discipline.
As a department, our academics advise governments and central banks, aid agencies, and private-sector organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world. Our research insights help tackle global challenges such as economic instability, inequality and climate change, often catalysing profound policy shifts.
Past and present faculty members have shaped, and continue to shape, economic policy at a national and international level, whilst our teaching staff have included a former Bank of England governor and Chief Economist to the World Bank. We count nine Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students.
Within the department, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as doctoral training in economics. Our alumni find high-earning and rewarding roles in government, international institutions, business and finance.