Social Policy and Economics

The Social Policy and Economics undergraduate programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers students an intellectually rigorous education that combines the core principles of social policy and economic analysis. This integrated course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of how economic theories and social policies interact to shape society, public welfare, and government decision-making. Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including the design and evaluation of social welfare systems, income inequality, labor markets, healthcare provision, education policies, and the impact of economic development on social outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and empirical research methods, providing students with the tools necessary to analyze complex social issues and propose evidence-based solutions.

Students have the opportunity to study foundational economic concepts alongside in-depth modules on social policy, allowing for an interdisciplinary approach that highlights the interconnectedness of economic and social factors influencing policy-making. The programme also encourages the development of quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing graduates for careers in public sector organizations, international agencies, research institutes, and policy consultancies. Beyond classroom learning, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures delivered by leading academics and practitioners, fostering a vibrant academic community and professional network.

The programme's structure typically includes core modules in microeconomics and macroeconomics, alongside specialized courses in social policy analysis, welfare economics, and public finance. Elective options enable students to tailor their studies to specific interests, such as health economics, education policy, or social inequalities. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical tools such as statistical techniques and economic modeling, which are essential for conducting independent research projects. Graduates of the Social Policy and Economics programme are well-equipped to influence public debate, contribute to policy development, or pursue postgraduate studies in related fields. The programme’s reputation for academic excellence and social relevance makes it an ideal choice for students committed to understanding and addressing societal challenges through informed policy interventions.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 3847 Year (EEA)
• EUR 16632 Year (Non-EEA)

Home UK/EU £3,375 for the first year. Non-UK/EU £14,592 for the first year.

• English

Course Content

First year:

(* half unit)

• Foundations of Social Policy
• Economics B
• Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)* and Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
• One outside option
• LSE100 (Lent Term only)

Second year:

• Principles of Social Policy
• Microeconomic Principles I
• Either Macroeconomic Principles or Introduction to Econometrics
• Research Methods for Social Policy
• LSE100 (Michaelmas Term only)

Third year:

• Comparative and International Social Policy
• Public Economics
• One option from social policy or economics
• Either one option from social policy or economics or an outside option

Social policy options

This list shows the range of social policy options available in the second and third years. Some will be taught every year, some in alternate years, depending on demand.

• Sociology and Social Policy
• Population, Economy and Society
• Social Economics and Policy
• Crime and Society
• Education Policy
• European Social Policy
• Psychology of Crime and Criminal Justice
• Criminological Perspectives
• Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Change
• Demographic Description and Analysis
• Criminal Justice Policy
• A long essay on an approved topic

Economics options

• Advanced Economic Analysis
• Political Economy
• Economic Policy Analysis
• Development Economics
• History of Economics: How Theories Change
• Industrial Economics
• International Economics
• Labour Economics
• Economic Theory and its Applications
• Monetary Economics
• Problems of Applied Econometrics
• Principles of Finance

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 627 TOEFL iBT® test : 107

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Course requirement: A level at grade A in Mathematics

Usual standard offer: A level: grades A B B, including an A in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate: Diploma with 37 points including 6 6 6 at Higher level (to include Mathematics)
Other qualifications are considered

English language requirements

Although it is not necessary to have the required grade in an acceptable English Language qualification when you make your application to LSE, if you are made an offer of a place and English is not your mother tongue, it is likely that you would be asked to obtain an acceptable English Language qualification as a condition of your offer.

The following qualifications are acceptable to LSE:

• GCSE English Language with a grade B or better.
• International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) English as a First Language with a grade B or better including the Speaking and Listening coursework component (Edexcel) or grade 2 in the optional speaking test (CIE).
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) academic test with a score of 7.0 in all four components.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 627 in the paper test including 5.5 in writing and 50 in TSE, or 107 in the internet based test with a minimum of 25 out of 30 in each of the four skills.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with grade B or better.
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (CACE) with a grade A.
• Cambridge English Language (1119) conducted overseas by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate: B4 or better.
• O level (1120 Brunei, 1125 Mauritius A, 1127 Singapore) grade B or better.
• Singapore Integrated Programme (IP) Secondary 4 English Language grade B or better.
• Pearson Test of English (General) with a distinction at level 5 in both the written and the oral test.

Exceptions

If students offer the IGCSE in English as a First Language or O level (other than those specified above) and have been educated in the medium of English during their five most recent years of study (prior to 1 September 2011), then we will accept the qualification as sufficient evidence of English Language proficiency.

Please note that test scores must be achieved from one sitting of the relevant qualification. We will not accept individual component scores from multiple tests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than London School of Economics and Political Science.

Funding

Financial support for 2011 entry

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. Government support, in the form of loans and grants, is available to UK and some EU students, while LSE provides generous financial support, in the form of bursaries and scholarships to UK, EU and overseas students.

Government support

for students from England

Student loan for maintenance

The student loan for maintenance helps students pay living costs during term times and holidays. The maximum loan available for students studying in London and living away from their parents' home is currently £6,928.

