london school of economics phd programs

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PhD Programme in Law

The opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools.

The London School of Economics is a world centre for advanced research and teaching with an outstanding reputation, with a campus situated in the heart of London, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe's financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate, a location that is fundamental to our identity as an outward looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. Each year the School attracts many influential outside speakers. Regular events and seminars involving politicians, regulators, practitioners and academics take place to complement your studies. 

LSE Law School is one of the UK's pre-eminent research institutions for law. Our academics are the authors of influential and often path-breaking scholarship, and many have globally leading reputations.  LSE Law is also one of UK's largest law schools, with over 70 academic members of staff. It is a uniquely cosmopolitan academic community, with staff and students coming from all over the world.  Our academics draw on a wide range of literatures and traditions, and pursue analyses that seek to situate the law within the political, social and economic context within which it is formed and operates. 

PhD Programme

The PhD programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers the opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools. Students in our PhD programme receive excellent training and work under the supervision of leading scholars with strong international, comparative and interdisciplinary commitments. Our doctoral students become members of a lively academic community which is at the cutting-edge of legal scholarship and which plays a major role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world.

We hope that the questions you have about our PhD programme will be answered in these web pages. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us , or see our Frequently Asked Questions  ...

PhD Funding

PhD Current research

PhD placements What do our PhD students do after leaving LSE?

FAQs Your questions about the PhD programme

PhD completions Browse our completed PhDs

Careers Our careers information and resources

Visiting research students How to apply as a visiting student

PhD Academy A dedicated space for PhD students

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Graduate course and programme information for future students

The following information provides future graduate  students with a summary of new and updated course and programme information for the  2026/27  session.

This page will continue to be updated throughout the academic year as changes are confirmed by departments.

Graduate Programmes: 

Substantive changes to programme regulations for  2026/27.

The following programmes will change their structure, course options and/or other elements of the programme regulations from the  2026/27 session.

 Graduate Courses:

Suspended courses for  2026/27.

The following courses are not available for the 2026/27 session.

Undergraduate prospective students 2025/26 updated course and programme information

Undergraduate future students 2026/27 updated course and programme information, graduate prospective students 2025/26 updated course and programme information, undergraduate current students summary of 2024/25 undergraduate course and programme change, graduate current students summary of 2024/25 graduate course and programme changes.

MRes/PhD Economics

Introduction, preliminary readings.

The Department of Economics has led the development of systematic research training in economics in the UK. Today, our research informs policymaking and government decisions worldwide.

As a student, you’ll start with a research master’s degree, which will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques needed to proceed to the PhD (subject to satisfactory progress).

You’ll be trained and supervised by top economics experts and trailblazers in the field, drawing on our strengths in key areas including macroeconomics, development, labour and public economics, and econometrics.

You’ll have the chance to contribute to original research that addresses challenging economic issues such as unemployment, inflation, immigration, poverty, crime and industrial growth. We’re proud of the research carried out by our world-leading research centres:

• Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines
• Centre for Economic Performance
• Centre for Macroeconomics
• Financial Markets Group

Our graduates secure high-flying careers in academia, governments, and prestigious private-sector firms worldwide.

Readings are included in the respective course guides in the  Calendar .

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in any field. Some preparation in economics, a strong mathematics background and evidence of research potential are essential. The goal of the MRes/PhD Economics is to train first class researchers. We'll use all available information to assess research potential.

See the information relating to the GRE/GMAT requirement in the tab "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.

Additional tests

GRE/GMAT requirement

GRE is required for all applicants. This must be no more than five years old on 1 October 2025 and must show full and percentile scores for all three sections. Most successful MRes/PhD Economics applicants score 166 or above in the quantitative section.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

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 does not 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 from other students.

Programme content

Introductory course (MRes)

In early September, before the academic year commences, you'll begin your degree programme by taking the Introductory Mathematics and Statistics course.

First year (MRes)

In the first year of the MRes programme you'll take advanced core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques necessary for research. Permission must be obtained to sit Econometric Analysis as it is intended for students with a strong econometric background and an interest in pursuing a PhD with econometrics as the primary field.

