This two-year programme is designed for students who have a sound quantitative background but haven't completed the level of study in economic theory or quantitative techniques required for the one-year MSc Economics .
In your preliminary year, you’ll build a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative techniques. You’ll develop your skills in preparation for joining the main MSc Economics programme in the second year, subject to meeting the programme’s progression requirements.
Graduates of the two-year MSc Economics have gone on to work as economists across a range of national and international organisations. For example, you could pursue a career in areas including government, international institutions, business and finance, or continue to PhD study at a leading institution.
In recent years, our graduates have joined PhD programmes at institutions including MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia and UCLA. Others have gone on to work at organisations including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of America, NERA Economic Consulting, PwC, McKinsey, the IMF, the World Bank and the Bank of England.
We welcome applicants with an undergraduate background in engineering, physical sciences or other quantitative disciplines, who are looking to pursue graduate-level study in economics.
To apply, you should have a strong academic qualification with an emphasis on quantitative subjects such as mathematics and statistics.
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.
First class honours degree or equivalent with two semesters of university-level mathematics.
All applicants must submit a GRE score. 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 that 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 All applicants must submit a GRE score. 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 164 or higher 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 isn't English, the verbal test will be more demanding and we'll 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.