Maintenance grants

The means-tested maintenance grant (currently worth up to £2,906) also helps students with living expenses during their time at university. The amount a student is eligible to receive is assessed by Student Finance England. The grant does not have to be repaid.

Special Support Grant

The special support grant replaces the maintenance grant for some students who during the course of the academic year, meet the conditions for being a 'prescribed person' under the income support or housing benefit regulations. Students who are likely to qualify include:

• Single parents
• Other student parents if they have a partner who is also a student
• Students with certain disabilities

Other students may be eligible for the Special Support Grant. You don't necessarily have to receive or even have applied for Income Support or Housing Benefit.

for students from elsewhere in the UK

Different financial support packages are available for students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Students from these countries should refer to one of the following websites:

Student Finance Wales

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

Student Awards Agency Scotland

www.saas.gov.uk

Student Finance Northern Ireland

www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

for EU students

Students from the EU are not usually eligible for UK Government financial support. However, EU nationals (or children of EU nationals) who have lived in the UK or islands for three years before the start of their course (ie, since 1 September 2008 for a course starting on 1 September 2011) may now qualify for a student loan and grants.

for overseas students

Students from outside the EU are not eligible to apply for UK Government funds. However, there is a range of funding available for overseas students from external agencies, bodies or your home government, details of which are available from your home government or nearest British Council office (www.britishcouncil.org/learning), or UKCISA (www.ukcisa.org.uk).

LSE financial support

for UK students

LSE Bursary

The LSE Bursary is available for students from low-income backgrounds (from England and Wales) and is worth up to £7,500 over a three-year programme. The value of the LSE Bursary is linked to students' (or their family's) income levels, which will be assessed when calculating the maintenance grant. The maximum LSE Bursary of £2,500 per year is awarded to those students with the lowest residual income. These Bursaries do not have to be repaid.

LSE Discretionary Bursary

The LSE Discretionary Bursary is available for new LSE students (from the UK and the EU) who face exceptional financial needs, including, for example, caring responsibilities, financial need related to disability or an unavoidable requirement to live at home. The value of the award may vary according to need. These Bursaries do not have to be repaid.

LSE Scholarships

Each year LSE awards a number of scholarships - funded by private or corporate donation - to UK applicants to the School. The number, value, eligibility criteria and type of awards vary from year to year. Awards are made on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

Stelios scholarships

Four Stelios scholarships, currently worth £5,444 per year, are available for UK students applying for business subjects at LSE.

Access to Learning funds

Registered UK students from low-income households can apply directly to LSE for Access to Learning funds. These funds are designed for students who may need extra financial support for their course, and are provided by the Government to assist with living expenses.

for EU students

LSE Discretionary Bursary

The LSE discretionary bursary is available to EU students. For information about this bursary and how to apply, please see the section on LSE financial support for UK students.

LSE scholarships

LSE offers a number of undergraduate scholarships of varying amounts each year to EU students.

Stelios scholarships

Six Stelios scholarships, currently worth £5,444 per year, are available for EU students applying for business subjects at LSE.

for overseas students

LSE undergraduate support scheme

The LSE undergraduate support scheme (USS) is designed to help overseas students who do not have the necessary funds to meet all their costs of study. In 2008, the School disbursed nearly £1 million in entrance awards available to self-financing students of all nationalities. This financial aid is available only for study at LSE. If you are made an offer of admission, we will advise you on how to apply to the USS online. This system is able to provide an immediate indication of an applicant's eligibility for assistance. In the first instance, you will be assessed on the basis of your financial circumstances. Awards are renewable for each year of your course. Applications will be considered between the end of February and the middle of August.

LSE scholarships

The School offers a limited number of undergraduate scholarships of varying amounts each year for overseas students.

The Social Policy and Economics MSc program at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers students an in-depth understanding of the complex relationship between social policy and economic analysis. Designed for individuals interested in public policy, social welfare, and economic development, the program combines rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical approaches to policy issues. Students are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that covers key topics such as welfare state economics, social inequality, public economics, labor markets, and social security systems.

Throughout the course, students develop analytical skills necessary for evaluating and designing effective policies in various social sectors. The program emphasizes quantitative methods, enabling students to analyze data and interpret statistical findings critically. This training prepares graduates to pursue careers in government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations focused on social policy issues.

The MSc program at LSE also offers opportunities for specialized study through elective courses that delve into areas like health economics, education policy, and social justice. Interaction with leading academics and participation in seminars and workshops enrich the students' learning experience and expand their professional networks. The program encourages critical thinking, policymaking acumen, and a nuanced understanding of the socioeconomic factors influencing social welfare.

Students are expected to complete a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to undertake independent research on a topic related to social policy and economics. The dissertation allows them to apply theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to real-world issues, often utilizing empirical data or case studies. The program's duration is typically one year full-time, although part-time options may be available.

Graduates of the program leave equipped with both theoretical insights and practical skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to policy design and evaluation in diverse contexts globally. The program’s rigorous curriculum and emphasis on empirical analysis reflect LSE’s reputation as a leading institution for social sciences, fostering a genre of graduates who are well-prepared to influence policy and promote social justice worldwide.