Economy and Society

Entry requirements

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

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MSc programme

The MSc Economy and Society programme offers a flexible yet comprehensive introduction to a broadly sociological study of the economy and economic life, thereby providing a strong theoretical and methodological foundation for engaging in critical discussions on the future of our societies.

It is an advanced sociology degree, which examines economic life as intertwined with political, cultural, organisational, and technological concerns. Understanding the global risks and possibilities confronted by contemporary societies – from climate change to financialization to technological change – requires grasping the role and dynamics of economies as social arenas in which power, knowledge and culture shape action and actors.

The programme is unique in its breadth and diversity. It covers the most significant and recent developments in the sociology of economic life. A compulsory course in Economic Sociology will introduce you to critical discussions on the nature of power in the economy, the production of knowledge and expertise, capitalist relations, value and culture, relations of credit and debt and the social structures of markets. Through optional courses, you can further specialise in the sociology of markets, risk governance, material culture, the sociology of consumption, and the sociology of science and technology. The programme will enable you to develop critical skills that advance your knowledge of the socio-economic dynamics of contemporary societies.

Department of Sociology

Established in 1904, the Department of Sociology at LSE is committed to empirically rich, conceptually sophisticated, and socially and politically relevant research and scholarship.

As a Department, we seek to produce sociology that is public-facing, fully engaged with London as a global city, and with major contemporary debates in the intersection between economy, politics and society – with issues such as financialisation, inequality, migration, urban ecology, and climate change.

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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.