This joint degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100. It allows you to study some of the central questions of philosophy alongside core courses in economics. The Philosophy of Economics course, taken in the third year, links the two subjects.
First year
In your first year, you take compulsory courses in economics and a compulsory course in philosophy. You can then take either two half course units of mathematics and statistics (in order to master the basic skills that you will need for core second and third year economics courses), or a full unit of mathematics and a full unit of statistics (in order to provide yourself with a more comprehensive basis for advanced economics courses in your later years). If you choose to take the two half unit courses of mathematics and statistics, you complete your first year by taking Introductory Logic and either Intermediate Logic or Historical and Global
Perspectives. In addition, you will also take LSE100.
(* denotes a half unit course)
Microeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key microeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
Macroeconomics I*
This course provides a foundation to help students understand key macroeconomic questions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy
Provides an introduction to analytical philosophy by using classic and contemporary texts to study a selection of philosophical problems.
Students then select Route A or Route B
ROUTE A:
Quantitative Methods (Mathematics)*
Provides the basic mathematical knowledge and develops the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in economics.
Quantitative Methods (Statistics)*
Provides the elementary statistical tools necessary for further study in management and economics with an emphasis on the applicability of the methods to management and economic problems.
Introduction to Logic*
Introduces the basic system of modern formal logic, including propositional logic and predicate logic.
And Either
Intermediate Logic*
Focuses on concepts and theories that are useful for a deeper understanding and critical analysis of claims and arguments, both in contemporary philosophical research and in the social and natural sciences.
Or
Historical and Global Perspectives on Philosophy*
Explores the multitude of philosophical traditions and schools around the globe, focussing on specific topics of relevance to the philosophical research taking place at LSE.
ROUTE B:
Mathematical Methods
An introductory-level course for those who wish to use mathematics extensively in social science.
And
Elementary Statistical Theory
Provides a precise treatment of introductory probability theory, statistical ideas, methods and techniques.
LSE100*
A half unit, running across Michaelmas and Lent Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems through research-rich education.
Second year
In the second year you'll take further micro and macroeconomics courses, as well as studying econometrics. You'll also study one or two approved philosophy options (depending on your year one choices).
Introduction to Logic*
AND
Intermediate Logic*
OR
Courses to the value of one unit from a range of philosophy options.
Microeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key microeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
Macroeconomics II*
This intermediate-level course will help students understand key macroeconomic questions and challenges and also evaluate possible solutions using a variety of approaches including quantitative methods.
Econometrics I*
Introduction to econometrics to teach students the theory and practice of empirical research in economics.
Econometrics II*
Intermediate-level course to teach students the theory of econometrics and the practice of empirical research in economics.
One approved philosophy option
Third year
In the third year, you take the compulsory course, Philosophy of Economics, as well as one approved economics option, one approved philosophy option and either one approved outside option, another philosophy option, or another economics option.
Philosophy of Economics
Covers topics in the philosophical and economic analysis of public policy, including fair distribution, cost-benefit analysis, individual rights and the moral limits of markets. It also addresses questions about the methodology of economics and its status as a science.
Either
One approved outside option
OR
One approved economics options
OR
One approved philosophy option
AND
One approved economics option
AND
One approved philosophy option