Microeconomics for MRes students

Macroeconomics for mres students, one course from the following:, econometrics for mres students, econometric analysis.

Second year (MRes)

In the second year, you'll typically take a total of two units of PhD field courses and write a research paper in your major field. Currently, there are economics PhD field courses covering: econometrics, international, labour, public, development, industrial, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political economy, and environmental economics. In addition, the LSE offers PhD field courses in Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing. From the second year onwards, you'll also participate in a departmental research seminar and a work in progress seminar allied to your major research field.

The Research Paper in Economics is a 5,000-10,000-word paper, related to your designated major field, to be submitted mid-way through the Spring Term.

Research Paper in Economics

Work in progress seminars, courses to the value of two units from a range of options.

Upon successfully completing the MRes and progressing to the PhD, you'll work on your research and write your PhD thesis. You'll also take one further PhD field course. You'll also attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

One course from a range of options

You'll continue to work on your research and write a PhD thesis. You'll also continue to attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

Programme regulations at LSE

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page .

A few important points you’ll need to know:

We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.

The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside our control (including a lack of demand, industrial action, fire, flooding or other damage to premises).

Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.

Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to global developments in the discipline or student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are always made to improve the learning experience.

For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department.

Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our  updated graduate course and programme information page .

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

LSE is home to one of the top economics departments in the world, with expertise across the full spectrum of mainstream economics.

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 economic policy at a national and international level and 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.

Learn more about our programmes and research .

Department of Economics

University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK

1st in london for the 13th year running, 6th in the world.

Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your application, when to apply.

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
• statement of academic purpose
• research statement
• sample of written work

See further information on supporting documents .

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements .

Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances . If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you're shortlisted.

Research statement

An application for entry to the MRes/PhD Economics should include a Research Statement, along with other required information. Note: A separate sample of written work is not required as part of the MRes/PhD Economics application.

What should my Research Statement contain?

Your Research Statement should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system.

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Maximum 200 words per question.

• Why do you want to do research in economics?
• Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?
• Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?
• Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?
• Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics
• Is inequality good for growth?
• Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?
• Is CEO compensation excessive?
• Is universal minimum income a good idea?
• Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting has been a success?
• Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries?
• Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices.
• g. Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you've served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

The application deadline for this programme is 18 December 2024 .

If you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by this application and funding deadline.

See the fees and funding section below for more details.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home student fee (2025/26)

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with fee levels recommended by the Research Councils.

Learn more about fee status classification .

Overseas student fee (2025/26)

The fee is likely to rise over the full duration of the programme in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, four per cent each year).

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification .

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

We recognise that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

For this programme, students can apply for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . To be considered, you’ll need to submit your application (and any supporting documents) before the funding deadline.

Funding deadlines

For the MRes/PhD Economics, the funding deadline is the same as the application deadline for the programme: 18 December 2024 .

The Department of Economics also has a number of scholarship packages for direct entry MRes/PhD students. After the first year of the MRes/PhD Economics, there are teaching and research assistantships available in the Department. Read more about funding opportunities through the department .

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects .

External funding

Additional funding opportunities may be available through other organisations or governments. We strongly recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Learn more about fees and funding , including external funding opportunities.

Learning and assessment

How you learn, how you're assessed, supervision.

In your first year you'll be assigned an academic mentor (a tenured professor), and in your second year you'll choose a lead supervisor who is a specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Lead supervisors guide you through your studies. In your third year, on progression to the PhD, you'll choose at least one more supervisor or adviser. 

Progression and assessment

In order to progress to each subsequent year of the programme, and to progress to PhD registration, you'll need to meet specific progression requirements, such as achieving certain grades in your coursework.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

More about progression requirements

Graduate destinations

Career support, past students have followed a range of careers in:.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

See information on the placements of previous students on this programme

Starting from the second year of the MRes, students undertake class teaching in the Department as this represents useful professional training.

The Department of Economics has a well-organised programme to support PhD Economics students when they enter the job market, and an excellent record in placing its students in the best departments and most influential institutions and NGOs in the world.

In addition, LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search.

Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers

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