collageThe MSc Finance and Economics draws on the School’s strengths in economics, finance and econometrics. It is aimed at students who are interested in gaining a deep understanding of the theory and practice of financial markets.
This interdisciplinary degree, taught jointly by the Department of Finance and the Department of Economics, offers exceptional graduates from quantitative disciplines the opportunity to study in two of the most highly rated departments in their subject areas in the world.
As we teach you not only how to apply and use various well-known models, but also to understand the fundamental concepts on which they are based, you will learn how to alter, test and adapt these models in new market environments. In learning what makes the models tick, you will develop an awareness of the assumptions on which they rely, and – increasingly important in today’s markets – of situations in which these assumptions can break down.
As well as developing your understanding of financial economics, financial econometrics, microeconomics and macroeconomics to a high level, you will have the opportunity to investigate two further specialist aspects of finance in elective courses.
The rigour of the Finance and Economics programme is recognised across the world. As the most academically oriented of our programmes, it provides an excellent grounding for students who are interested in progressing to a PhD in finance or in economics.
Successful applicants come from a variety of quantitative backgrounds including economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, finance and others. To apply, you should have strong credentials in mathematics and a fascination for finance.
Teaching and learning in 2021
LSE is committed to offering you the best possible teaching and learning experience within the constraints of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Our expectation for the 2021-22 academic year is that all LSE students will be in London and studying on campus, where we will provide flexible teaching and learning which blends both in-person and online elements. This flexible approach has been informed by our student and academic community and builds upon the innovations and improvements we have put in place over the past year. If, due to events outside of our reasonable control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to make any changes to the delivery of the programme in the 2021/22 academic year, we will provide as much notice as is reasonably practicable by updating this page and sending an email to all offer holders/students.
For more information about LSE’s teaching plans for 2021and our Coronavirus FAQs for prospective students please visit our website.
Programme details
For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.
nding and assessing your application sections.Entry requirements
LSE MSc Finance And Economics Entry Requirements
| Undergraduate degree | Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent in a quantitative subject such as economics, maths, physics, engineering, or finance. Your training must include at least a year of calculus and a semester of linear algebra. (See international entry requirements)Admission to this programme is very competitive. In previous years, the majority of students accepted into the programme had obtained 1st class honours degrees or the equivalent.Even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. |
| Quantitative skills | Applicants should have studied at least a year of calculus and a semester of linear algebra. Where appropriate, applicants may be offered a fully funded place at the LSE Summer School in order to develop their knowledge of microeconomics and/or econometrics prior to the start of the programme. |
| GMAT/GRE | GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a full three-year UK undergraduate degree. A GRE or GMAT is recommended for applicants with UK undergraduate degrees who did not achieve or are not expected to achieve a first class degree. Test scores must show a strong performance in the quantitative segment. More about GRE/GMAT |
| Professional experience | Work experience (either through internships or full employment) is not a pre-requisite; however, applicants who have some professional experience should include this in their application. |
| English language | You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements. |
We welcome applications from all prospective students who meet the mininum requirements for this programme. We seek to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background. We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:
| Academic achievement | Additional test scores | |
| Two academic references | CV | Academic Statement of Purpose |
See further information on supporting documents
You should note that there are always many more applications than places available and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee that you will be offered admission. It is therefore in your interests to apply as early as possible.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. Details on how to apply.
To be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.Information for international students
LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.
If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.
1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page.
2) Go to the International Students section of our website.
3) Select your country.
4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page
collage